The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (2024)

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It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without this irresistible Irish Potato Candy! These cinnamon coated, coconut cream candies are bite-sized and made to look just like little potatoes. This no bake candy recipe has a few unique tweaks to make it even better than the original.

The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (1)

This traditional St. Patrick's Day candy is not actually from Ireland and isn't made from actual realpotatoes (unlike the peanut butter swirled potato candy). Fun fact - They originated in Philadelphia by Irish immigrants in the early 1900s and remain a popular sweet treat during the month of March.

You may have seen the popular Oh Ryan brand in your local market or candy store, especially if you're from the greater Philadelphia area. Or, like me, you grew up making these cute little potatoes from scratch!

Some people make them with corn syrup, while others make them with cream cheese. My Irish potato candy recipe is made with a blend of butter and cream cheese, plus a few other unique tweaks to make this delicious recipe even better.

After a hearty dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage orIrish Beef StewwithIrish cheddar and stout biscuits, these creamy, cinnamon-dusted coconut candies are the perfect ending to a delicious St. Paddy's Day.

These easy treats are a staple in my house during the month of March, but they're a delicious treat to enjoy any time of year.

Why this recipe works

  • No-bake recipe with zero cooking required.
  • Great gift for teachers, friends and classmates.
  • A smidge less sugar and an extra pinch of salt for balance.
  • Super fun and easy recipe for kids!
  • Gluten free.
The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (2)

Ingredient Notes

  • Butter- Make sure it's softened so it's easy to mix. This recipe calls for unsalted butter. If you want to use salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
  • Cream Cheese- Make sure your cream cheese is also softened so it can be easily mixed. Low fat cream cheese, or Neufchatel can be used, but avoid fat-free.
  • Coconut- Traditional recipes usually call for sweetened coconut flakes, but I think they're better withunsweetened coconutbecause they're already sweet enough. It's sometimes labeled as desiccated coconut. It doesn't matter if the flakes are long and thin or small little bits - just don't use the big fat coconut flakes.
  • Confectioner’s Sugar -You'll need one 1 lb box or 3 ½ cups.

* Full ingredient list is in the recipe card below.

HELPFUL EQUIPMENT

Step by Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium-high speed until smooth, light and fluffy.
  2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add thevanilla extractand salt and mix on medium speed.
  3. Slowly add in the confectioners sugar while beating until it’s all incorporated and totally smooth.
  4. Add the shredded coconut a little bit at a time and mix on low speed until it's totally combined.
The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (3)
The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (4)
  1. Place the coconut mixture in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes so that it’s easier to handle. Add cinnamon to a medium bowl.
  2. Scoop out scant tablespoons of chilled dough, then use your hands to form them into little balls or oblong potato shapes.
  3. Roll potatoes in cinnamon to coat, then transfer to a plate or smallbaking sheetlined withparchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the coconut mixture.
  4. Serve at room temperature but refrigerate the leftovers.

Tips for Success

  • Be sure to take out your butter and cream cheese at least an hour before starting to make sure they're soft.
  • It helps to use an electric mixer to fully incorporate the ingredients, but you want to do it by hand you will need the butter and cream cheese are especially soft. Use a sturdy wooden spoon orDanish dough whiskfor best results.
  • If you prefer to use salted butter, reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
  • Slowly beat in the powdered sugar one cup at a time so that it incorporates easier and doesn't make a mess.
  • Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling so that it's easier to handle.
  • Replace the cinnamon with cocoa powder for a unique twist. Try it if you love almond joys or a mounds bar!
The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (5)

How to store

Store your leftover Irish potatoes in an airtight container the refrigerator. These fun treats will keep for up to 2 weeks refrigerated and last up to 3 months in the freezer.

FAQ

What is Irish Potato Candy?

Irish Potatoes are bite-sized, cinnamon-coated coconut cream candies that are made to look like small potatoes. They become popular every March in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick's Day. They've become a celebrated tradition all throughout the greater Philadelphia region, and those who grew up in the area never let the holiday go by without savoring a few of these sweet treats.

Are Irish Potato Candies from Ireland?

No. Despite their name, Irish Potatoes are entirely an American creation, originating in Philadelphia. It's said that Irish immigrants began making the candyasa way to honor and remember the millions of people lost inthe Irish Potato Famine of the mid 1800's.

Do Irish Potato Candies contain potatoes?

No, they are just made to look like little potatoes and are intended to celebrate Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day.

Is Irish Potato Candy the same as Old Fashioned Potato Candy?

No, they are totally different. Irish Potato Candy is made to look like little potatoes, while Old Fashioned Potato Candy is actually made from potatoes.

How to Store them and how long will they keep?

Irish Potato Candy keeps for quite a while in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months! They can be served chilled or at room temperature, and are actually quite delicious frozen as well.

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Did you make this recipe and LOVE it? Please leave a star ⭐️ rating and/or comment to help other readers.

The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (10)

Irish Potato Candy

It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without this irresistible Irish Potato Candy! These cinnamon coated, coconut cream candies are bite-sized and made to look just like little potatoes. This no bake candy recipe has a few unique tweaks to make it even better than the original.

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: candy

Cuisine: Irish

Keyword: candy, cinnamon, coconut, dessert, Irish, Philadelphia, potatoes, sweets, treats

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Calories: 4183kcal

Author: Nicole Gaffney (ColeyCooks.com)

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened* (½ stick)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (½ package)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups confectioners sugar (1 lb)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt*
  • 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut flakes (8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon plus more as needed

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

  • Add the vanilla and salt, then slowly add in the confectioners sugar while beating until it’s all incorporated and totally smooth.

  • Add the coconut a little bit at a time and mix until it's totally combined.

  • Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes so that it’s easier to handle.

  • Scoop out scant tablespoons, then use your hands to form them into balls or oblong potato shapes, then roll in cinnamon to coat.

  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • *If using salted butter, reduce the salt to ¼ teaspoon.
  • *Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 4183kcal | Carbohydrates: 500g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 250g | Saturated Fat: 198g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 237mg | Sodium: 2793mg | Potassium: 1638mg | Fiber: 50g | Sugar: 435g | Vitamin A: 2988IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 357mg | Iron: 10mg

More St. Patrick's Day Recipes

  • Irish Beef Stew
  • Irish Cheddar and Stout Biscuits

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Justine Green

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (13)
    I made these last year and everyone said they were the best Irish Potatoes they ever tasted. Making them again for this St. Patty's Day. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply

    • Coley

      So glad to hear that!! I know I'm biased but I have to agree. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!

      Reply

  2. CM

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (14)
    Love these, great recipe

    Reply

    • Coley

      So glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply

  3. Nic

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (15)
    Best recipe for Irish Potatoes I've tried. Everyone loved them

    Reply

    • Coley

      So happy you enjoyed - thanks for the comment!

      Reply

  4. CHRISTELL M LAULETTA

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (16)
    Hi Coley,
    Welcome Back!
    I've missed your page and delicious recipes.
    Your new home is looking great and what fabulous views you have. Chaser can look across the water and see one of the Masterpieces he created for Dave & Noelle!
    Irish Potatoes. A favorite childhood memory, both eating and making them. Our family recipe is slightly different, no cream cheese. Not better, just a little different.
    1 stick of butter, 1 lb. sifted 10X sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded coconut (I like the angel coconut), an additional 1/2 cup 10X sugar and 4 t. cinnamon sifted together.
    Beat the butter, sugar, cream & coconut till blended and smooth. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours then shape into balls using a small scoop. Roll in the Cinnamon/Sugar.
    I'm going to give your recipe a try this year!
    Chrissy

    Reply

  5. Phoebe

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (17)
    This is the best version of this candy I've ever made! That little addition of salt makes all the difference.

    Reply

  6. Danielle

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (18)
    Where have these been all my life????

    Reply

    • Coley

      did you make them?? They're such a big thing here this time of year! It's not March for me with out some Irish potatoes. 🙂

      Reply

      • Sunnie De

        The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (19)
        Thanks so much for your recipe!! I’m from Philly! I’ve only been in Central Pennsylvania for a year now and I cannot find the Oh Ryan’s Irish ☘️ potatoes in my local market this year. (They did have them last year.) My boys have asked me about them since the beginning of March! Started searching on Pinterest for a recipe but NONE of them were Philly style. You are the best! Coley saves St Paddy’s Day! Lol

        Reply

        • Coley

          Thank you so much for commenting!! I can't believe Central PA doesn't have any Irish Potatoes for sale! Homemade is always better anyway. I'm so glad you loved these! 🙂

          Reply

  7. Shaina

    The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (20)
    I'm so glad you know about these haha. When I made them last year, people down here thought I was crazy. They're delicious!!!

    Reply

    • Coley

      OMG of course! My childhood wouldn't have been the same without them. I never realized they were a regional specialty until recently. You need to teach those Floridians what's up!!

      Reply

The Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my potato candy runny? ›

Mashed potatoes must cool completely before adding sugar. Otherwise they will melt the sugar and you will end up with a very runny mess. I recommend allowing them to cool at room temperature rather than the fridge, as sometimes the condensation from the fridge can also make the mixture runny.

What is the best Irish potato? ›

Traditionally Irish people like a “floury” potato with medium-high dry matter. Most of our popular varieties are above 20% dry matter. These other varieties are mainly white skinned potatoes, the most popular being Maritiema, Cultra, Navan, Nectar and Electra.

What is Irish potato candy made of? ›

The candies have a coconut cream inside (generally made from some blend of coconut, confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and cream or cream cheese) and are rolled in cinnamon on the outside, resulting in an appearance reminiscent of small potatoes.

Does potato candy need to be refrigerated? ›

Potato candy does not require baking and is instead refrigerated in order to fully harden the candy, though it can stay at room temperature following the refrigeration process. Most sources indicate that the potato candy has a shelf life of roughly one to two weeks.

Why are my boiled potatoes gummy? ›

Some cells will inevitably burst, releasing tacky gel that helps give mashed potatoes their cohesiveness. But if too much gelled starch seeps out of the cells, either from overcooking or too-vigorous mashing (or both), gumminess ensues.

How do you make sweet potatoes less runny? ›

The solution for watery casseroles is instant potato mash powder or cornflour - slake (mix with a little water) at first or it will go lumpy. Stir well. Alternatively, don't add so much water at first, especially if you're using a slow cooker.

What does Irish potato give to the body? ›

Consuming potassium-rich foods like Irish potatoes can help reduce the risk of hypertension and lower the chances of heart disease and stroke. Immune System Support: Irish potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Which is better for you sweet potato or Irish potato? ›

In terms of micronutrients, boiled sweet potatoes come out on top in terms of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus while the regular potato wins when it comes to potassium, Vitamin B1 and folic acid.

What are potatoes called in Ireland? ›

The Irish language is very descriptive the common word for potato in Irish is práta (pl. prátaí), hence the origin of Praties for Potatoes, There are literally 50 Irish words and descriptive phrases relating to the potato.

What is Ireland's favorite candy? ›

1 Cadbury Dairy Milk

Cadbury Ireland factories are located in Coolock, in Dublin, and in Rathmore, in Kerry. The jewel in the crown is the shopper favourite – the Cadbury Dairy Milk plain 53g bar – which is manufactured in Ireland.

What is candy called in Ireland? ›

Instead the term 'sweets' is preferred in Ireland, referring to everything from hard candy to jellies to chocolate bars.

What did the Irish eat instead of potatoes? ›

Until the arrival of the potato in the 16th century, grains such as oats, wheat and barley, cooked either as porridge or bread, formed the staple of the Irish diet. The most common form of bread consisted of flatbread made from ground oats.

What country did potato candy originate from? ›

Potato candy came to the U.S., somewhere around the turn of the century, reportedly from Germany.

How old is potato candy? ›

It's believed that Irish potato candy originated in Philadelphia some time in the late 19th or early 20th century. Although there was a large Irish community in Philadelphia at that time, there's no proof that it was a person of Irish origin of who invented this candy.

What candy is made from potatoes? ›

This potato candy is super easy to make with mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter for a sweet old-fashioned treat! This old-fashioned peanut butter potato candy recipe is sweet, nostalgic, and super easy to make.

Why are my candied sweet potatoes watery? ›

Drain the syrup: This is a key move so your candied yams don't turn out runny due to too much liquid in the baking dish.

Why is my potato bake always runny? ›

Some potatoes, like Yukon Gold, have more water in them. Try letting the dish rest for 10 minutes or so to let the water get absorbed and let the sauce thicken. Try cooking your recipe longer. Try uncovering the dish in the oven for the last 10 minutes or so.

How do you thicken potato balls? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

What causes potato salad to become watery? ›

Watery potato salads may be caused by the following: Type of potato used. A waxy or moist potato tends to stay that way when cooked. The Russet Burbank variety has high solids (starch to water ratio) and tends to be drier when cooked.

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