Irish Potato Candy is a sweet treat that’s surprisingly simple and fun to make! Despite the name, it doesn’t actually have any potatoes in it. It’s made with creamy cream cheese, coconut, and powdered sugar, and then rolled in cinnamon to give it that little spicy kick—making it look like tiny, sugary potatoes.
I love making this candy around St. Patrick’s Day because it’s a cheerful little nod to the holiday without being too heavy or rich. The coconut gives it a nice texture that’s chewy and sweet, and the cinnamon dusting adds just the right amount of warmth. I always find it fun to shape each piece by hand—it feels a bit like playing with dough and brings back childhood memories.
These candies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even packing in a lunchbox for a surprise treat. I usually serve them with a cup of tea or coffee—they pair really well together. Whenever I bring these around, people are always curious about the name, which makes for a great conversation starter before everyone sneaks another piece!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the candy, giving it a creamy, smooth texture. Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese, but note it may alter taste slightly.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds chewiness and sweetness. Finely chopping the coconut helps create a smoother texture. If you don’t have shredded coconut, dessicated coconut can work, just add a little milk to soften.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure. Sift it before adding to avoid lumps. You can reduce the amount a bit if you prefer a less sweet candy, but texture may be softer.
Cinnamon: This gives the candy the “potato” look and adds a warm, spiced coating. Feel free to use ground nutmeg or a mix of cinnamon and cocoa powder for a different twist.
How Do You Shape and Coat Irish Potato Candy for Best Results?
Shaping and coating the candies can be a bit tricky because the mixture is soft but needs to hold its shape.
- Chill the mixture briefly if it feels too sticky to handle.
- Use your hands to gently roll small pieces into oval shapes, about 1 inch long.
- Roll the shaped candy lightly in cinnamon; a shallow bowl works best for an even coating.
- Don’t press too hard while rolling or the candy might lose its shape.
- Place finished candies on parchment paper to prevent sticking, then refrigerate to firm up before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a medium bowl to combine and mix the ingredients easily.
- Food-safe gloves – helpful for shaping the candies without sticking to your hands.
- Shallow plate or bowl – for rolling the candies in cinnamon evenly.
- Refrigerator – to chill and firm up the candies before serving.
- Cookie sheet or tray with parchment paper – to place the finished candies on while they set.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace coconut with crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and different flavor notes.
- Add a splash of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a minty twist.
- Roll the candies in cocoa powder or powdered espresso for a rich chocolate or coffee flavor.
- Mix in some dried fruit bits, like chopped cherries or apricots, for extra sweetness and texture.
Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Candy:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (about 1 cup shredded) sweetened shredded coconut, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this candy takes about 15 minutes, plus 2 hours of chilling time to let the candies firm up properly before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract. Stir or beat until everything is smooth and creamy.
2. Add Coconut and Sugar
Mix in the finely chopped shredded coconut thoroughly. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Keep going until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape like dough.
3. Shape the Candies
Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll them into little oval shapes resembling small potatoes. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect — the charm is in their rustic look!
4. Roll in Cinnamon
Pour the cinnamon into a shallow bowl. Roll each candy in the cinnamon until it’s completely coated to give it that “potato” look.
5. Chill and Serve
Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up. Once chilled, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve cold or at room temperature for a delightful treat!
Can I Substitute Light Cream Cheese or Vegan Alternatives?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese to reduce calories, but the candy might be a bit less creamy. Vegan cream cheese works too, but expect a slight change in texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Irish Potato Candy?
Keep the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the candies a day or two ahead and chill them. This actually enhances the flavor and makes shaping easier since the mixture firms up.
What If My Mixture Is Too Sticky to Shape?
If the dough is too soft or sticky, add a little more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. You can also chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm it up before shaping.