Why You’ll Love This Potato Candy

Smooth & Creamy Texture: The combination of mashed potatoes and sugar results in a surprisingly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The addition of peanut butter takes this creaminess to another level, creating a delightful texture that pleases your palate.

Unique Nostalgic Treat: Dating back to Depression-era cooking, potato candy connects us to culinary history in a fun and unexpected way—and it’ll surely surprise your guests with its unusual main ingredient!

Taste Sensation: This candy beautifully balances sweetness from the sugar with the savory nuttiness of peanut butter, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Russet Potato: This starchy variety is ideal, providing a wonderful base for the candy when mashed.
• Powdered Sugar: Key for achieving the silky-smooth texture and sweetness of the candy.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: This rich, nutty filling contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the candy. Opt for smooth peanut butter for easier spreading.
• Unsalted Butter: While not a traditional ingredient, a little added butter can make the candy extra rich and smooth. Add it if you like!

How to Make Potato Candy

The steps to create this candy are as straightforward as the ingredient list! Let’s dive in.

1. Prepare the Potato

Begin by peeling and boiling the potato until it’s fork-tender. Once done, drain it and mash thoroughly. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato with butter (if using). Incorporate the vanilla and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the dough achieves a firm, non-sticky consistency.

3. Roll It Out

Sprinkle a clean work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

4. Spread the Peanut Butter

Evenly spread a layer of peanut butter over the dough, ensuring to leave about 1/2 inch of space around the edges.

5. Roll and Shape

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer edge. Once rolled, wrap the log in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least one hour.

6. Slice and Serve

After chilling, remove the candy log from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/2 or 1/4 inch thick pieces. Enjoy this delightful treat!

Tips for the Best Potato Candy

While this recipe is quite simple, a few extra tips can elevate your potato candy to perfection.

• Give It Ample Chill Time: Allow the mashed potato to cool to room temperature before mixing. If it’s too warm, it can cause the sugar to melt, leading to watery dough.
• Remove All Lumps: Lumpy potatoes will result in lumpy candy. Ensure your potato is mashed thoroughly, either by hand or using a mixer.
• Go Easy on the Sugar: Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well before each addition. This practice helps prevent lumps and allows for better control over the dough’s consistency.
• Work Quickly: Make sure to roll and assemble the dough promptly to prevent it from drying out when exposed to air.
• Roll Tightly: When creating the log, roll the dough tightly but evenly to avoid gaps, which can lead to uneven slices.
• Get Creative: Consider swapping out peanut butter for Nutella, your favorite nut butter, or cookie butter. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can introduce a festive flair, and a dash of food coloring can add vibrancy!

How to Store Your Potato Candy

To keep your potato candy fresh for longer, follow these storage guidelines:

To Store:

Keep your candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week to ten days. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

To Freeze:

If you’d like to enjoy it later, place the candies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They can be kept in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.