Grandma’s Sweet Secret: Old-Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe

Sweet nostalgia dances through this old-fashioned potato candy recipe that connects generations of home bakers.

Rural kitchens once hummed with the simple magic of transforming humble potatoes into a delightful confection.

Depression-era cooks mastered the art of creating something delectable from minimal ingredients.

Soft, creamy, and surprisingly sweet, this treat brings memories of grandmothers’ kitchens flooding back.

Powdered sugar and mashed potatoes combine to create an unexpected delicacy that delights both young and old.

Rolled thin and filled with peanut butter, these candy squares offer a charming glimpse into traditional American baking.

Each bite tells a story of resourcefulness and culinary creativity.

Dive into this vintage recipe and let the sweet magic unfold.

Tips For Better Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

• Sweet Potato Perfection: Pro Tips & Delicious Twists
• Smooth Dough Magic: Work with chilled hands and dust surfaces generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. The key is maintaining a cool temperature while handling the delicate candy dough.
• Flavor Adventure: Swap traditional peanut butter with almond butter, chocolate spread, or even cream cheese for unique taste variations. Each alternative brings a delightful new dimension to this classic treat.
• Dietary Friendly Hacks: Create gluten-free versions by ensuring powdered sugar is certified gluten-free. For vegan options, use plant-based peanut butter and powdered sugar without animal-derived ingredients.
• Storage Smart: These candies keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Pro tip: Layer pieces between wax paper to prevent them from sticking together during storage.
• Decorative Delights: Roll finished candy log in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant presentation that transforms this humble treat into a showstopping dessert.

How To Share Old-Fashioned Potato Candy With Guests

• Sweet Slice of Nostalgia: Perfect for sharing with family during holiday gatherings or cozy afternoon tea times.
• Festive Party Platter: Arrange candy slices on a decorative plate with sprinkled powdered sugar for a charming dessert presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap candy pieces in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade treat that makes a heartwarming present for friends and neighbors.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these sweet candy slices with hot tea or coffee for a delightful mid-day snack that brings comfort and joy.

Preserve Old-Fashioned Potato Candy Longer

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the potato candy log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Cold temperatures help maintain the candy's texture and prevent potential softening.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Slice the candy log before freezing for easy portioning. Place individual pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen potato candy stays delicious for 2-3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Counter Time Caution: Keep the candy at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent potential bacterial growth. Always return unused portions to the refrigerator quickly after serving.
• Moisture Management Trick: Insert a small piece of parchment paper between candy slices during storage to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece integrity. This simple technique ensures each slice remains perfect and ready to enjoy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 116 kcal

Servings: 19

What You’ll Need For Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

• Potato: Provides smooth, binding texture and unique moisture for candy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor to enhance overall taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth sweetness and helps develop candy's structured texture.

• Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and provides delicious protein-packed layer that complements sweet base.

• Powdered Sugar (Additional): Ensures smooth rolling surface and prevents sticky dough interactions, helps control moisture during candy formation.

Tools To Roll Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining mashed potato and powdered sugar.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling out the dough evenly and smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice the candy log into neat pieces.
• Cutting board or clean surface: Use for rolling out the dough and spreading peanut butter.
• Plastic wrap: Crucial for wrapping and chilling the candy log.
• Potato peeler: Helpful for removing potato skin quickly.
• Measuring cups: Precise for adding powdered sugar and mashed potato.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Directions For Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

• Potato Preparation

Boil diced potato pieces in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and transform into silky smooth mashed goodness. Let the potato cool down naturally to room temperature.

• Magical Dough Creation

Combine mashed potato with a splash of vanilla in a mixing bowl. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. The mixture will transform from sticky to firm. Continue adding sugar until the dough becomes easy to handle and roll.

• Canvas Preparation

Sprinkle a clean surface with powdered sugar. Gently stretch the dough into a thin rectangle, creating a delicate canvas for the next layer.

• Nutty Spread

Gracefully spread a layer of creamy peanut butter across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for a neat finish.

• Rolling Adventure

From the longest edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight, elegant log. Wrap the creation in plastic and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set perfectly.

• Serving Delight

After chilling, unwrap the log and slice into delicate rounds. Arrange the candy pieces on a beautiful platter, ready to surprise and delight.

Sweet Potato Candy Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 19 1x

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Description

Sweet Pennsylvania Dutch potato candy weaves nostalgic family memories into a simple confection of powdered sugar, peanut butter, and mashed potatoes. Grandmothers pass down this delightful treat that connects generations through sweet culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 small russet potato (about ½ cup mashed)
• 45 cups (480–600 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup (120 grams) peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Potato Base Preparation: Boil peeled potato chunks in lightly salted water until fork-tender. Drain and transform into smooth mash using potato masher. Cool to room temperature.
2. Dough Formation: Merge cooled potato mash with vanilla extract. Progressively fold in powdered sugar, mixing until the mixture transforms into a cohesive, non-sticky dough that holds its shape without clinging to surfaces.
3. Dough Rolling: Dust work surface generously with powdered sugar. Roll dough into a rectangular shape with uniform 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring an even, crack-free surface.
4. Filling Application: Spread peanut butter evenly across dough, leaving a narrow border around edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
5. Log Creation and Chilling: Roll dough tightly from one elongated side into a cylindrical form. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm and solidify.
6. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigeration, unwrap, and slice into delicate 1/4-inch medallions using a sharp knife. Arrange artfully on serving platter, ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Manage Potato Moisture: Remove excess water from boiled potatoes completely to prevent a soggy, runny dough that won’t hold shape. Pat potatoes dry with paper towels after draining.
• Powdered Sugar Precision: Add powdered sugar gradually and mix thoroughly to achieve the perfect dough consistency. Too little sugar creates a sticky mess, while too much makes the candy dry and crumbly.
• Rolling Technique: Use a cold surface and powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling. Rotate the dough periodically to maintain an even, thin rectangle without tears or thick spots.
• Storage and Serving: Store candy in an airtight container between parchment layers in the refrigerator. These sweet treats maintain best texture when chilled and can last up to a week when properly stored.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 19
• Calories: 116
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg