Irish Potato Candy is a sweet treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a little bit of fun and flavor. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually have any potatoes in it! This candy is made with creamy cream cheese and coconut, rolled into little balls that look just like tiny potatoes. Then, a sprinkle of cinnamon gives it a touch of color and a warm taste that makes these candies extra special.
I love making Irish Potato Candy because it’s so simple, and the best part is how everyone reacts when they find out what it really is. It’s such a fun surprise! I usually shape the candies by hand and then roll them in cinnamon to get that authentic potato look. These candies are soft, sweet, and have a bit of a creamy texture that I just can’t get enough of. Plus, they’re great for sharing with friends and family.
My favorite way to serve these little bites is on a festive platter with green decorations around to celebrate the holiday. They make a fantastic addition to dessert tables and are always a hit at parties. If you want to keep things classic, they’re perfect just as they are, but I’ve also tried adding a bit of vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor. Either way, Irish Potato Candy always brings a smile to my face and a little taste of happiness to anyone who tries it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the candy its creamy texture and helps bind everything together. Use full-fat for best results. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cream cheese.
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens and helps form the dough. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps. You can try a powdered sugar substitute if you need to cut down on refined sugar, though texture may vary.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut adds chewiness and flavor. Unsweetened will work but expect less sweetness. Toasting it lightly can add a deeper flavor if you like.
Milk Chocolate or Almond Bark: This coats the candy and adds a smooth, rich finish. Almond bark melts easier and is more forgiving if you’re new to dipping. Dark chocolate is a nice twist on the original.
Ground Cinnamon: This is for that final dusting to mimic potato skin. It’s essential for the authentic look and adds a warm, spicy note. Don’t skip it!
How Do You Shape and Coat Irish Potato Candy Without Mess?
Shaping and coating can feel tricky since the candy is soft and sticky. Here’s how to make it easier:
- Chill the dough before shaping to make it firmer and less sticky on your hands.
- Use lightly greased or wet hands to shape the little potato ovals smoothly and quickly.
- Allow shaped candies to chill again before dipping; this helps them hold their shape better.
- When dipping in chocolate, use a fork or dipping tool and tap off excess to avoid pooling chocolate.
- Place dipped candies on parchment paper and dust with cinnamon immediately before the chocolate sets.
With a bit of patience and these tips, you’ll get nice-shaped, evenly coated candies that look just like tiny potatoes!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I recommend a large bowl for mixing all the ingredients easily and thoroughly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts, especially for the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Rubber spatula – helps scrape down the bowl and mix everything smoothly.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – for shaping and chilling the candies without sticking.
- Microwave-safe bowl – perfect for melting chocolate quickly and evenly.
- Fork or dipping tool – makes coating the candies in chocolate cleaner and less messy.
- Cooling racks or extra parchment paper – for setting the dipped candies so they don’t stick.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded coconut for chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers for different textures and flavor.
- Add a splash of flavored extract, like peppermint or almond, to the cream cheese mixture for a fun twist.
- Use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate to match your taste or occasion.
- Mix in a few drops of food coloring into the chocolate coating for a colorful, festive look.
Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For Coating and Topping:
- 12 oz milk chocolate or chocolate almond bark, melted
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active preparation, plus 1 hour of chilling time to let the candies firm up before and after coating with chocolate. Plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Candy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar. Mix well until you get a smooth, creamy texture. Add the shredded coconut and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough that you can shape.
2. Shape the Potatoes:
Use your hands to roll small amounts of the mixture into potato-shaped ovals about 1½ inches long. Place each shaped candy on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once shaped, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so they become firm and easier to handle.
3. Coat the Candies in Chocolate and Cinnamon:
While the candies chill, melt the milk chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each candy into the melted chocolate so it’s fully covered. Let any extra chocolate drip off, then place the dipped candies back on the parchment paper. Before the chocolate sets, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over each candy to give it that authentic potato look.
4. Set and Serve:
Let the chocolate coating harden completely by leaving the candies at room temperature or chilling them in the refrigerator. Once set, they’re ready to serve. Arrange them on a festive plate and enjoy your delightful Irish Potato Candies!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
It’s best to use cream cheese that’s fully thawed and softened to room temperature. This ensures it mixes smoothly with the powdered sugar and coconut without lumps or a grainy texture.
How Should I Store Irish Potato Candy?
Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Substitute the Milk Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or chocolate almond bark depending on your taste preference. Just be sure to melt it gently to avoid burning.
Is It Okay to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the candy mixture and shape it up to a day ahead, keeping the shaped dough chilled until ready to coat. Once coated in chocolate, store them in the fridge until serving.
