Introduction & Inspiration
This Irish Potato Candy recipe is a tribute to a unique and surprisingly delicious confection. I first encountered these treats many years ago, and I was immediately intrigued. They’re not actually made with potatoes!
Despite their name, Irish Potato Candy is a Philadelphia-area specialty, typically made with coconut, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar, then rolled in cinnamon to resemble tiny potatoes. It’s a fun, quirky treat.
I was fascinated by the combination of creamy, coconutty filling and the warm, spicy cinnamon coating. It’s a flavor and texture combination that’s both unexpected and completely addictive. So simple.
This recipe is my attempt to recreate that classic Philadelphia treat, making it easy for anyone to enjoy this unique candy, no matter where they live.
Nostalgic Appeal
While Irish Potato Candy might not be a universally known treat, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Philadelphians and those familiar with Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. It is a regional treat.
For those who grew up with it, it evokes memories of springtime, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and local candy shops. It is a seasonal treat.
The candy’s unique appearance – small, cinnamon-dusted balls shaped like tiny potatoes – adds to its charm and nostalgic appeal. So cute.
Even for those who are new to Irish Potato Candy, the combination of coconut, cream cheese, and cinnamon is inherently comforting and appealing.
Homemade Focus
This recipe is all about the joy of making homemade candy. It’s a simple, no-bake recipe that requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, but the results are incredibly satisfying. Very easy to do.
The process of beating the cream cheese and butter, mixing in the confectioners’ sugar and coconut, and rolling the mixture into tiny potato shapes is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s great to do with kids.
Making candy at home allows you to control the ingredients and ensure the freshest, highest-quality results. It’s a world of difference.
This recipe is a reminder that even the simplest homemade treats can be incredibly special and delicious. No need to bake.
Flavor Goal
The primary objective of this recipe is to create a candy that perfectly balances the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of the cream cheese and coconut filling with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon.
The cream cheese and butter provide a rich, smooth base for the candy. It is the perfect texture.
The confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together.
The sweetened coconut flakes provide a delightful chewiness and a tropical flavor that complements the cream cheese beautifully. I love the texture.
The cinnamon coating adds warmth, spice, and a visually appealing “potato-like” appearance. It completes the candy.
Ultimately, I wanted a candy that was both sweet and slightly savory, creamy and chewy, with a hint of spice – a unique and addictive flavor combination.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down the simple yet effective ingredients in this Irish Potato Candy:
Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): This provides the creamy base and a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): This adds richness and helps to create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the candy, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Confectioners’ Sugar: This provides sweetness and helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth, pliable dough.
Sweetened Coconut Flakes: These add a delightful chewiness and a tropical, coconutty flavor that’s essential to Irish Potato Candy.
Ground Cinnamon: This is used to coat the candy, providing warmth, spice, and that signature “potato-like” appearance.
Essential Equipment
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, making it even more appealing:
Large Bowl: This is for mixing the ingredients.
Handheld Mixer (or Stand Mixer): This is for beating the cream cheese and butter until fluffy and for incorporating the other ingredients.
Rubber Spatula: This is for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring everything is well combined.
Baking Sheet: This is for arranging the finished candies.
Parchment Paper: This is for lining the baking sheet, preventing the candies from sticking.
Small Bowl: This is for holding the cinnamon for rolling the candies.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s a precise list of the ingredients, along with their exact measurements:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups (460 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (215 grams) sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this delightful Irish Potato Candy!
Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium speed (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the room-temperature cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy and smooth. This should take about 1 minute. Important step.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Confectioners’ Sugar
Add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed just to combine, about 30 seconds. This prevents the sugar from flying everywhere.
Increase the speed to medium and beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through, until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate Coconut
Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, add the sweetened coconut flakes, and beat on low speed until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the coconut mixture until it’s set and firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Step 5: Prepare for Rolling
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the candies from sticking.
Place the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Candies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of the chilled coconut mixture into your hand.
Roll each portion into a ball.
Roll the ball in the cinnamon to coat it completely.
Shape the cinnamon-coated ball into an oblong, potato-like shape.
Arrange the shaped candies on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining coconut mixture.
Step 7: Refrigerate and Serve
Refrigerate the Irish Potato Candies until you’re ready to serve. They’re best served chilled.
Troubleshooting
Here are a couple of potential issues and their solutions:
Problem: Mixture is too soft to roll.
Solution: Refrigerate the mixture for a longer period, until it’s firm enough to handle. You can also try adding a bit more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to add too much, or the candy will be too dry.
Problem: Candy is too dry. Solution: Add more butter.
Tips and Variations
Here are some extra tips and variations to customize your Irish Potato Candy:
Tip: For a more intense coconut flavor, toast the coconut flakes before adding them to the mixture.
Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for a slightly different spice profile.
Variation: Dip the finished candies in melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Tip: If you don’t have a handheld mixer, you can use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease, but it will take longer to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
Variation: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the coconut mixture for added texture and flavor.
Variation: Shape into balls.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Irish Potato Candy is a unique and delightful treat that’s perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving ideas:
Serve them chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature enhances their creamy texture.
Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Serve them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a midday snack.
Offer them at a St. Patrick’s Day party or any springtime gathering.
Package them in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional estimate per candy (assuming the recipe yields about 24-30 candies):
- Calories: 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Sugar: 7-9g
- Protein: 1g
These are just estimates. Enjoy.
Enjoy these candies in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Print
Irish Potato Candy
Description
This Irish Potato Candy recipe is a tribute to a unique and surprisingly delicious confection. I first encountered these treats many years ago, and I was immediately intrigued
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups (460 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (215 grams) sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Let’s make this delightful Irish Potato Candy!
Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium speed (or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the room-temperature cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy and smooth. This should take about 1 minute. Important step.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Add Confectioners’ Sugar
Add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed just to combine, about 30 seconds. This prevents the sugar from flying everywhere.
Increase the speed to medium and beat, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through, until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate Coconut
Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, add the sweetened coconut flakes, and beat on low speed until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the coconut mixture until it’s set and firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Step 5: Prepare for Rolling
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the candies from sticking.
Place the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Candies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of the chilled coconut mixture into your hand.
Roll each portion into a ball.
Roll the ball in the cinnamon to coat it completely.
Shape the cinnamon-coated ball into an oblong, potato-like shape.
Arrange the shaped candies on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining coconut mixture.
Step 7: Refrigerate and Serve
Refrigerate the Irish Potato Candies until you’re ready to serve. They’re best served chilled.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions:
Recipe Summary:
We created delicious Irish Potato Candy by beating cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt, then mixing in confectioners’ sugar and coconut flakes. We chilled the mixture, rolled it into potato shapes, coated them in cinnamon, and refrigerated them until serving.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make this candy ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the recipe includes a “Make Ahead” note, stating that the candy can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: Do I have to shape them like potatoes?
A: No, you can simply roll them into balls if you prefer. The potato shape is traditional, but it’s not essential.
Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes?
A: You can, but you may need to add a bit more confectioners’ sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness.
Q: My mixture is too sticky. What can I do?
A: Refrigerate it for longer, or add a bit more confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Q: Are these candies gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you ensure that all of your ingredients (especially the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract) are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.