Old-Fashioned Potato Candy

A nostalgic, no-bake candy made with mashed potatoes and a creamy peanut butter swirl — soft, simple, and utterly irresistible.

Introduction

There’s something comforting about Old-Fashioned Potato Candy. Soft, creamy, and completely no-bake, this vintage treat uses mashed potatoes as a secret binder that creates a pliable, melt-in-your-mouth dough (without any detectable potato flavor). Paired with a layer of creamy peanut butter and sliced into pinwheels, it’s the kind of recipe that brings back holiday memories and feels like a warm kitchen hug.

This recipe is perfect when you want an easy, nostalgic candy to share with family or to make with kids — minimal steps, pantry ingredients, and a beautiful result.

History of Potato Candy

Potato candy has roots in frugal, resourceful home cooking: potatoes were cheap, plentiful, and versatile, and clever cooks used them to stretch sweet ingredients into delightful treats. Over time this practical dessert became a holiday tradition in many American homes, cherished for its simplicity and the joyful ritual of rolling and slicing the candy into neat spirals.

Ingredients & Their Roles

6 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar — The backbone of the candy. Provides sweetness, structure, and a smooth, silky texture when combined with the potato to form a pliable dough. Add more if the dough is sticky.
1/2 cup mashed russet potato, cooled — The secret binder. Creates a soft, workable dough without adding a potato taste. Must be cooled to avoid melting the sugar.
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter — The rich filling that adds depth and a salty counterpoint to the sweet dough. Use a smooth variety for easiest spreading.
1 tablespoon milk — Keeps the potato-sugar mixture moist and smooth so it rolls without cracking.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract — Enhances overall flavor and adds warm, comforting aroma.
1/8 teaspoon salt — Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the potato mixture: Ensure your mashed potato is completely cooled. In a large mixing bowl, beat the mashed potato with the milk, vanilla, and salt for about 2 minutes at medium speed until smooth and lump-free.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. You want a stiff but pliable dough — soft enough to roll, not sticky. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more sugar until manageable.
Form and roll: Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment or wax paper lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an approximate 10 × 12-inch rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Trim the edges for a neat rectangle if desired.
Spread the peanut butter: Evenly spread the creamy peanut butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides to prevent squeeze-out when rolling.
Roll into a log: Starting at one long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log, using the parchment to guide and keep it even. Pinch the seam lightly to seal. Wrap the log securely in plastic wrap or wax paper.
Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped log for at least 1 hour (or until firm) so it slices cleanly.
Slice and serve: Unwrap and use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a serving plate and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pro Tips

If the mashed potato is warm, the powdered sugar will melt and create a sticky mess — always cool the potato completely before mixing.
Use a smooth, spreadable peanut butter for the cleanest swirl; crunchy will work but will produce rougher pinwheels.
If you want a firmer candy for longer transport, chill the log for 2 hours or briefly in the freezer (10–15 minutes) before slicing — don’t freeze solid.
For variations, try cinnamon or cocoa powder mixed into part of the dough to create colored or flavored swirls (reduce powdered sugar slightly if you add dry cocoa or spices).

Why This Recipe Is Loved

Old-Fashioned Potato Candy is beloved because it’s uncomplicated, nostalgic, and reliably delicious. It requires no baking, uses pantry staples, and produces a soft, tender candy that looks special on a holiday tray. It’s a recipe that invites sharing and memories — the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort.