Description
Irish Potato Candy is a festive, no-bake treat that resembles tiny potatoes but tastes sweet and creamy. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, coconut, and cinnamon, these bite-sized candies are rolled and coated in cinnamon to mimic the look of real potatoes. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or as a nostalgic dessert, they come together quickly and don’t require any cooking.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Sweeteners & Coatings
- 1 pound powdered sugar (4 cups)
- 7 ounces flaked, sweetened coconut (2 2/3 cups), preferably angel flake
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter: Place 4 ounces cream cheese, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon salt into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beater.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Return to low speed and gradually add 1 pound powdered sugar (4 cups). When fully incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape sides again to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Coconut: Add 7 ounces flaked, sweetened coconut and beat on low speed until thoroughly mixed into the batter.
- Shape the Candy: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Scoop the coconut mixture by level tablespoons onto the sheet, spacing pieces close but not touching. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the mixture.
- Form and Coat: Place 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Using your hands, roll each chilled piece into a slightly oblong potato shape. Roll in the cinnamon until fully coated. Place back on the baking sheet. Repeat for all pieces.
Notes
- These sweets look like real little potatoes but have a sweet, creamy coconut flavor.
- Using room temperature cream cheese and butter ensures a smooth, creamy mixture.
- For clean hands during rolling, you can lightly oil your hands or use powdered sugar instead of cinnamon if preferred.
- Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 40.6 g
- Sodium: 63.7 mg
- Fat: 13.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.8 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
