Potato Candy: A Classic Old Fashioned Treat with a Twist

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Are you ready to indulge in a sweet and creamy treat that will take you back in time? Look no further than potato candy, a classic old fashioned candy recipe that is easy to make and fun to eat.

This unique dessert is perfect for the holiday season, and its creamy texture and sweet flavor will have you hooked from the first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This potato candy recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves old fashioned candy recipes. It’s easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, making it a thrifty and creative dessert option. So, what are you waiting for?

Let’s dive in and explore the world of potato candy!

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste by adding different mix-ins, such as peanut butter, chocolate chips, or nuts.

You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon golds, to create unique flavor profiles. The possibilities are endless, and we’ll explore some of these variations later in the recipe.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 cups mashed potatoes — Any type of potato will work, but Russet or Idaho potatoes yield the best results due to their high starch content. Make sure they’re cooked and mashed before using.

1 cup powdered sugar — This is the main sweetener in the recipe, and it helps to balance out the savory flavor of the potatoes. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that the candy will be quite sweet.

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter — This adds a rich and creamy texture to the candy, and helps to bind the ingredients together. You can use natural peanut butter or peanut butter with added oils, depending on your preference.

1/4 teaspoon salt — This enhances the flavor of the candy and helps to balance out the sweetness. Use a flaky sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter — This adds a touch of richness and flavor to the candy, and helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. You can use salted butter if you prefer, but omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract — This adds a hint of flavor and aroma to the candy, and helps to enhance the overall taste. Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.

Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles — These add extra flavor and texture to the candy, and can help to create a fun and festive appearance. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different mix-ins to find your favorite combinations.

Why These Ingredients

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the base of this recipe, and they provide a unique texture and flavor to the candy. They’re also a great way to use up leftover potatoes, making this recipe a thrifty and creative option.

When choosing potatoes, look for high starch varieties like Russet or Idaho, as they yield the best results.

When mashing the potatoes, make sure to add a little bit of milk or cream to create a smooth and creamy texture. This will help the potatoes to mix in with the other ingredients and create a cohesive and smooth candy.

You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and help bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is the main sweetener in this recipe, and it helps to balance out the savory flavor of the potatoes. It’s also a key ingredient in creating the smooth and creamy texture of the candy.

When using powdered sugar, make sure to sift it well to remove any lumps and ensure that it’s evenly mixed with the other ingredients.

You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that the candy will be quite sweet. If you prefer a less sweet candy, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute it with a different sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

Creamy Peanut Butter

Creamy peanut butter adds a rich and creamy texture to the candy, and helps to bind the ingredients together. It’s also a key ingredient in creating the flavor and aroma of the candy.

When using peanut butter, make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is free from added oils and sugars.

You can also use natural peanut butter or peanut butter with added oils, depending on your preference. Natural peanut butter has a richer and more intense flavor, while peanut butter with added oils is smoother and creamier.

Experiment with different types of peanut butter to find the one that works best for you.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Combine the Mashed Potatoes and Powdered Sugar — In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and powdered sugar. Mix until well combined and smooth, using a wooden spoon or electric mixer.

Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix in any lumps or streaks.

Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter and Mix — Add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps or streaks.

If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar to balance it out.

Step 3: Add the Salt, Butter, and Vanilla Extract — Add the salt, butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a hint of flavor and aroma.

Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix in any lumps or streaks.

Step 4: Add the Mix-ins (Optional) — If using, add the mix-ins (such as chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles) to the bowl and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with the mix-ins evenly distributed throughout.

Make sure to not overmix the mixture, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.

Step 5: Shape the Candy — Use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape the candy into small balls or shapes. You can also use a candy mold to create fun and festive shapes.

Make sure to press the candy firmly into the mold or shape it into a smooth and even ball.

Step 6: Chill the Candy — Place the shaped candy on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the candy to set and become firm, making it easier to handle and store.

How To Serve

Serve the potato candy at room temperature, paired with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

This is a perfect treat for a cozy afternoon or a fun dessert for a party.

Serve the potato candy chilled, straight from the refrigerator.

This is a great way to enjoy the candy on a hot summer day or as a refreshing treat after a meal.

Serve the potato candy as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

This is a fun and creative way to enjoy the candy, and it adds a unique texture and flavor to your favorite desserts.

Serve the potato candy as a gift, packaged in a cute container or bag.

This is a thoughtful and unique gift idea, perfect for friends and family who love old fashioned candy recipes.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

exact days, container, tips. Store the potato candy at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Make sure to keep the container away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the candy to melt or become sticky.

When storing the candy at room temperature, make sure to keep it in a cool and dry place. You can also store it in a container with a tight fitting lid, such as a glass jar or a plastic container.

This will help to keep the candy fresh and prevent it from becoming stale or dry.

Refrigerator

exact days, container, how to reheat. Store the potato candy in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the candy from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also reheat the candy in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to become too soft or sticky.

When reheating the candy, make sure to do so in short increments, checking the temperature and texture frequently. You can reheat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.

This will help to prevent the candy from becoming too hot or sticky, and will ensure that it retains its smooth and creamy texture.

Freezer

exact months, how to freeze, how to thaw and reheat. Store the potato candy in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the candy from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat the candy in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause it to become too soft or sticky.

When freezing the candy, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer safe container. This will help to prevent the candy from becoming freezer-burned or developing off-flavors.

When you’re ready to thaw the candy, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Top Tips

Use High-Quality Ingredients

Using high quality ingredients, such as fresh potatoes and creamy peanut butter, will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the candy.

Choose the best ingredients you can find, and make sure to use them before they go bad. This will help to ensure that your candy turns out smooth, creamy, and delicious.

Don’t Overmix the Candy

Overmixing the candy can cause it to become tough and dense, so make sure to mix the ingredients just until they come together.

Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined, and avoid overworking the candy. This will help to ensure that it retains its smooth and creamy texture, and turns out light and airy.

Experiment with Different Mix-ins

Adding different mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, can add extra flavor and texture to the candy.

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

This will help to keep the recipe interesting and fun, and will ensure that you always have a new and exciting flavor to try.

Store the Candy Properly

Storing the candy properly will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming stale or dry.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help to ensure that the candy retains its flavor and texture, and turns out smooth and creamy every time.

Serve the Candy at the Right Temperature

Serving the candy at the right temperature will make a big difference in its flavor and texture.

Serve it at room temperature for the best results, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving.

This will help to ensure that the candy turns out smooth and creamy, and that it’s always a hit with your friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Potato candy is a unique and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth and creamy texture, and its rich and indulgent flavor, it’s a candy that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

So why not give it a try, and see what you think? You might just find that it’s your new favorite candy recipe!