IRISH POTATO CANDY is the kind of treat I make when I want something sweet but I do not want to turn my kitchen into a full baking show. Maybe you have been there too, craving candy, but also craving easy. The first time I tried these, I honestly thought someone had secretly used real potatoes, because they look so convincing. But the surprise is part of the fun, especially if you are making them around St. Patrick’s Day or for a cozy movie night. If you like no fuss recipes with big payoff, this one is for you.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this IRISH POTATO CANDY: it uses pantry staples and it tastes like a weekend dinner. IRISH POTATO CANDY is the kind of treat I make when I want something sweet but I do not want to turn my kitchen into a…
WHAT ARE IRISH POTATOES?
So let’s clear up the biggest confusion right away. When people say “Irish potatoes” in the candy sense, they are not talking about actual potatoes from Ireland. These are little round candies that look like tiny spuds because they are rolled in cinnamon, which gives them that dusty, earthy potato vibe.
In my family, they showed up on a plate next to other old school sweets. If you grew up with holiday candy trays, you know the ones. A few truffles, maybe some fudge, and then these little “potatoes” that make everyone do a double take.
They are usually made with a simple mix of **cream cheese**, **butter**, **powdered sugar**, and **coconut**. No candy thermometer, no baking, no complicated steps. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to chill so they roll nicely.
And if you are in a potato mood in general, I have to point you toward comfort food energy like cream potato soup. Totally different vibe, obviously, but it hits the same cozy spot.
WHAT DO THEY TASTE LIKE?
IRISH POTATO CANDY tastes like a sweet coconut cream filling with a little tang from the cream cheese, plus that warm cinnamon on the outside. The texture is soft and a little fudgy, not chewy like caramel and not crisp like brittle. Think of it like a shortcut truffle that decided to dress up as a potato.
The coconut is the main flavor, so if you already like coconut desserts, you will probably love these on the first bite. If you are not a coconut person, you might still like them because the cinnamon and creaminess mellow it out. But I will be honest, coconut is not hiding here.
One thing I love is how the cinnamon coating makes them smell kind of bakery-like even though you did not bake anything. It’s that “walk into the kitchen and immediately feel hungry” smell.
Sometimes when I am doing a dessert table, I pair these with something pepperminty for contrast. If that sounds fun, check out candy cane dessert too. The combo is cute, especially around winter holidays.
I brought these to a work potluck and three different people asked me for the recipe because they thought they were fancy homemade truffles. Nobody believed me when I said they took about 20 minutes.
HOW TO MAKE IRISH POTATOES
Okay, here is the part you came for. This is how I make IRISH POTATO CANDY at home, and it is honestly almost too easy. I like making a double batch because they disappear fast, and they store well (more on that later).
What you will need
- Cream cheese, softened
- Butter, softened (salted is fine)
- Powdered sugar
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Ground cinnamon for rolling
- Optional: chopped nuts for a little crunch, or a tiny splash of vanilla
Simple step by step
1) In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and butter until it looks smooth and creamy.
2) Add powdered sugar a bit at a time. It will get thick fast, so do not panic. This is normal.
3) Stir in the shredded coconut. Now it will look like a thick dough that you can scoop.
4) Cover and chill the mixture for about 30 minutes. You can skip chilling if your kitchen is cold, but chilling makes rolling way easier.
5) Scoop and roll into small balls. I aim for about 1 inch, like a big grape or a small walnut.
6) Roll each ball in cinnamon until fully coated, then place on a plate or tray.
7) Chill again until firm, then serve.
A few real life tips from my kitchen:
- If the mixture is sticking to your hands, wash and dry them, then roll again. Slightly damp hands can also help, but do not overdo it.
- If it feels too soft, chill longer. If it feels too stiff, let it sit out for 5 minutes.
- Use a fork to toss the balls in cinnamon if you do not want cinnamon fingers.
And because I am me, I always end up making a full comfort meal before dessert. If you need dinner inspiration, chicken potato broccoli casserole is one of those hearty options that makes dessert feel extra earned.
WHAT IS POTATO CANDY?
Potato candy is kind of a big umbrella term. It usually means candy that either looks like a potato (like these), or candy that is made using actual mashed potato as part of the base. Yes, real potato can show up in candy recipes, usually to add moisture and make the texture soft without needing a lot of fat.
The version I am sharing today is the “looks like a potato” style, which is why IRISH POTATO CANDY is so fun at parties. People do a little confused laugh before they try one, and then they go back for another.
There are other potato themed treats out there too, and honestly, the world of quirky sweets is deep. If you like easy candy projects that feel impressive, you might also enjoy something like crockpot candy for gifting, or snacky sweets like crispy churro cracker candy when you want crunch.
Before we move on, here is a quick little snapshot for anyone who likes the info laid out clearly.
HOW TO STORE AND FREEZE FRESH BLUEBERRIES
I know this sounds like a left turn from candy potatoes, but hear me out. I always seem to have blueberries around, and I love having them ready for quick snacks, oatmeal, or tossing into desserts. Plus, if you are making a dessert spread, fresh fruit on the side makes everything feel a bit more balanced.
Storing fresh blueberries
Keep blueberries unwashed in the fridge until you are ready to eat them. Moisture is what makes them spoil faster. I store mine in the container they came in, but I line it with a paper towel if they seem damp.
- Do not rinse until you are ready to use them
- Pick out any soft berries so they do not affect the rest
- Keep them chilled in the fridge
Freezing blueberries the easy way
To freeze, rinse and dry them really well. Then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, pour them into a freezer bag or container. This keeps them from freezing into one big blueberry brick.
Frozen blueberries are best used in smoothies, baking, sauces, or stirring into yogurt. They get softer once thawed, so I do not usually thaw them for snacking.
If you are doing a whole comfort food theme, blueberries also work great as a fresh side after something filling like pot roast over mashed potatoes. Sweet after savory is always a win.
Common Questions
Can I make IRISH POTATO CANDY ahead of time?
Yes. I actually prefer it after it has chilled a few hours. The flavor settles and the shape holds better.
Do I have to use sweetened coconut?
No, but sweetened coconut gives the classic flavor and texture. If you use unsweetened, you may want a little extra powdered sugar to keep it sweet enough.
Why are my candies too soft to roll?
Your butter or cream cheese was probably extra warm. Pop the mixture in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes, then try again.
Can I freeze these candies?
Yes. Freeze them in a single layer first, then store in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge so they do not get sweaty.
How do I make them look more like tiny potatoes?
Roll them a little uneven, not perfectly round, and coat well in cinnamon. You can even press a tiny “eye” indent with a toothpick if you want to be extra playful.
A sweet little send off
If you want a no bake treat that looks adorable and tastes like a cozy coconut bite, IRISH POTATO CANDY is such a fun one to try. Keep them chilled, share them with friends, and do not be surprised if people ask for the recipe right away. If you want to compare versions, I like looking at Irish Potato Candy Recipe – Allrecipes and Irish Potatoes (Candy) – Host The Toast for extra tips and variations. Now go roll up a batch and enjoy that cinnamon coconut goodness.
Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the shredded coconut until a thick dough forms.
- Cover and chill the mixture for about 30 minutes.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in size.
- Roll each ball in cinnamon until fully coated, then place on a plate or tray.
- Chill again until firm, then serve.
