If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both whimsical and delicious, Irish Potato Candy for St is your next must-try. Despite the name, there’s not a single spud in sight—these little gems are a beloved Irish-American confection made from coconut, cream cheese, and cinnamon, shaped to look like miniature potatoes. They’re the ultimate conversation starter at any St. Patrick’s Day party, and one bite of their creamy, coconutty center will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re making them with kids or bringing a tray to share with friends, Irish Potato Candy for St is pure, nostalgic fun wrapped up in a cinnamon-dusted package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Irish Potato Candy for St is how simple the ingredient list is! Each element brings its own magic—creamy richness, sweet coconut texture, and that playful, potato-like finish—that makes these candies so special.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): This gives the candies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds tangy creaminess and helps bind everything together for that fudge-like bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings a lovely aromatic warmth that balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and helps create the thick, pliable dough that holds the candies’ shape.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (2 1/2 cups): Gives the candies their signature chewy texture and subtle coconut flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for coating): This is the secret to their iconic potato-like look and a touch of spicy warmth.
How to Make Irish Potato Candy for St
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating together the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is super smooth and creamy. This is the base for your Irish Potato Candy for St, so take a minute here to make sure there are no lumps—smoothness is key!
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time. The dough will get thick and a bit stiff, but keep mixing until it all comes together in a soft, pliable mass. If it gets too tough, you can use your hands to finish mixing.
Step 3: Fold in the Coconut
Using a spatula or your hands, fold the shredded coconut into the dough until it’s evenly distributed. The coconut gives Irish Potato Candy for St its signature texture and flavor, so make sure it’s mixed throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Candies
Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them between your palms into little potato-shaped ovals. Don’t worry about perfection—irregular shapes make them look even more like real potatoes!
Step 5: Cinnamon Coating
Roll each candy in ground cinnamon until they’re completely coated. Gently shake off the excess cinnamon, and place the candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is what gives Irish Potato Candy for St its iconic, earthy “potato skin.”
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Pop the tray into the refrigerator and chill the candies for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them even more irresistible to bite into!
How to Serve Irish Potato Candy for St
Garnishes
For a festive flourish, you can add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few green sugar crystals to make them pop on a party platter. A little fresh mint alongside can make your Irish Potato Candy for St look even more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
These candies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea or coffee. If you’re putting together a dessert spread, serve them alongside chocolate truffles, shortbread, or fruit for a lovely variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Irish Potato Candy for St into a rustic basket lined with parchment, or arrange them on a platter with green napkins for a true St. Patrick’s Day vibe. For gift-giving, tuck a few into small cellophane bags tied with ribbon—guaranteed to make anyone smile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Irish Potato Candy for St in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead for your celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze these candies! Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
No reheating needed—these candies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If they’ve been in the freezer, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQs
Is there really potato in Irish Potato Candy for St?
Nope, not a trace of potato! The name comes from their adorable resemblance to little potatoes, but the flavor is all coconut, cream cheese, and cinnamon—a true sweet treat.
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Sweetened shredded coconut is traditional and gives the best chewy texture, but you can use unsweetened if you prefer a less sweet bite. You may want to add a bit more powdered sugar to balance the flavor.
What if I don’t like cinnamon?
If cinnamon isn’t your thing, try rolling your Irish Potato Candy for St in cocoa powder instead for a chocolatey twist! It changes the look a little, but the taste is still fantastic.
Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! This is a super kid-friendly recipe—rolling the candies and coating them in cinnamon is especially fun for little hands. Just be ready for a bit of a (delicious) mess.
How far in advance can I make Irish Potato Candy for St?
You can make these up to a week ahead of time, and they actually taste even better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Perfect for planning ahead!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly charming about Irish Potato Candy for St—simple ingredients, easy steps, and a result that’s as cute as it is delicious. Give this recipe a whirl, and you’ll have a new St. Patrick’s Day tradition that friends and family will look forward to year after year!
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Irish Potato Candy for St Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30–36 candies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat traditionally enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day. Resembling tiny potatoes, these sweet candies combine creamy cream cheese, buttery goodness, shredded coconut, and a cinnamon coating to create a unique coconut cream flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Coating
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a silky base.
- Add Flavor: Incorporate the vanilla extract into the creamy mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing consistently until a thick dough forms that holds together well.
- Mix in Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut gently but thoroughly so that it is evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
- Shape the Candies: Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into small potato-shaped ovals using your hands, mimicking the iconic look.
- Coat with Cinnamon: Place the shaped candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll each candy in ground cinnamon until fully coated, then gently shake off excess cinnamon for a light, even finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cinnamon-coated candies for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. This enhances the flavor and texture.
Notes
- These candies resemble tiny potatoes visually but have a sweet coconut cream taste.
- Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a different twist, roll the candies in cocoa powder instead of cinnamon to add a chocolate flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
