Irish Potato Candy is a quirky and delightful treat that looks just like little potatoes but tastes sweet and creamy. Made with coconut, powdered sugar, and cream cheese, these candies have a soft, fudgy texture that’s perfect for nibbling. They’re often rolled in cinnamon to give them a little extra flavor and the classic “potato” look.
I’ve always loved making Irish Potato Candy around St. Patrick’s Day because it’s so fun and unexpected. It’s a great little project to do with family or friends, especially if you have kids who’ll enjoy rolling the candies into tiny potato shapes. I like to sneak a few bites when no one is looking—it’s hard to resist!
The best part about these candies is how simple they are to make and how much they surprise people when they find out they’re actually a sweet treat. I usually pack them up in a cute little box or bag and share them as a fun holiday gift. They’re a sweet twist on traditional St. Patrick’s Day snacks and always bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the candy its creamy, slightly tangy base. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you need a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese—it works well, though the flavor is a bit different.
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and firms up the candy. You can use gluten-free powdered sugar if needed. Be careful to add it gradually to get the right texture.
Sweetened Coconut: This adds chewiness and natural flavor. Unsweetened coconut can work, but you might want to add a bit more sugar to compensate.
Ground Cinnamon: Crucial for that potato skin look and adds a nice warm spice. If you’re not a fan, poppy seeds can be an interesting alternative for texture.
How Do I Shape and Coat the Candies Without Them Sticking or Falling Apart?
Rolling these candies can be a bit sticky, so follow these tips for best results:
- Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar before shaping the candies to prevent sticking.
- Make small, oval shapes with your hands, then gently press them with a fork to create “potato” texture.
- Roll the shaped candies in cinnamon carefully—use a shallow dish for an even coating without breaking them.
- If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes first; this firms it up nicely.
- Place finished candies on parchment paper to keep them from sticking and store in the fridge to hold their shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use large bowls to combine and mix all the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – helps keep the ingredient amounts just right for the perfect texture.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – makes shaping the candies easier and uniform in size.
- Fork – handy for pressing ridges onto each candy to mimic a potato’s look.
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat – keeps your candies from sticking to the tray.
- Refrigerator – essential for chilling and firming up the candies before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate Coconut — Mix in mini chocolate chips or dip the finished candies in melted chocolate for a rich twist.
- Orange Zest — Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Almond Essence — Swap vanilla for almond extract to add a subtle nutty aroma.
- Colored Coatings — Roll the candies in cocoa powder, crushed cookies, or colored sprinkles for variety and fun presentation.
Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb (450 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for rolling the candies
- Optional: a few drops of orange or yellow food coloring (to create traditional potato skin color)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to let the candies firm up before enjoying them.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar a little at a time, stirring well after each addition until your mixture thickens nicely.
2. Add Coconut and Color:
Fold in the shredded sweetened coconut until everything is combined and the dough is thick enough to shape. If you want the candies to look more like real potatoes, add a few drops of orange or yellow food coloring and mix it in evenly.
3. Shape and Decorate:
Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to stop sticking. Scoop small amounts and roll them into little oval shapes that look like tiny potatoes. Press each gently with a fork to give them those classic potato ridges.
4. Cinnamon Coating:
Roll each shaped candy in ground cinnamon to coat their outsides, which gives them the look and a subtle spicy flavor of potato skin.
5. Chill and Store:
Arrange the candies on a tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for Irish Potato Candy?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture might be a bit less creamy and firm. It still works well, just be gentle when shaping the candies.
How Should I Store Irish Potato Candy?
Store these candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their shape and freshness.
Can I Make Irish Potato Candy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated. They actually taste better once the flavors meld.
What If I Don’t Have Cinnamon?
If you don’t have cinnamon, you can roll the candies in finely crushed nuts or cocoa powder as a fun alternative, though cinnamon gives that classic potato look and flavor.