Irish Potato Candy – Sweet, Easy, and No-Bake!
Craving a quick and fun treat?
This Irish Potato Candy recipe is just what you need!
With only a handful of simple ingredients, you can create bite-sized candy that’s packed with creamy sweetness and coated in a cinnamon-sugar dusting.
Perfect for last-minute gatherings, holiday snacking, or just satisfying a sweet tooth without turning on the oven.
Give it a try, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
For Irish Potato Candy:
- Cream Cheese – This gives the candy its rich, creamy texture. Be sure to soften it for easy mixing.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps bind the mixture together, making it easier to shape.
- Powdered Sugar – The main sweetener, which gives the candy its smooth, sugary sweetness.
- Shredded Coconut – Provides a slight chew and gives the candy its “potato” texture. It’s essential for the traditional flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle, warm flavor to the candy that complements the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon – Used to coat the candy balls and adds a cozy, spiced touch.
- Light Brown Sugar – Used in the cinnamon coating, adding a depth of flavor and a slight caramelized taste.
Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup light brown sugar
Instructions:
- Using a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing it in until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut using a rubber spatula.
- Cover the mixture with foil and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into small balls.
- Place the balls onto the prepared cookie sheet. Continue until all the mixture is rolled into balls.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Transfer the coated balls to a serving tray and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 106 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 74 IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.2mg
- Why is my candy mixture too soft to shape?
If your mixture is too soft, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up. This will make it much easier to roll into balls. And if your butter was too soft when mixing, that could be part of the issue—just make sure it’s softened, not melted, next time!
- Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Totally! While unsweetened coconut gives a more balanced sweetness, using sweetened coconut will work just fine. Just keep in mind, you might want to cut back a little on the powdered sugar to prevent it from getting too sweet.
- How do I make rolling the candies easier?
Chill the mixture before rolling—it helps firm things up and keeps it from sticking to your hands. Also, a scoop can make your life easier if you’re trying to make uniform-sized candy balls. You’ll be done in no time!
- What if I don’t have ground cinnamon for coating?
No cinnamon? No problem! Cocoa powder is a great alternative for coating. It’ll give your candies a rich, chocolatey twist, and still look just like potatoes!
- How should I store the candies once they’re done?
To keep your candies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to a week—just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring out the flavor and texture!
