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A white plate of Irish Potatoes Candy is stacked in a pile. Sitting on top of a white towel with four-leaf clovers imprinted on it.

Nana’s Irish Potato Candy Recipe(Classic St. Patrick’s Day Treat)

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This Irish potato candy recipe is a classic St. Patrick’s Day treat made with cream cheese, coconut, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. No-bake, easy, and always a hit.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 48
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 66

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ tablespoons cinnamon powder

Equipment

  • We used a paddle attachment for our mixer to make this recipe. If you do not have a paddle mixer, a regular hand mixer, or a rubber spatula will work to combine all the ingredients.

Method
 

  1. Add softened cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Using the paddle feature on your mixer, mix on low for 1 minute until fully combined.
  3. Add half of the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to a mixing bowl.
  4. * Adding a touch of cinnamon to the Irish potato mixture really enhances the flavor. This step is where most recipes miss out.
  5. Turn the mixer on the lowest setting and combine. Slowly add the remaining confectioners’ sugar until all is added, then mix until smooth.
  6. Add the shredded coconut to the mixing bowl and set the mixer on the lowest setting. Combine all the shredded coconut with the sweet, creamy mixture.
  7. Add the remaining cinnamon to a shallow bowl or pie dish.
  8. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the cream cheese and sugar mixture, then roll it into small potato-sized bites.
  9. Place the potatoes in the cinnamon and roll them around in the dish to fully coat them.
  10. Repeat the process until the mixture is fully coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 66kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 18mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.1mg

Notes

Chef Tips
  • If you have time, chill the mixture before rolling. It firms up fast and makes shaping easier.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the creamy mixture; it adds another layer of flavor that most people miss. 
  • Roll them in cinnamon, then lightly dust again right before serving. That second coat makes them look more realistic AND gives the best cinnamon hit.
  • Our recipe uses less confectioners' sugar than most to make these holiday treats slightly healthier. If you prefer more sugar, add an additional cup of confectioners' sugar. 
  • For a less grainy version, chop the shredded coconut before adding it to the creamy mixture. 
Recipe Variations & Adjustments
Brown Butter Irish Potato Candy: Add a teaspoon of brown butter (or browned butter extract) for a deeper, bakery-style flavor.
Irish Potato Candy Balls (Quick + Easy Version): Roll into perfect little bite-sized balls instead of potato shapes.
Toasted Coconut Irish Potato Candy: Toast half the coconut on a baking sheet in the oven at 325 degrees for 5-7 minutes first to develop a nutty, caramelized flavor.
Espresso Cinnamon Irish Potato Candy: Add a tiny pinch of espresso powder to the cinnamon coating for an Irish coffee twist. 
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. We do not suggest freezing, as it can affect the texture. 

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