Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Alright, let’s get one thing straight right off the bat—Irish Potato Candy is neither Irish nor made with potatoes. Yep, you heard me. Total misdirection. But trust me, this little lie tastes delicious. These bite-sized sweet treats are basically cinnamon-dusted coconut cream candies, and they’re ridiculously addictive.

So, why are they called Irish Potato Candies? Probably because they look like tiny potatoes and they’re super popular around St. Patrick’s Day, especially in Philly. But really, who cares why when you can just eat ten in one sitting and pretend it’s for “cultural appreciation”?

Let’s roll up our sleeves (or not, you do you) and dive into this recipe that’s equal parts quirky, nostalgic, and delicious.

What Exactly Is Irish Potato Candy?

A candy with an identity crisis (but we love it anyway)

So here’s the breakdown:

• Not Irish – Originated in Philadelphia, USA.
• No potatoes – The only spud-like thing about it is the look.
• Tastes like a coconut cream dream – With a cinnamon-dusted outside and a creamy, coconutty interior.

Think of it like if a Mounds bar and a truffle had a cinnamon-covered baby. That’s Irish Potato Candy. 💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Trust Me)

Before we get into the step-by-step, let’s talk about why you need to make this—like, yesterday.

• No baking involved – Because let’s be real, sometimes we’re just not in the mood to preheat an oven.
• Only a handful of ingredients – You probably already have most of them.
• Perfect for parties or snacking solo – Just try not to eat them all while “taste testing.”
• Super kid-friendly – Let the little ones help you roll these into “potatoes.” Warning: Things will get messy.

Still not convinced? Okay, here’s a kicker: you can make a whole batch in under 30 minutes. Boom.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Irish Potato Candy

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s your grocery list:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat, please—this isn’t the time for diet food)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar (yes, FOUR—this is candy, not salad)
• 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, for rolling

Optional extras (a.k.a. flair):

• Chopped walnuts or pecans (if you like a little crunch)
• A splash of coconut extract for extra oomph
• A pinch of salt to cut the sweetness (highly recommend)

FYI: You’ll want to keep everything at room temp so mixing doesn’t turn into a workout.

How to Make Irish Potato Candy

Step 1: Mix the creamy base

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 2: Sugar, sugar, sugar

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Yes, your arm might fall off if you’re doing this by hand. Consider this your gym session for the day. 💪

Once the sugar is fully incorporated, you’ll have a sticky, fluffy base. Try not to eat it with a spoon… or do, no judgment.

Step 3: Add the coconut

Stir in the shredded coconut until well mixed. The mixture should be thick enough to roll into little balls. If it’s still too soft, toss it in the fridge for 15 minutes and thank me later.

Step 4: Shape the “potatoes”

Roll the mixture into small, potato-shaped ovals—about the size of a walnut. Or go big if you’re feeling dramatic. 🤷‍♀️

Step 5: Dust with cinnamon

In a small bowl, pour your ground cinnamon. Roll each ball until it’s evenly coated. This is what gives them that “I-just-dug-this-up-from-Ireland” look.

Step 6: Chill out

Place the candies on a tray and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. You can also freeze them if you want to prep ahead (they keep well for up to a month!).

Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Candies

Want to look like a candy-making genius? Follow these hot tips:

• Don’t overdo the cinnamon – A light dusting is charming. A heavy coat and you’ve got spice bombs.
• Chill before shaping if your mixture feels too gooey. Coconut can absorb moisture fast.
• Use gloves while rolling if you don’t want cinnamon hands (though smelling like snickerdoodles all day isn’t the worst thing).
• Add texture by mixing in crushed nuts or even mini chocolate chips. It’s your candy—go wild.

Fun Twists on the Classic

Feeling rebellious? Switch things up with these Irish Potato Candy upgrades:

Chocolate-Dipped Version

Dip half of each candy in melted dark chocolate. The combo of cinnamon and chocolate? Chef’s kiss.

Coffee Lovers’ Dream

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mix for a mocha-coconut vibe. Just don’t blame me if you get addicted.

Kid-Friendly Rainbow Version

Use colored sugar instead of cinnamon for a rainbow of tiny “potatoes.” Warning: They will look nothing like potatoes, but the kids won’t care.

Storage Tips (If They Last That Long)

Let’s be real—these will probably disappear before you even get them in a container. But just in case you have the willpower of a saint:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 1 month.
• Room temp? Eh… not ideal. The cream cheese means these babies like the cold.

Irish Potato Candy vs. Actual Irish Desserts: The Showdown

Okay, time for a little reality check. Here’s how this candy stacks up against real Irish desserts:

Feature	Irish Potato Candy	Real Irish Dessert (like Baileys cheesecake)
Irish heritage	0%	100%
Potato content	0%	Sometimes, weirdly enough
Cute + nostalgic?	✅	Depends on who you ask
Effort level	Super easy	Moderate to high
Crowd-pleaser?	Absolutely	Still yes, but not as quirky

Conclusion? Irish Potato Candy wins on novelty and ease, even if it’s basically American coconut fudge in disguise. 😎

Related Recipes

• Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
• Marshmallow Icing Recipe
• Easy Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

Final Thoughts about Irish Potato Candy

Irish Potato Candy might not come from the Emerald Isle, but it definitely earns a spot in your treat rotation. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making “just because.” Also—bonus—you’ll confuse the heck out of people when you offer them a “potato” that tastes like a coconut cream cloud. 😂

So go ahead—get messy, roll some “potatoes,” and enjoy the weirdly wonderful world of this not-so-Irish candy.

Got a fun twist on this recipe? Let me know—IMO, there’s always room for more dessert experiments. 🍬