Old Fashion Potato Candy
When I close my eyes and think back to the sweet treats of my childhood, the image of old fashion potato candy instantly comes to mind. A simple confection that never fails to bring a smile to my face. The recipe, passed down from my beloved Grandma, was a testament to her culinary prowess and love for traditional, comforting flavors. This was my Paps’ all-time favorite, and the mere mention of it would light up his eyes. As my grandparents got older and my grandma stopped making Christmas cookies and candy, pap would say to me “Are you making potato candy?”
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Old Fashion Potato Candy is, without a doubt, a classic recipe. And it’s the kind of dish that’s tied to family traditions. There’s something heartwarming about following in my grandma’s footsteps and creating a dessert that is truly nostalgic. The simple ingredients make it easy to whip up.
Bite sized treats are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platters!
What is Potato Candy?
Potato candy is a confectionery that involves a sweet combination of mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla with a swirl of peanut butter. Despite its name, potato candy doesn’t taste like potatoes but rather has a sweet, creamy texture reminiscent of fudge.
Potato candy is made by boiling and mashing potatoes, then mixing them with powdered sugar to create a dough. This dough is rolled out into a thin layer then spread with peanut butter. The dough is then carefully rolled into a log and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
The History of Potato Candy
Old Fashion Potato candy, a sweet confection made from mashed potatoes and powdered sugar, has a surprisingly rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century in the Southern United States, where resourcefulness and creativity led to the development of this unique treat during times of scarcity. With ingredients that were readily available, including potatoes, a staple in many households, and sugar, which was relatively affordable, potato candy became a popular homemade dessert during the Great Depression. The simple yet satisfying recipe gained traction as families sought economical ways to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Potato candy’s roots can be traced back to the Great Depression when people had to make the most out of their limited resources. During those tough times, potato candy offered a simple yet indulgent treat. It’s a perfect example of how people found joy in life’s simple pleasures.
Simple Ingredients To Make this Old Fashion Potato Candy
Crafting this delightful treat requires only a handful of simple ingredients, which you most likely already have in your pantry.
a medium potato
butter
powdered sugar
vanilla
milk
peanut butter
How to Make Potato Candy
To create this old-fashioned delight, start by boiling a medium potato. Once the potato is tender, mash it into a bowl and beat in the softened butter. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. It should be the consistency of playdough. Add a few drops of milk if needed.
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, this makes it easier to roll out. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll the dough between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper sprinkled with powdered sugar to keep dough from sticking to your rolling pin. Roll the dough out to about 1/4″ thick. Spread the peanut butter in a thin layer over the candy and roll the dough into a log. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Remove from refrigerator and slice into 1/4 ” slices.
Tips For Making Potato Candy
Use a good quality peanut butter.
If your mixture is too thick, add a few drops of milk. Beat well to achieve the perfect candy consistency. The dough should be smooth and have the consistency of playdough.
Roll the candy out between layers of parchment paper sprinkled with powdered sugar this keeps the candy from sticking.
When rolling the candy into a log shape, ensure that it’s rolled tightly, then wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
You could use any nut butter like nutella, hazlenut spread or even cookie butter.
Use a potato ricer for the potato, perfect to guarantee no lumps!
Old-fashioned potato candy is a delightful treat with a history as rich as its sweet flavor. This simple yet indulgent confection has been a source of joy for generations, and its humble roots remind us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s a cherished family tradition or a new discovery, potato candy brings people together to share in the sweet delight of the past. So, next time you’re looking for a sweet treat with a touch of nostalgia, don’t forget to try your hand at making this classic potato candy. You won’t be disappointed!
Old Fashion Potato Candy
Ingredients
- 1 medium potato peeled and cubed
- 2 pound powdered sugar about 7 1/2 cups -sifted
- 1/4 pound butter 1 stick – softened
- 1 tsp vanilla
- milk a few drops if needed
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- In a small saucepan boil potato until tender. Drain, and mash until smooth with no lumps. (a potato ricer is perfect for this) You will have about a 1/2 cup of mashed potato.
- In a large bowl beat the mashed potato with the softened butter until creamy. Add the vanilla and the sifted powder sugar a cup at a time. Beat until you have the consistency of playdough. Add a few drops of milk if necessary.
- Form dough into a square and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Remove from refrigerator and cut square into 4 equal pieces. Place a piece of dough on a sheet of parchment paper or waxed paper sprinkled with a little powdered sugar. Place another piece of paper on top and roll out to a rectangle about 1/4" thick.
- Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over rolled out dough. Carefully roll the candy from one long edge to the other. Repeat with remaining dough. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the candy is firm.
- Slice the candy into 1/2" slices. YUM!