Authentic Irish Potato Candy Recipe: A Sweet St. Patrick’s Day Delight (No Potatoes Included!)

Get ready to delight your taste buds and surprise your guests with this incredibly fun and deceivingly named Irish Potato Candy! Despite its name, this classic confectionery contains no actual potatoes and isn’t traditionally Irish, but it’s a beloved tradition that has captured hearts, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Imagine a lusciously creamy coconut filling, meticulously shaped to resemble miniature potatoes, then lovingly rolled in fragrant ground cinnamon. The result is a charming, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the Emerald Isle – in spirit, if not in ingredients!

The intriguing name of this candy often sparks curiosity and a bit of playful confusion. Let’s clear the air right away: this delightful treat is neither Irish by origin nor made with potatoes! It’s an American culinary invention, steeped in a rich history that connects it to the vibrant Irish immigrant communities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The origins of Irish potato candy are widely believed to trace back to the bustling city of Philadelphia. During this period, Irish immigrants living there sought unique and festive ways to celebrate their heritage and St. Patrick’s Day. This quick, simple, and visually appealing candy recipe emerged as a popular choice, likely due to its playful resemblance to small potatoes, a staple crop of Ireland. It became a sweet homage, celebrating Irish culture through an inventive American dessert.

So, what exactly *is* this “potato” candy made of? It’s a delectable blend of creamy ingredients, primarily butter and cream cheese, mixed with powdered sugar and sweetened shredded coconut. This rich, thick mixture is then carefully rolled into small, irregular shapes that mimic the appearance of freshly dug potatoes. The final, crucial step involves coating these “potatoes” generously in ground cinnamon, which not only imparts a warm, inviting spice but also gives them a remarkably realistic “earthy” coloring. The illusion is so convincing, you might just fool your friends and family!

If you’re on the hunt for a unique, memorable, and undeniably fun treat to share this St. Patrick’s Day, these Irish Potato Candies are the absolute perfect recipe. The filling boasts a luxurious, thick, and incredibly creamy texture, reminiscent of indulgent chocolate truffles or dense fudge. This delightful interior is beautifully complemented by the subtle spice and warmth of the cinnamon coating, creating a harmonious balance of sweet coconut and comforting spice. Each bite is a delightful surprise, making them an instant crowd-pleaser for any festive gathering.

What You Need to Make Irish Potato Candy

Crafting these charming Irish Potato Candies requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Pay close attention to the details for the best results!

• Cream Cheese: For this recipe, it’s absolutely essential to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. This provides the necessary structure and richness to the candy base. Avoid using whipped cream cheese or cream cheese spread from a tub, as these varieties have a higher water content and will result in a filling that is too soft and difficult to shape. Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows it to cream smoothly with the butter, preventing lumps and ensuring a uniform, velvety texture. If you’re short on time and need to bring it to room temperature quickly, refer to my helpful post on how to soften cream cheese using a few different methods.
• Unsalted Butter: We recommend unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of your confection. However, if salted butter is all you have on hand, it will work just fine; simply omit the separate addition of salt in the recipe. Like the cream cheese, your butter must be softened to room temperature. This ensures it blends seamlessly with the cream cheese, creating a smooth and pliable base. If you forgot to set out your butter ahead of time, a quick trick is to cut it into smaller cubes. This increases its surface area, allowing it to reach room temperature much faster.
• Vanilla Extract: For the most authentic and robust flavor, pure vanilla extract is highly recommended. It adds a warm, sweet aroma and a depth of flavor that complements the coconut beautifully, elevating the overall taste of your candies.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt is a secret weapon in sweet recipes. It doesn’t make the candies taste salty but rather works to balance out the intense sweetness from the powdered sugar and coconut. This subtle addition enhances all the other flavors, making them more pronounced and less cloyingly sweet.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is key to both sweetening and thickening the coconut filling. Its fine texture dissolves easily, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth soft and incredibly smooth consistency. If your powdered sugar is prone to clumping or has been sitting for a while, a quick sift before adding it can prevent lumps in your final mixture, ensuring a perfectly smooth candy base.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This is the star ingredient that gives the candies their characteristic texture and irresistible coconut flavor. The sweetened variety adds an extra layer of sweetness, while the shredded format provides structure and chewiness. Do not substitute with unsweetened coconut flakes, which are much larger, drier, and won’t integrate into the mixture with the same soft, pliable texture needed for shaping.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is crucial for the “potato” illusion. You’ll need approximately two tablespoons of ground cinnamon to generously coat all of the candies, giving them their distinctive brown, earthy appearance and a wonderful aromatic finish.

How To Make Irish Potato Candy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Irish Potato Candy is a straightforward and enjoyable process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these festive treats:

1. **Prepare Your Base:** In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This step is crucial for an even texture. Once smooth, beat in the pure vanilla extract and the pinch of salt until well combined.
2. **Incorporate Sweetness:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and thick. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.

3. **Add the Coconut:** Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, add the sweetened shredded coconut to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the thick mixture. At this point, the mixture will be very thick and dense, which is exactly what you want for shaping! If your mixer struggles, or to ensure everything is perfectly combined, you can finish mixing by hand with a sturdy rubber spatula.
4. **Scoop and Chill:** Using a one-tablespoon cookie scoop or a measuring tablespoon, scoop even portions of the coconut mixture. Roll each portion into a loose ball and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the mixture is too soft to handle easily, you can refrigerate the entire bowl for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before scooping.

5. **Shape the “Potatoes”:** Once all the mixture is scooped, take each ball and gently roll and press it between your hands to create the irregular, organic shape of a small potato. Don’t worry about perfection; real potatoes come in all shapes and sizes! Aim for a rustic, natural look.
6. **Coat in Cinnamon:** Pour the ground cinnamon into a shallow bowl or dish. Take each shaped “potato” and roll it thoroughly in the cinnamon, ensuring it’s completely coated. The cinnamon gives the candies their signature earthy appearance and a delightful spiced aroma. Once coated, return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. **Serve or Chill:** At this point, your Irish Potato Candies are ready to be served and enjoyed immediately! For best flavor and texture, especially if making ahead or for gifting, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up slightly before serving. This also enhances their delightful chewiness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the many advantages of Irish Potato Candy is how well it stores, making it an excellent treat to prepare in advance for parties or to enjoy over several days.

You can serve the candies immediately after coating, but their texture often improves with a short chill. To store, simply transfer the finished candies to an airtight container. They will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to one week. This makes them ideal for preparing a few days before your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, freeing up your time for other festivities.

These delightful candies also freeze exceptionally well, extending their shelf life significantly. If you wish to make a large batch or enjoy them further into the future, place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply transfer the frozen candies to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. They’ll be just as creamy and delicious as when they were first made, offering a taste of St. Patrick’s Day whenever you desire!

Irish Potato Candy

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Chilling Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr

This festive Irish Potato Candy recipe creates a creamy, sweet coconut filling shaped into fun “potatoes” and rolled in cinnamon. It’s an easy, no-bake St. Patrick’s Day dessert that everyone will adore, despite having no actual potatoes!

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Ingredients

Yields: 40 pieces

• ▢ 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened (113 grams; ½ block)
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter softened (57 grams; ½ stick)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 4 cups powdered sugar (480 grams)
• ▢ 1 (7-ounce) package sweetened shredded coconut
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

 

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, or using a large mixing bowl and a handheld mixer, beat the softened brick-style cream cheese until it is smooth and free of any lumps. Add the softened unsalted butter and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy. Next, mix in the pure vanilla extract and salt until just incorporated.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup (approximately 120 grams) at a time. Beat on low speed after each addition until the sugar is completely mixed in before adding the next cup. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined into a thick, smooth mixture.
• Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut. Mix until the coconut is thoroughly and evenly incorporated throughout the base mixture. The mixture will be notably thick and firm at this stage, which is perfectly normal and desired for shaping.
• Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop or a regular measuring tablespoon, scoop spoonfuls (each about 18 to 20 grams) of the coconut mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. If you find the mixture too soft or sticky to scoop easily, you can refrigerate it for 20 to 30 minutes to firm it up before proceeding.
• Once all of the mixture has been scooped, take each portion and gently roll and press it between your palms to shape it into an irregular, small potato-like form. Embrace the natural variations for a more realistic look!
• Place the ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each shaped “potato” thoroughly in the cinnamon until it is completely coated. This gives the candy its signature color and a lovely spice. Serve and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve for a firmer texture.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Leftover Irish Potato Candy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Instructions: These candies freeze exceptionally well for 2 to 3 months. For best results, thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Danielle Rye

Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Potato Candy

You might have a few questions about this uniquely named treat. Here are answers to some common inquiries:

• Are Irish Potato Candies actually Irish? No, despite their name, Irish Potato Candies are an American invention, originating in Philadelphia among Irish immigrant communities. They are a festive nod to Irish heritage rather than a traditional Irish confectionery.
• Do they contain real potatoes? Absolutely not! The “potato” in the name refers solely to their visual resemblance to small potatoes, thanks to their shaping and cinnamon coating. The candy itself is made from a rich, creamy coconut base.
• Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut? While sweetened shredded coconut is recommended for both flavor and binding properties, you can use unsweetened. However, you might need to increase the amount of powdered sugar slightly to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the coconut. The texture might also be a bit drier.
• Can I make them gluten-free or vegan? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, you would need to substitute the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives. Ensure you use vegan cream cheese and butter that are firm enough to hold their shape once mixed and chilled.
• How long do Irish Potato Candies last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these candies will stay fresh for up to one week.
• Can I freeze Irish Potato Candy? Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Store them in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• What if my mixture is too sticky to handle? If the mixture feels too soft or sticky, simply refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. The cold will firm up the butter and cream cheese, making it much easier to scoop and shape.

Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Candies

Presenting your Irish Potato Candies can be as fun as making them! For St. Patrick’s Day, arrange them artfully on a platter, perhaps alongside other green or themed treats like shamrock cookies or mint chocolate desserts. A bed of edible green sprinkles or finely chopped pistachios could create a festive “grass” effect. They also make charming individual treats when placed in small cupcake liners. Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or a festive green beverage for the ultimate holiday indulgence.

There you have it – a truly unique and delightful treat that brings joy and a touch of playful charm to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This no-bake recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also promises a burst of creamy coconut goodness with every bite, beautifully accented by a hint of cinnamon. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of fun, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Irish Potato Candies that are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home!