Old Fashioned Potato Candy

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who could create something extraordinary from humble ingredients. This sweet confection, born from lean times, has stood the test of time, delighting generations with its unique texture and satisfying sweetness. The magic lies in the unexpected use of mashed potatoes, which lend a silky smoothness to the candy. As you roll out the dough and spread peanut butter, you’re not just making candy; you’re preserving a piece of culinary history. The result is a treat that’s both familiar and surprising, perfect for sharing and savoring.

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a sweet treat that’s been around for generations. It’s simple to make and tastes great, even though it has an unusual main ingredient – mashed potatoes! Don’t worry, though. The candy doesn’t taste like potatoes at all. Instead, it’s a creamy, sugary delight that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

This candy combines mashed potatoes, powdered sugar, and peanut butter to create a soft, sweet roll. The potatoes act as a binder, giving the candy its unique texture without adding any potato flavor. The result is similar to rolled fondant, but creamier.

Making Old Fashioned Potato Candy is also a fun activity. Kids love helping to roll out the dough and spread the peanut butter. It’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes too!

What You’ll Need for This No-Bake Potato Candy

Before we start making our Traditional Potato Candy Recipe, let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Mashed Potatoes

You’ll need about 1/2 cup of plain mashed potatoes. It’s important to use unseasoned mashed potatoes – no butter, milk, salt, or anything else. The potatoes help bind the candy together and give it its special texture.

If you’re making mashed potatoes just for this recipe, simply boil a small potato until it’s soft, then mash it without adding anything. Let it cool completely before using it in the candy.

You can also use leftover mashed potatoes, but make sure they’re plain. If your leftovers have butter or milk in them, the candy might turn out too soft.

2. Powdered Sugar

You’ll need about 4 cups of powdered sugar, also called confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar. This fine sugar dissolves easily and makes the candy sweet and smooth. It’s important to use powdered sugar, not regular sugar, to get the right texture.

When measuring your powdered sugar, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off. Don’t scoop directly with the measuring cup, as this can pack the sugar and give you too much.