Irish Potato Candy – A Sweet and Creamy Cinnamon-Coated Treat That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Irish Potato Candy is a fun and sweet confection that may look like tiny potatoes, but these little treats are all about creamy goodness and cinnamon flavor. Made with cream cheese, butter, coconut, and rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating, they have a soft, sweet, and slightly nutty center with a delicious outer layer of spice. Don’t let their name fool you—there’s no potato in these candies, just a smooth, rich texture that’s totally indulgent. Perfect for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations or anytime you want a bite-sized dessert with a unique twist.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Irish Potato Candy

Though this candy may have an Irish name, it actually originated in Philadelphia, where it became a popular sweet treat around St. Patrick’s Day. The candies are shaped to resemble small potatoes and rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture to give them their signature look. The combination of cream cheese and shredded coconut makes for a soft and rich filling that melts in your mouth, while the cinnamon and brown sugar add a delicious, warming contrast. It's a dessert that brings a playful nod to the Emerald Isle while packing in plenty of flavor and fun!

Why You’ll Love Making and Eating Irish Potato Candy

These adorable candy bites are easy to make and packed with a creamy, coconutty sweetness that's irresistible. The combination of the velvety cream cheese filling and the cinnamon-sugar coating provides a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Plus, they’re no-bake, making them a quick and simple treat to whip up for any celebration. Whether you're serving them to kids or adults, this whimsical dessert is sure to be a hit!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 42g
• Fiber: 3g

While rich and sweet, these candies are great for enjoying in moderation or for sharing with friends and family.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Irish Potato Candy is delicious on its own, but you can serve them alongside other festive treats like green cupcakes or shamrock cookies for a full St. Patrick’s Day dessert spread. Pair with a cup of Irish coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the sweet and spiced flavors of the candy. You can also wrap them up in small boxes or bags as a charming homemade gift for friends or loved ones!

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw them in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy. For the best texture, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Fun Fact: The Misleading Name

Despite their name, these candies contain no potatoes at all! Their name comes from their resemblance to tiny potatoes, thanks to the brown cinnamon-sugar coating. This playful twist makes them a unique dessert, perfect for surprising guests.

Cooking Tips

• Coconut Texture: For a smoother texture, use finely shredded coconut. If you prefer a bit more bite, you can use coarsely shredded coconut instead.
• Chilling the Mixture: Be sure to chill the mixture for at least an hour before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to shape and handle without sticking to your hands.
• Customize the Coating: If you're not a fan of cinnamon, you can roll the candies in cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers instead for a different flavor.

Optional Variations

• Nutty Addition: For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped pecans or almonds to the candy mixture before rolling them into balls.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top of the candies once they’ve been rolled in cinnamon sugar.
• Flavored Fillings: Add a splash of almond or coconut extract to the filling for a different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon coating.

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Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 ½ cups shredded coconut
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup light brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mixture: Using a hand mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
2. Add vanilla and powdered sugar: Beat in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thick.
3. Fold in the coconut: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the shredded coconut until fully combined.
4. Chill the mixture: Cover the mixture with foil and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing it to firm up.
5. Shape the candies: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into small, potato-shaped balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
6. Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and cinnamon until well mixed.
7. Coat the candies: Roll each candy ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, then place them back on the cookie sheet.
8. Serve and enjoy: Arrange the finished candies on a serving platter and enjoy immediately, or store them in the fridge until ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

Irish Potato Candy is a sweet and creamy treat that brings a little extra fun to your dessert table. With its soft coconut filling and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. These candies are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself to a whimsical dessert that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist!