Start to Finish: 60 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Despite its name, Irish potato candy is neither a potato or from Ireland. Irish potato candy is a traditional Philadelphia dessert that is made with coconut, sugar and cream cheese. It is usually rolled in cinnamon or cacao powder, which gives it the appearance of small potatoes. This recipe is adapted from Delicious Candy Recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces powdered sugar
- 9 ounces coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese with a whisk until they form a smooth mixture.
Add the vanilla extract and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar.
Slowly sprinkle in the coconut flakes and mix them in with a wooden spoon. Continue adding the coconut while stirring until it forms a dough. Use 1 heaping tablespoon to make each dough ball and roll each in your hands to form an oval potato-like shape.
Pour and spread the cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll each ball in the cinnamon.
Place the Irish potato candies on a baking pan lined with parchment paper; put them in the refrigerator to chill for about one hour or until they are firm and serve.
Preparation Suggestions
Roll the dough in cocoa powder if you do not enjoy the taste of cinnamon. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Or, try adding chopped almonds or pecans to give them a nutty taste.