Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a delightful, nostalgic treat that has been cherished for generations. This unique candy, which uses mashed potatoes as a base, may sound unusual at first, but it results in a sweet, creamy confection that is surprisingly delicious. The recipe has its roots in frugal kitchens of the past, where resourceful cooks found creative ways to use up leftover ingredients. The combination of the potato base with a rich, peanut butter filling makes for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.
I first encountered Old Fashioned Potato Candy at a family reunion. My great-aunt brought a tray of these intriguing little rolls, and I was fascinated by the idea of using potatoes in candy. After just one bite, I was hooked. The smooth, sugary exterior and the creamy peanut butter filling were a perfect match. It quickly became a favorite in our family, and I’m thrilled to share this time-honored recipe with you. This candy is perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
6 cups powdered sugar, plus more if needed
1/2 cup russet potato, mashed and cooled (about 1 large potato)
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Base
Mash the Potato:
Begin by peeling and boiling a large russet potato until it is fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the potato and mash it until smooth. Measure out 1/2 cup of mashed potato and allow it to cool completely. It’s important that the potato is cool to avoid melting the sugar prematurely.
Mix the Potato with Liquid Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Use an electric mixer set to medium speed to blend the ingredients together until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Add Powdered Sugar Gradually:
Begin adding the powdered sugar to the potato mixture, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. As you incorporate the sugar, the mixture will transform from a liquid to a thick dough. Continue adding powdered sugar until you have a thick, dough-like consistency. This will typically require about 6 cups of powdered sugar, but you may need to add more. If necessary, add additional powdered sugar in 1-tablespoon increments until the dough is slightly thicker than cookie dough.
Form the Dough:
Once the desired consistency is achieved, form the dough into a ball. Dust the ball lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Prepare the Work Surface:
Lay out a large sheet of wax or parchment paper on your work surface. Place the dough ball in the center and dust it with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Roll the Dough:
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick. Aim for dimensions around 10×12 inches. If the dough sticks, add more powdered sugar as needed. Trim the edges to create a neat rectangle.
Invert the Dough:
Generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the rolled-out dough. Place another sheet of parchment paper over the top, then carefully invert the rectangle of dough. Remove the paper that is now on top, which was originally on the bottom. This step ensures the surface of the dough remains smooth and doesn’t stick.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Filling
Spread Peanut Butter:
Spread 1/3 cup of creamy peanut butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure to spread it to the edges to ensure every bite has a good balance of peanut butter and candy.
Step 5: Roll and Chill the Candy
Roll the Candy:
Starting from one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll. This jelly-roll style helps to create a beautiful swirl of peanut butter in each slice.
Wrap and Freeze:
Once rolled, wrap the log tightly in parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 1 hour. This chilling step helps to firm up the candy, making it easier to slice.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the Candy:
After an hour in the freezer, remove the log from the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4-inch thick slices. For clean slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
Serve and Store:
Arrange the slices on a serving platter and enjoy! Store any leftover candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a versatile treat that can be customized in many ways:
Flavor Variations: Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a festive look, or mix in different flavor extracts such as almond or mint for a unique twist.
Nut Butters: Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the rolled candy before slicing for an added layer of decadence.
Nut-Free Option: Use a nut-free spread like cookie butter or a seed butter to make the recipe suitable for those with nut allergies.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Potato Candy is a delightful blend of history, simplicity, and sweet indulgence. Its unique use of mashed potatoes as a base might surprise you, but it results in a creamy, flavorful treat that is both nostalgic and delicious. The recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making this candy for a holiday treat, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s sure to be a hit. The rich, sweet flavor of the candy combined with the creamy peanut butter filling is a timeless combination that never fails to please. Enjoy making and sharing this classic treat, and relish the smiles it brings to those who try it.
