Potato Candy is a charming treat that pairs the unexpected ingredient of potato with sweet powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter.
Originating from the Appalachian region, this nostalgic recipe brings together a surprising mix of flavors and textures.
The potato serves as a binder, creating a smooth consistency, while the peanut butter adds a familiar, comforting taste.
This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves experimenting with classic desserts in a new way.
Making Potato Candy is simple yet offers a hands-on experience that’s both enjoyable and fulfilling.
The final product is a stunningly swirled candy that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 small sweet potato (about the size of a large egg)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
- 4 to 5 cups confectioners’ sugar (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
Directions:
Cook and Mash Sweet Potato:
Boil the sweet potato until it’s soft and easily mashable. Once cooked, mash it thoroughly without adding any milk or butter. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed sweet potato with vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, stirring until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency that’s firm enough to roll. Add more sugar if necessary to achieve the right texture.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a surface dusted with powdered sugar, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Add the Nut Butter Layer:
Spread a thin and even layer of almond butter (or peanut butter, if preferred) over the dough.
Form the Roll:
Carefully roll the dough into a log, using more powdered sugar if necessary to prevent it from sticking.
Chill:
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing it to firm up.
Slice and Serve:
After chilling, slice the log into bite-sized rounds. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes:
- Using sweet potato instead of regular potato adds extra flavor and nutrients while keeping the dessert rich and moist.
- Almond butter is an alternative to peanut butter, offering a slightly different texture and flavor. You can mix and match these to suit your taste!
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes (for boiling the potato)
- Chill time: 1 hour
- Serving: Makes about 20-30 slices
- Equipment: Pot, mixing bowl, rolling pin, plastic wrap
Pro tip:
- Potato Preparation: Make sure the potato is thoroughly cooked and mashed until smooth, free from lumps, to ensure the candy has a consistent texture.
- Sugar Adjustments: Begin with four cups of powdered sugar, then gradually add more as needed to reach a dough-like consistency that is easy to handle and roll.
- Rolling the Dough: Dust your rolling surface generously with powdered sugar to avoid sticking. Roll the dough to an even thickness to achieve uniform candy slices.
- Spreading the Peanut Butter: Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter over the dough. If the peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly to make spreading easier.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the candy log thoroughly before slicing to ensure neat cuts and preserve its shape.
- Serving and Storing: Serve the candy chilled for the best texture, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.