What is Irish Potato Candy made of?

Irish Potato Candy is made from butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon brown sugar coating. Despite its name, it does not contain any actual potatoes. The cinnamon coating gives Irish Potato Candy its signature potato-like appearance, while the creamy coconut filling creates its sweet, soft texture.

Does Irish Potato Candy need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Irish Potato Candy should be stored in the refrigerator because it contains cream cheese. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its shape and texture while ensuring freshness. Store Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container for up to three to five days for best results.

Can you freeze Irish Potato Candy?

Irish Potato Candy freezes well. Place the candies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The creamy texture of Irish Potato Candy remains smooth after thawing.

Why is it called Irish Potato Candy if there are no potatoes?

Irish Potato Candy gets its name from its appearance rather than its ingredients. The small round shape and cinnamon coating resemble baby potatoes. Although it is associated with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish heritage, Irish Potato Candy actually originated in Philadelphia within Irish-American communities.

Irish Potato Candy – Easy No-Bake Classic

Name: Irish Potato Candy
Prep time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened; 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar; 2 1/2 cups (200g) sweetened shredded coconut; 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon (8g) ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar

Description

Irish Potato Candy is a classic no-bake dessert made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut, then rolled in cinnamon and brown sugar to resemble tiny potatoes. This sweet, creamy treat is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and easy to prepare with no oven required.

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups (200g) sweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (8g) ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut until evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 1/2 cup light brown sugar until well combined.
Scoop small portions of the chilled mixture and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter, slightly shaping them into oval “potato” forms if desired.
Roll each candy in the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Ensure butter and cream cheese are fully softened to avoid lumps.
If the mixture becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes.
For a milder coating, reduce cinnamon slightly and increase brown sugar.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These candies can be frozen for up to 1 month and thawed in the refrigerator before serving.

Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 candy
Calories: 107 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 27 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 6 mg