If you are looking for a nostalgic treat that blends simplicity and unbelievable flavor, the Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightfully sweet snack combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the rich, salty goodness of peanut butter, all wrapped into soft, melt-in-your-mouth pinwheels dusted in powdered sugar. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving a unique homemade candy, this recipe delights with its charming originality and satisfying taste that feels like a warm hug from your childhood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe lies in how few and uncomplicated the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance between softness, sweetness, and the slight savory kick. From the humble mashed potatoes adding moisture and structure, to the smooth peanut butter giving it that iconic filling, every component is essential.
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes: Use plain mashed potatoes without any seasoning to keep the candy’s texture smooth and neutral in flavor.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adds just the right amount of moisture to help bring the dough together without getting too sticky.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with a subtle aromatic note that ties every bite together.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the peanut butter’s natural flavors.
- 5-6 cups powdered sugar: The key to sweetness and structure, helping form the dough and the perfect candy texture.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: The star of the filling—creamy, rich, and just the right amount to contrast the soft outer layer.
How to Make Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining your mashed potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This mixture forms the wet base of your dough and sets the stage for the candy’s silky texture. Be sure your potatoes are plain and smooth to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Slowly add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time. At first, it will be easy to stir, but as you add more sugar—usually around 4 cups—it begins to thicken and resemble dough. When stirring becomes too difficult, dump the mixture onto a powdered sugar-dusted surface and start kneading with your hands, adding more sugar as needed to achieve a firm but pliable dough.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle a large piece of parchment paper with powdered sugar and transfer your dough onto it. Roll it out carefully into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. This even layer will make it easier to spread your peanut butter filling and roll up smoothly in the next steps.
Step 4: Add the Peanut Butter Filling
Spread the peanut butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Make sure to cover every inch without leaving gaps to ensure each pinwheel has that perfect peanut buttery center in every bite.
Step 5: Roll it Up
Using the parchment paper to help, roll the dough jelly roll style into a tight cylinder. For a slimmer look and better slicing, gently stretch the roll until it’s about 24 inches long. This makes the pinwheels thinner and more addictive!
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap. If it’s easier, cut it into halves before wrapping. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to allow it to set firmly. Once chilled, unwrap and slice into approximately 40 pinwheels. Serve these sweet spirals at room temperature for the best texture.
How to Serve Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe
Garnishes
While the candy itself looks delightful on its own, you can add small touches to make it even more special. Dust a little extra powdered sugar over the sliced pinwheels for a snowy finish or drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent flair. Crushed peanuts sprinkled on top add a pleasant crunch and graphic appeal.
Side Dishes
This potato candy pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, perfect for afternoon snacks or holiday gatherings. If you want a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt dip; their acidity helps cut through the sweetness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the candy on a decorative platter with colorful napkins underneath, or serve them in mini cupcake liners to make grabbing a piece effortless and neat. Another fun idea is threading a few pinwheels on a skewer as sweet treats for kids’ lunchboxes or festive events.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly covered, it should stay fresh for up to one week without losing its chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncut roll wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing. Freezing the cut pieces is not recommended as it impacts texture.
Reheating
This candy is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, simply let the slices sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
It’s best to use freshly made plain mashed potatoes for this Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe to avoid any added flavors or seasonings that could interfere with the candy’s flavor and texture.
What type of peanut butter works best?
Smooth, creamy peanut butter melts and spreads more evenly, making it the ideal choice for the filling. Avoid chunky varieties as they can disrupt the smooth spiral appearance.
Is this candy gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe uses basic ingredients like mashed potatoes, sugar, and peanut butter, all naturally gluten-free, making it a safe treat for those with gluten sensitivities.
How thick should I slice the candy pinwheels?
About 1/4 inch thick slices work well, giving you roughly 40 pieces from the rolled dough. Thicker slices might be harder to bite into while thinner ones can be too delicate.
Can I substitute the peanut butter with another spread?
Absolutely! While peanut butter is classic, you can experiment with almond butter, Nutella, or even fruit preserves, but the texture and flavor will vary from the traditional Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe is such a wonderful homage to simple ingredients creating something truly special and memorable. It’s a fantastic treat to prepare for loved ones, guaranteed to spark smiles and sweet conversations. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite homemade candy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Potato Candy with Peanut Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 40 pinwheels
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Potato Candy is a fun and nostalgic no-bake treat featuring a sweet dough made from mashed potatoes and powdered sugar, rolled up with a creamy peanut butter filling. This simple recipe yields tender pinwheel candies that are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a unique homemade sweet.
Ingredients
Base Dough
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (about 1 small/medium potato)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar
Filling
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the potato mixture, starting with 1 cup at a time. After about 4 cups, add smaller amounts, mixing each time. The mixture will become increasingly stiff and hard to stir.
- Knead the Dough: When stirring becomes difficult, transfer the dough onto a counter dusted with powdered sugar. Knead it, adding more powdered sugar as necessary until the dough is stiff but pliable.
- Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough on a parchment paper surface that has been generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 inches by 16 inches.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Evenly spread the peanut butter over the rolled-out dough, making sure the entire surface is covered.
- Roll Up the Dough: Using the parchment paper to assist, tightly roll the dough jelly-roll style into a cylinder shape.
- Stretch Roll: Gently stretch the roll to about 24 inches long to elongate and slim it down for better slices.
- Chill the Roll: Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap. For ease in handling, you may cut the roll in half and wrap the two sections separately. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to firm up.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Once chilled and firm, remove the plastic wrap and slice the roll into pinwheel pieces, about 40 slices depending on thickness.
Notes
- This recipe works best with freshly made plain mashed potatoes from a small or medium potato; leftover mashed potatoes may alter the texture.
- Adding powdered sugar gradually is key to getting the dough consistency right—it should be stiff but pliable for rolling.
- Chilling the candy roll thoroughly before slicing is essential for clean pinwheel slices.
- Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and quantities.
