If you’ve never experienced the charming sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture of Irish Potato Candy, you are honestly in for a treat! Contrary to what the name suggests, there’s not a single spud in sight—just a delightful mixture of coconut, butter, cream cheese, and a magical dusting of cinnamon. These no-bake candies are a quirky American tradition with Irish roots, and they are, hands down, one of the most fun recipes to whip up with kids or serve as a conversation starter at parties. Trust me, once you try one, you’ll have people guessing the “secret ingredient” and coming back for more!

Irish Potato Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about Irish Potato Candy is that it uses just a handful of humble ingredients that blend together into a treat that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the classic taste and texture you simply can’t skip.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Gives the candies a rich, creamy base and helps them hold their shape.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds tangy flavor and a luxurious mouthfeel, making the center irresistibly smooth.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note that brings everything together.
Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the candies and creates structure, turning the filling into a dough-like consistency.
Sweetened shredded coconut (2 ½ cups): Infuses the candy with delicate coconut flavor and that signature chewy bite.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon, for rolling): Delivers the candy’s iconic “potato skin” look and adds a gentle, spiced kick.

How to Make Irish Potato Candy

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by placing the softened butter and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer or sturdy whisk, beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This blending step is key for a velvety candy base without any lumps.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

Next, pour in the vanilla extract for that lovely background note. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing in a cup at a time. Be patient—this step transforms your mixture from runny to doughy, and it’s worth waiting for that perfect, thick consistency!

Step 3: Fold in the Coconut

Gently fold the sweetened shredded coconut into your creamy base. Make sure it’s fully incorporated, so every bite of your Irish Potato Candy is packed with coconutty texture and flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Candies

Using clean hands, roll small portions of the dough into 1-inch balls. Don’t worry about them being perfectly round—slightly irregular shapes add to the authentic “mini potato” effect.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon

Drop each ball into a shallow dish filled with ground cinnamon. Roll until completely coated to mimic a potato’s skin! For a fun twist, you can blend in a bit of cocoa powder for a lighter or more nuanced finish.

Step 6: Chill

Arrange all your cinnamon-kissed candies on a parchment-lined tray and pop them in the fridge for at least one hour. This helps them firm up and lets the flavors mingle wonderfully.

How to Serve Irish Potato Candy

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut on top for a snowy effect, or dust lightly with cocoa powder for added depth. A sprig of mint offers a dash of green—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities or just for fun!

Side Dishes

Pair your Irish Potato Candy with a fresh fruit plate, a cup of coffee, or hot Irish tea. The rich sweetness is beautifully balanced alongside tart berries or even lightly salted roasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these candies in mini cupcake wrappers or nestle them in a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment for that classic “potato sack” vibe. For parties, try skewering them onto cocktail sticks, or let guests “dig” for their own from a bowl dusted with extra cinnamon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Irish Potato Candy keeps beautifully for a week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure the lid is tight to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors or drying out.

Freezing

These candies are freezer-friendly! Place them on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary, as Irish Potato Candy is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want that fresh-from-the-fridge flavor, simply let them sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

What is Irish Potato Candy, and does it really contain potatoes?

Despite the name, there are no potatoes in Irish Potato Candy! The rich, coconutty center is just shaped and dusted with cinnamon to look like a tiny, rustic potato—a delightful bit of culinary whimsy.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely. Swap out the butter and cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives. Use a vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter, and you’ll be set for a delicious vegan treat.

Is fresh coconut okay instead of sweetened shredded coconut?

You can use fresh coconut, but keep in mind it will alter the sweetness and the texture. If using fresh, add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to maintain the candy’s delightful sweetness.

Can I give Irish Potato Candy as a homemade gift?

Definitely! These candies make charming, nostalgic gifts. Arrange them in decorative boxes or little paper bags with a rustic Irish motif, and your friends will feel the love and whimsy in every bite.

What if I don’t love coconut—can I substitute it?

Coconut is a classic here, but if you’re not a fan, try using finely chopped nuts or a bit of crisped rice cereal for texture. The result won’t taste like the classic, but it’ll still be absolutely delicious!

Final Thoughts

Few treats spark conversation and smiles quite like Irish Potato Candy. It’s playful, nostalgic, and impossibly easy to make. If you’re looking for something unique and sweetly memorable for your next gathering or a cozy night in, give these fun candies a try—you just might start a new tradition!

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 30 candies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat that combines cream cheese, coconut, and a hint of cinnamon for a sweet and creamy bite-sized dessert. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any sweet occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Candy:

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Candy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in powdered sugar until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
Incorporate Coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly combined.
Shape the Candies: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small 1-inch balls.
Coat with Cinnamon: Roll each ball in ground cinnamon until fully coated.
Chill and Serve: Place the candies on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.