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Home » 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy

3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy

Dec 7, 2020 · 10 Comments

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This 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy is made from a mashed potatoes with a layer of creamy peanut butter. It’s a unique and delicious recipe that is so easy to make.

3 ingredient old fashioned potato candy with text overlay

It’s the beginning of #ChristmasSweetsWeek and I am totally thrilled to be a part of it once again.  Times are different this year and while the event isn’t sponsored by wonderful companies as it was in the past, you will still be drooling over so many sweet treats this week from over 20 bloggers! The event is hosted by Terri from Love & Confections and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures. 

Below my old fashioned potato candy recipe, you will find all of Monday’s delicious recipes. 

Growing up in the Pennsylvania Dutch area, I’ve been eating simple and delicious recipes from the Amish for years.  It’s simple food made from simple ingredients, most of the time from leftovers or whatever was on hand.  Waste not, want not mentality.  This Amish Pear Crumb Pie and Crock Pot Chicken Corn Soup are two recipes that use simple and available ingredients that I loved eating growing up, and still do today.

My recipe for this easy candy recipe is from my dad. It was never written down because it was a no-brainer to him to make and one I could make with him as a small child. Memories!

old fashioned 3 ingredient potato candy on wooden tray

Where is Potato Candy From?

This Amish potato candy recipe is just one of those types of recipes.  The history behind it has various origins, but when you get down to it, it’s an inexpensive way to make a sweet treat.  It was popular during the Depression Era since it was frugal to make and used very little ingredients. 

Perfect for gift giving or to just have in the house when the sweet tooth hits.  

What is Potato Candy Made Of?

I have only known this recipe as I made it, but the peanut butter filling can be replaced with another; such as chopped nuts, candied cherries, coconut, or chocolate.  Now, I will warn you – this is a very sweet recipe.  The ingredients are simply one cooked potato, peanut butter and powdered sugar.  That’s it.  The potato is the binder for the powdered sugar.  You will use quite a bit of the sugar in this recipe.  

How to Make 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy 

How to Bake a Potato

You need one medium potato that is baked and still warm.  You can bake the potato a few ways. Rinse and dry the potato with all methods before cooking. 

I used a leftover baked potato that I grilled the day before.  I simply cut it open and scooped out the insides once it was done and store it in the refrigerator.  When I went to make the candy the next day, I reheat the mashed potato in the microwave a few minutes, until warmed.

Microwave: poke the potato all over with a fork, microwave for about 5 minutes, flip potato over and cook again for 3-4 minutes, or until done.

Oven:  preheat oven to 400 degrees and then bake potato for 45-55 minutes until done.

Air Fryer:  Poke potato all over with fork, air fry at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.  Check for doneness, if not done, continue to air fry for abouthe 3-4 minutes, or until done.

Grill: Preheat grill to Medium to Medium-high, depending on your grill.  Wrap potato in foil and place on grill.  Grill potato for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.  Check by poking a fork into foil-wrapped potato, if not done, continue cooking for a few more minutes.  

Making the Potato Candy Dough

Depending on the size of your potato, you may need to add more powdered sugar to get the right consistency of the dough.  

Once your potato is cooked, cut in half and scoop out the insides while the potato is still warm.  Place potato in large bowl. Mash very well.  If you are using the vanilla flavoring, this is the time to add it (1/2 teaspoon).  I did not use it as the recipe I used doesn’t call for it, but many other recipes do or even almond flavoring.  

mashed potato in white bowl

Add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time and mix well until the dough is stiff but workable.  It will become difficult to stir with a wooden spoon.  Using clean hands, you can better incorporate the sugar into the dough, if needed.  I used the entire 2 pound bag of powdered sugar, as my potato was bit larger than I thought.  

At this point, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to stiffen the dough.

Once the dough has chilled, place a silicon baking pad on a large cutting board (can also use parchment paper). Sprinkle a little powdered (confectioners’ sugar) on the board; this will help the dough not stick to the pad. Using a rolling pin, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Add additional powdered sugar if dough gets too soft.

potato candy dough rolled out

 

Spread the top of the dough with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter.

adding the peanut butter to the potato layer

 

Roll up the dough into a jelly roll shape (just like making cinnamon rolls). Roll up in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. 

rolled potato candy ready to chill

After the chilling time is up, slice the chilled rolls into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Store candy covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature to serve. 

3 ingredient old fashioned potato candy on wooden tray

 

So easy to make and such a wonderful recipe for gift-giving
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Other Christmas Sweets You May Enjoy

Christmas Grinch Candy Bark
Eggnog Blossom Cookies
Soft Buttery Homemade Caramel Candy
 

old fashioned 3 ingredient potato candy on wooden tray

3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy

This 3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy is made from a mashed potatoes with a layer of creamy peanut butter. It's a unique and delicious recipe that is so easy to make.
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Ingredients

  • 1 medium baked potato
  • 2 pounds (about 7 cups) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, OPTIONAL

Instructions

  • You need one medium potato that is baked and still warm.  You can bake the potato a few ways. Rinse and dry the potato with all methods before cooking. 
    I used a leftover baked potato that I grilled the day before.  I simply cut it open and scooped out the insides once it was done and store it in the refrigerator.  When I went to make the candy the next day, I reheat the mashed potato in the microwave a few minutes, until warmed.
    Microwave: poke the potato all over with a fork, microwave for about 5 minutes, flip potato over and cook again for 3-4 minutes, or until done.
    Oven:  preheat oven to 400 degrees and then bake potato for 45-55 minutes until done.
    Air Fryer:  Poke potato all over with fork, air fry at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.  Check for doneness, if not done, continue to air fry for abouthe 3-4 minutes, or until done.
    Grill: Preheat grill to Medium to Medium-high, depending on your grill.  Wrap potato in foil and place on grill.  Grill potato for 45 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.  Check by poking a fork into foil-wrapped potato, if not done, continue cooking for a few more minutes.  
  • Once your potato is cooked, cut in half and scoop out the insides while the potato is still warm.  Place potato in large bowl. Mash very well.  If you are using the vanilla flavoring, this is the time to add it (1/2 teaspoon).  I did not use it as the recipe I used doesn't call for it, but many other recipes do or even almond flavoring.  
  • Depending on the size of your potato, you may need to add more powdered sugar. Add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time and mix well until the dough is stiff but workable.  It will become difficult to stir with a wooden spoon.  Using clean hands, you can better incorporate the sugar into the dough, if needed.  I used the entire 2 pound bag of powdered sugar, as my potato was bit larger than I thought.  
  • At this point, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to stiffen the dough.
  • Once the dough has chilled, place a silicon baking pad on a large cutting board (can also use parchment paper). Sprinkle a little powdered (confectioners' sugar) on the board; this will help the dough not stick to the pad. Using a rolling pin, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Add additional powdered sugar if dough gets too soft.
  • Spread the top of the dough with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter.
  • Roll up the dough into a jelly roll shape (just like making cinnamon rolls). Roll up in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. 
  • After the chilling time is up, slice the chilled rolls into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Store candy covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature to serve. 

old fashioned 3 ingredient potato candy on wooden tray

 

Enjoy these #ChristmasSweetsWeek recipes from our bloggers:

Deck the halls and get ready for very merry sweet treats, like fudge, cookies, Christmas morning breakfasts, layer cakes, cocoa, and more! Follow along on social media with our #ChristmasSweetsWeek hashtag. Happy Holidays!

ChristmasSweetsWeek image

 

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Candy and Fudge Recipes
3 Ingredient Old Fashioned Potato Candy by Blogghetti
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Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
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Pastry and Dessert Recipes
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Hot Chocolate Sweet Rolls by Kate’s Recipe Box
Lemon Ricotta Cookies by A Little Fish in the Kitchen Lemon
Peanut Butter Cut Outs by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
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Pioneer Woman’s Nantucket Cranberry Pecan Pie by For the Love of Food

 

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Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from Blogghetti

Candy, Sweet Treats/Frozen Treats candy, no bake, peanut butter, potato, potato candy

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Shirley Wood says

    December 7, 2020 at 2:29 PM

    I have heard of potato candy but never seen a recipe. I’m thinking I might give this one a try.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      December 7, 2020 at 4:29 PM

      Let me know how you like it, if you try it. It’s very sweet but oh so good!

      Reply
  2. Wendy Klik says

    December 8, 2020 at 8:14 AM

    What an interesting recipe. Thanks for sharing a bit of history with us.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      December 9, 2020 at 9:08 AM

      Such an easy recipe, too!

      Reply
  3. Terri A Steffes says

    December 8, 2020 at 7:53 PM

    My grandmother loved potato candy but I didn’t know anyone else who ever made it. Now that I am grown up, I want to try it!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      December 9, 2020 at 9:07 AM

      It brought back some memories for sure!

      Reply
  4. Radha R says

    December 8, 2020 at 8:04 PM

    Thanks for sharing your family recipe and giving detailed instructions on how to make it. I have heard about potato candy but never thought it to be so simple. Would love to try this.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      December 9, 2020 at 9:07 AM

      Simple and sweet! I hope you do try it!

      Reply
  5. Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch says

    December 9, 2020 at 11:41 PM

    What a unique recipe! Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  6. Christie says

    December 29, 2020 at 1:43 PM

    I can’t believe it’s just potatoes and powdered sugar. I’m so going to have to try this!!

    Reply

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