Name: Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small russet potato (about 1/2 cup mashed), peeled and cubed; 4–5 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to rediscover a beloved classic with this irresistible Old Fashioned Potato Candy! This charming, nostalgia-soaked treat wraps up simple pantry magic and family tradition into bite-sized swirls of creamy peanut butter and sweet vanilla dough. It’s a little quirky (potato in a candy!?), but every sugary bite is melt-in-your-mouth proof that old-fashioned recipes have lasting, crowd-pleasing power. Whether you’re prepping a holiday tray, a homemade surprise, or just wanting a sweet walk down memory lane, you’re in for a delightful experience.

Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients:
- 1 small russet potato (about 1/2 cup mashed), peeled and cubed
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

How to Make Old Fashioned Potato Candy

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Potato

Begin by peeling and cubing your small russet potato. Place the pieces in a small saucepan, cover them with water, and boil until they’re fork-tender—about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well, then mash thoroughly until there are absolutely no lumps. The smoother your mash, the silkier your candy dough will be!

Step 2: Let the Potato Cool

This is a step people sometimes overlook, but it’s important! Let your mashed potato cool to room temperature. If the potato is too warm, it’ll melt the sugar and make your dough sticky instead of pliable.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Start Adding Sugar

Scrape the cooled potato into a large mixing bowl and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, gradually add your powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will look a little odd at first, but keep going—it will magically thicken into a soft, formable dough as you go.

Step 4: Make and Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough is thick (not runny at all) and holds its shape, dust a sheet of parchment paper with powdered sugar. Place the dough on top and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Dust your rolling pin too, if needed. Try to keep the thickness even so each swirl looks beautiful!

Step 5: Spread Peanut Butter Evenly

Now comes the best part. Slather your rectangle of dough with creamy peanut butter, spreading it evenly all the way to the edges, except for a narrow border. This layer is what sets the candy apart—a classic, salty-sweet peanutty surprise with every bite.

Step 6: Roll and Chill

Gently roll up the dough from the longer side, using the parchment paper to help guide it into a snug log. Don’t stress if it’s not perfectly tight—part of the fun is its homespun charm! Wrap the log firmly in the same parchment and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This will firm everything up and make slicing much easier.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the log is well-chilled, unwrap and use a sharp knife to slice into neat 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange your Old Fashioned Potato Candy swirls on a platter, and get ready for lots of “Is this really made with potato?” reactions!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Potato Candy

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving instantly gives these candies a magical, snowy finish. If you want, try a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch, or tiny pinches of sea salt to amplify the peanut butter flavor. For special occasions, tuck a few slices between layers of festive parchment in a candy box.

Side Dishes

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a treat on its own, but if you’re serving it as part of a sweets table, pair with a selection of vintage candies, classic fudge, or buttery cookies. A strong cup of coffee or black tea balances the sweetness, making it perfect for a holiday afternoon or casual get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the candy slices into concentric circles on a vintage cake stand, or stack them in a mason jar tied with ribbon for a homemade gift. If you want to mix things up, you can roll the dough into tiny balls around the peanut butter and dip in dark chocolate—delightful truffles with a secret! However you present them, the rustic swirl and creamy center always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Old Fashioned Potato Candy keeps surprisingly well! Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick, and they’ll taste just as dreamy a few days later.

Freezing

If you need to make them further in advance, simply freeze the finished, sliced candies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Stored this way, they’ll keep their freshness and flavor for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary, but it’s nice to let the candies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, which brings out the peanut butter aroma and makes each bite delectably soft. Just don’t leave them out all day, as they’re best enjoyed slightly chilled to prevent stickiness.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

You can, but keep in mind that sweet potatoes will add more moisture and a subtle flavor, so you may need extra powdered sugar and the taste won’t be quite as traditional as Old Fashioned Potato Candy made with russet potatoes.

Why is my dough so sticky?

If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry—just keep adding powdered sugar a little at a time, kneading until it’s firm enough to roll. Warm or damp weather can make the dough softer, but more sugar always does the trick.

Can I use almond or sunflower butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond, sunflower, or even hazelnut spread can be delicious alternatives for anyone with peanut allergies or a craving for a different flavor, making the Old Fashioned Potato Candy uniquely your own.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Old Fashioned Potato Candy is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free peanut butter and check your powdered sugar for cross-contamination. It’s a wonderful treat to share with friends who have special dietary needs.

Can I double the batch for holiday gifts?

Definitely. The recipe scales up easily, just make sure to mash the potato super smooth and work in batches if needed so the dough stays manageable. Everyone will be thrilled to receive a box of these old-timey treats!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s got heart, nostalgia, and a seriously fun twist, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of Old Fashioned Potato Candy. There’s nothing else quite like it—each swirl is a sweet reminder that the simplest recipes can spark the biggest smiles. Give this classic a try and share a little homemade joy with your favorite people!

Old Fashioned Potato Candy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A nostalgic treat that combines the unexpected duo of potato and peanut butter, this Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a classic no-bake dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or sweet cravings. Creamy and sweet, with a hint of peanut butter in every bite, it’s a unique confection that’s surprisingly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 small russet potato (about 1/2 cup mashed), peeled and cubed
4–5 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil the Potato: Boil the cubed potato in a small saucepan until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash until completely smooth—ensure there are no lumps.
Mix Ingredients: Let the mashed potato cool to room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until a thick, pliable dough forms.
Roll Out Dough: Dust a sheet of parchment paper with powdered sugar and roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread peanut butter evenly over the dough.
Form the Candy: Starting from one long side, gently roll the dough into a log. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds and serve.