Cozy Maine Potato Candy Recipe: A Sweet Taste of Nostalgia

Sweet memories of childhood come flooding back with this delightful Maine potato candy that captures the essence of home-baked treats.

A surprising blend of simple ingredients creates a magical confection that lingers between sweet nostalgia and culinary creativity.

Generations of families have cherished this unique recipe, passing down its delectable secret through warm kitchen conversations.

The potato candy delivers an unexpected twist on traditional sweets, blending smooth potato-based goodness with a delicate sugary texture.

Humble potatoes transform into a delightful confection that surprises and delights every single time.

Each bite carries the warmth of traditional baking and the joy of simple, heartwarming ingredients.

Prepare to savor a slice of edible history that connects you directly to cherished family traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 106 kcal

Servings: 13

Maine Potato Candy: Ingredient Snapshot

• Mashed Potatoes: Creates smooth, unique texture and helps bind ingredients together; use freshly boiled and thoroughly drained potatoes for best consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warm flavor and enhances overall sweetness; choose pure vanilla for richer taste.

• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness, helps create smooth dough and enables easy rolling; sift to remove any lumps for perfect texture.

• Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, creamy layer with nutty taste; select smooth variety for easier spreading and more uniform filling; room temperature peanut butter spreads more easily.

Equipment You Need for This Vintage Treat

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining mashed potatoes and ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurately adding powdered sugar.
• Rolling pin: Perfect for rolling dough into a thin, even rectangle.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing the candy roll into neat pieces.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and guides rolling process.
• Plastic wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling the candy roll.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Making Potato Candy at Home

• Create Potato Base

Mash potatoes until creamy and blend in vanilla extract, creating a smooth foundation for your sweet treat.

• Mix in Sweetness

Fold powdered sugar into potato mixture gradually, stirring until the texture transforms into a pliable, rollable dough.

• Spread the Flavor

Dust your workspace with powdered sugar and gently roll the dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness.

• Layer with Peanut Butter

Generously spread peanut butter across the entire surface of the flattened dough.

• Roll and Shape

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, using parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking and maintain smooth edges.

• Chill and Set

Wrap the candy log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the texture.

• Slice and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and cut into delicate rounds, ready to serve and savor this unique Maine specialty.

Ideas to Customize Flavor and Texture

• Use freshly mashed potatoes at room temperature for smoother candy texture.
• If dough feels too wet, add extra powdered sugar gradually until reaching ideal consistency for rolling.
• This candy can be prepared several days in advance and stored in refrigerator, making it perfect for party planning or holiday treats.
• Replace traditional peanut butter with almond butter for nut-free version or use dairy-free chocolate spread for vegan alternative.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut instead of vanilla to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet potato base.

Serving Suggestions for This Sweet Surprise

• Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic treat that enhances the candy's sweetness.
• Festive Party Platter: Arrange slices on a decorative tray with other bite-sized desserts like chocolate truffles or mini fruit tarts for a delightful dessert spread.
• Tea Time Delight: Serve alongside hot tea or coffee during afternoon gatherings, creating a perfect balance between the candy's sweetness and the warm beverage's richness.
• Gifting Elegance: Package slices in cute gift boxes with parchment paper, ideal for homemade holiday presents or special occasion treats for friends and family.

Storing Tips for Soft and Sweet Pieces

• Store the rolled candy log tightly wrapped in plastic film inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it cool and preventing moisture buildup.
• Cut candy slices right before serving to maintain ideal texture and prevent early drying, which helps preserve the candy's delicate consistency.
• Keep the Maine Potato Candy in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, ensuring minimal flavor loss and maintaining its smooth peanut butter and potato-based structure.
• Always serve chilled and avoid leaving the candy at room temperature for extended periods, as the soft potato-sugar mixture can become sticky and lose its delightful firm texture.

Nostalgic Maine Potato Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Maine potato candy offers a delightful twist on traditional confections, blending rustic charm with sugary indulgence. Creamy potatoes meld with powdered sugar and peanut butter, creating a nostalgic treat that connects generations through its simple, heartwarming flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 cups (907–1134 g) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
• ½ cup (120 ml) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (120 g) plain mashed potatoes (no butter or seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend Potato Base: Thoroughly combine mashed potatoes and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Sugar Integration: Incrementally fold powdered sugar into the potato mixture, continuously stirring until the dough transforms into a pliable, moldable texture reminiscent of cookie dough.
3. Dough Preparation: Generously dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar, then carefully roll the dough into a rectangular shape, maintaining a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Peanut Butter Layer: Evenly distribute a smooth, consistent layer of peanut butter across the entire dough surface.
5. Rolling Technique: Skillfully roll the dough into a compact, tight log using precise, controlled movements, utilizing parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking and ensure a clean, uniform shape.
6. Chilling Process: Encase the rolled log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour, allowing the candy to firm and solidify completely.
7. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator and slice the chilled log into delicate 1/4 to 1/2-inch medallions, ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure mashed potatoes are completely dry and at room temperature to prevent excess liquid that could make the candy too soft or runny.
• Add powdered sugar gradually and mix thoroughly to achieve the perfect dough texture – not too sticky or crumbly, but smooth and moldable like play-dough.
• Use generous powdered sugar when rolling and a piece of parchment paper as a guide to help create a neat, tight roll without the dough breaking or sticking to surfaces.
• Refrigerate the rolled candy for at least an hour to help it set firmly, making slicing easier and maintaining the candy’s shape and clean, defined edges.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 106
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg