This old-fashioned Potato Candy is a true gem from generations past, with a combination of creamy mashed potatoes and rich, velvety peanut butter. and it's about to become your new favorite recipe.
This potato candy is a breeze to make, even if you're not a master baker. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you'll be whipping up batches of this treat in no time.
Whether you're looking for a fun kitchen project to tackle with the kids, or a unique addition to your holiday cookie tray this potato candy recipe is here to make your life a little sweeter.
Why You Will Love This Potato Candy
Here's why you'll adore this recipe:
Nostalgic and old-fashioned: This candy has been a beloved treat for generations, especially during the Great Depression era when ingredients were limited. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.
Unique and unexpected: The use of mashed potatoes in a candy recipe is quite unexpected and intriguing. The potatoes provide a unique texture and flavor that you wouldn't expect in a sweet treat.
Simple ingredients: With just a few basic pantry staples like potatoes, butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter, this candy is inexpensive and easy to make.
Rich and delicious flavor: Despite its simple ingredients, the combination of creamy mashed potatoes, sweet powdered sugar, and salty peanut butter creates a rich, decadent, and delightfully balanced flavor.
Fun to make: The process of rolling out the dough, spreading the filling, and slicing the pinwheels can be an enjoyable and nostalgic experience, especially when shared with family.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- Mashed Potatoes: This is the main ingredient that gives the candy its unique texture and flavor. The potatoes act as a binder and provide structure to the candy.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the candy dough. It also helps make the texture smooth and pliable.
- Powdered Sugar: A large amount of powdered sugar is needed to create the sweet, fudge-like consistency of the candy. It also helps stiffen the dough to the right moldable texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the candy, complementing the sweetness with its warm aroma.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is spread as a filling inside the candy roll, providing a salty-sweet contrast to the sugary dough. It adds richness and nutty flavor.
How To Make Potato Candy
This recipe is so easy, it’s hard to mess it up, but these steps make it truly shine!
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Cook russet potatoes until very tender, either in the microwave or oven. Allow them to cool completely before removing the flesh from the skins and mashing them until smooth and lump-free.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, softened butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until well incorporated.
- Add Remaining Sugar: Gradually add in the remaining powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a firm, moldable dough forms. The dough should hold its shape but still be pliable.
- Mix in Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined with the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up slightly. If chilled too long and becomes overly stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. On a surface generously dusted with powdered sugar, roll out one portion into a ¼-inch thick rectangle, approximately 8x12 inches.
- Add Peanut Butter Filling: Spread an even layer of creamy peanut butter over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from a long side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, sealing the seam. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ¼ - ½ inch thick pinwheels.
- Repeat with Remaining Dough: Follow steps 6-8 with the remaining dough portion to create a second batch of pinwheels.
Tips For The Best Old Fashioned Potato Candy
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a potato candy that's sure to impress your family and friends.
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Idaho potatoes work best as they have a high starch content, which helps bind the candy dough together. Avoid waxy potato varieties.
- Cool Potatoes Completely: Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cooled before incorporating them into the dough. Any residual warmth can cause the sugar to melt, resulting in a runny mixture.
- Dust generously with Sugar: When rolling out the dough, generously dust your work surface and the dough itself with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Don't be afraid to use a heavy hand with the sugar.
- Work Quickly: Once the dough is rolled out, work quickly to spread the peanut butter filling and roll it up. The warmth from your hands can cause the dough to become too soft and difficult to work with.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cleanly slicing through the rolled dough without squishing or misshaping the pinwheels.
- Get Creative with Fillings: While peanut butter is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate hazelnut spread, jams, or even savory options like pesto or sundried tomatoes.
How To Store
Here’s how to store them
To Store: Store leftover potato candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Arrange the potato candy in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.
To Reheat: Thaw the frozen candy in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can also let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to come to room temperature.
Potato Candy
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Ingredients
- 120 g ½ cup smooth, cooled mashed potatoes
- 125 g ½ cup softened salted butter
- 900 g - 1kg 6-7 cups confectioners' sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 10 ml 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Creamy peanut butter for filling amount as needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend the mashed potatoes, softened butter, and 1 cup of the confectioners' sugar using an electric mixer until well combined.
- Gradually add in the remaining confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Once you've incorporated around 6 cups, check the dough's consistency. It should be firm enough to mold and roll. If too soft, continue adding more sugar until the desired texture is achieved.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to firm up. If chilled for too long and becomes overly stiff, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to become pliable again.
- Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. Generously dust a clean surface with confectioners' sugar. Roll out one portion into a ¼ inch thick rectangle, approximately 8x12 inches. If too sticky, dust with more sugar as needed.
- Spread an even layer of creamy peanut butter over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from a long side, carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, sealing the seam.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ¼ - ½ inch thick pinwheels.
- Repeat steps 5-8 with the remaining dough portion.
- Serve the potato candy pinwheels fresh or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- For best results, use starchy russet potatoes cooked until very tender. Microwave or bake, then remove flesh from skins and mash thoroughly. Allow to cool completely before using.
- Avoid boiling the potatoes as they may absorb too much moisture, making the dough too wet.
- Room-temperature mashed potatoes work better than chilled to prevent a runny mixture.
- For a peanut-free version, omit the peanut butter filling and instead roll the logs in cinnamon sugar for "Cinnamon Cigar" candies.
- Get creative with fillings! Try other nut butter, jams, chocolate hazelnut spreads, or even savory fillings.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to use fresh, homemade mashed potatoes. Instant varieties may alter the consistency.
What other fillings work well?
Get creative! Other nut butter, jams, chocolate hazelnut spreads, or even savory fillings like pesto or sundried tomatoes can be delicious.
How do I prevent a sticky dough?
Be sure to use completely cooled mashed potatoes and dust very generously with confectioners' sugar when rolling out the dough. Add more sugar if still too sticky.
Margaret
This Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is a delightful treat! It’s simple to make and has a unique, nostalgic charm that everyone loved. The perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes it a great addition to any dessert table. Highly recommend giving it a try!
Sarah
Such a fun and easy recipe! The Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is sweet, creamy, and full of nostalgic charm. Perfect for sharing or gifting. Definitely recommend!