Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat that may look like tiny potatoes but tastes like sweet coconut heaven. Made with a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut, these little bites are rolled in cinnamon for a spiced finish. Despite their name, they contain no actual potatoes—just creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how easy and fun it is to make Irish Potato Candy. The recipe requires no baking, making it a perfect quick treat for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime I crave a sweet coconut delight. The combination of creamy, sugary coconut with a hint of cinnamon makes each bite irresistible. Plus, their adorable potato-like appearance always sparks conversation and curiosity.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Candy:
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
For the Coating:
1 cup cinnamon, for rolling
Additional powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Directions
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, I beat together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Then, I gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Finally, I stir in the shredded coconut.
Shape the Candy: I take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or potato shapes. If the mixture feels too sticky, I chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
Coat the Candy: Each candy piece is rolled in cinnamon until fully coated. For a more realistic potato appearance, I lightly dust them with powdered sugar after the cinnamon coat.
Chill: I place the candy pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate them until firm, about 1 hour.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 candies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per candy
Variations
Nutty Twist: I sometimes mix in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Chocolate Coating: Instead of rolling in cinnamon, I dip the candies in melted chocolate for a rich chocolate-coconut treat.
Flavored Extracts: For a unique twist, I swap out vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract.
Spiced Sugar Coating: A mix of cinnamon and cocoa powder adds an extra depth of flavor to the coating.
Extra Creamy: A splash of heavy cream makes the mixture even smoother and more decadent.
Storage/Reheating
I store Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to a week. If I need to keep them longer, I freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Since they are best served chilled, there’s no need for reheating.
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FAQs
What is Irish Potato Candy made of?
Irish Potato Candy is made from butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla, then rolled in cinnamon for a potato-like appearance. Despite the name, it contains no actual potatoes.
Can I make Irish Potato Candy ahead of time?
Yes! I often make them a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. They actually taste even better after chilling overnight.
Why does Irish Potato Candy look like real potatoes?
The cinnamon coating mimics the color and texture of a real potato skin, and shaping the candies into small ovals enhances the illusion. A dusting of powdered sugar adds to the realistic look.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! I use dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese to make a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing.
Is this an authentic Irish recipe?
Despite the name, Irish Potato Candy is actually a traditional treat from Philadelphia, USA. It became popular as a St. Patrick’s Day sweet due to its Irish-inspired theme.
Conclusion
Irish Potato Candy is a simple, no-bake treat that combines the creamy sweetness of coconut with a hint of cinnamon spice. Whether for a festive celebration or just a fun dessert, these little candy “potatoes” are always a hit. I love how easy they are to make, and the fact that they store well means I can enjoy them anytime. Try them out and impress friends and family with this unique and delicious confection.
📖 Recipe:
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Irish Potato Candy
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (Plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 candies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of Irish Potato Candy, a no-bake coconut treat that looks like tiny potatoes but melts in your mouth with a delicious blend of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut. Rolled in cinnamon for a spiced finish, this fun and festive candy is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a sweet bite.
Ingredients
For the Candy:
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
For the Coating:
1 cup cinnamon, for rolling
Additional powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in shredded coconut.
- Shape the Candy: Roll small portions of the mixture into balls or potato-like shapes. If sticky, chill for 20-30 minutes before shaping.
- Coat the Candy: Roll each piece in cinnamon until fully covered. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a more realistic appearance.
- Chill: Arrange the candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about 1 hour until firm.
Notes
For extra crunch, add finely chopped nuts.
Try coating with melted chocolate for a delicious twist.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American (Philadelphia-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 candies
- Calories: 150 kcal per candy
