Carson Downing
I ate my first Irish potato in a dorm laundry room at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.
In one mouthful she introduced me to the homey candy that are a regionalSt.
Patrick’s Day tradition.
Credit:Carson Downing
Learn more about the dessert and get our recipe for Irish potato candy.
What Is Irish Potato Candy?
Some recipes even call for pine nut eyes.
Like any regional dish, the recipe varies slightly from family to family.
Some people skip the addition of cream cheese.
Others use unsweetened cocoa in addition to (or as a replacement for) the cinnamon.
My partners Aunt Pat even leaves out the coconut for those who dislike it.
The general consensus is that Irish potato candies comprise a sweet, creamy base, coconut, and cinnamon.
History of Irish Potato Candy
Despite the name, Irish potato candies dont have origins in Ireland.
While Philadelphia is definitely their home turf, the tradition has dispersed throughout the Mid Atlantic region.
Theyve been adopted in Amish and Mennonite bakeries.
I most often use salted butter and even add a pinch of salt to help round out the flavor.
Many Irish potato candy recipes, mine included, incorporatecream cheese.
Coconut in this case is sweetened, flaked coconut, sometimes called angel flake.
Its sold in bags in the baking aisle and has a soft, almost squashy texture.
Ingredients
1(8-oz.
)pkg.cream cheese, softened
1cupbutter, softened
1(7-oz.
Add coconut, vanilla, and salt.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until combined.
Divide mixture into 1-inch balls (a #60 scoop is helpful for this).
Place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet.
Chill 15 minutes or until firm enough to form into oblong shapes reminiscent of russet potatoes.
Roll each one in cinnamon.
(Or shape and thoroughly chill until firm.
Chill again until firm, about 1 hour.
If you like, use a wooden chopstick to press a few eyes into each potato.
Bring to room temperature to serve.
Makes 100 potato candies.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
