What are Philly Irish potatoes? For starters, they’re not potatoes.
The Irish may be known for potatoes. But in the greater Philadelphia region around St. Patrick’s Day, the answer to “What are Irish potatoes?” can only mean one thing: coconut buttercream candies rolled in cinnamon. Learn more about Philly Irish potatoes and the origin of this local, seasonal tradition.
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Irish potatoes are potatoes, unless they aren’t.
Let’s put this simply: There are Irish potatoes, and there are Irish potatoes. The difference comes down to region and context. Many people (probably most of America and the world) consider them to be the starchy spuds that grow from the ground and are served hot with butter, or maybe mashed into colcannon.
And then there’s Philadelphia, where Irish potatoes can only mean one thing: a soft, cinnamon-y buttercream candy.
Irish Potatoes: A Philly Tradition (With No Potatoes)
Irish potatoes candy — coconut buttercream bonbons rolled in cinnamon — are a uniquely Philadelphia candy for St. Patrick’s Day. These little balls of goodness are made by combining sweet shredded coconut, cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar into a mixture. The mixture then gets scooped and rolled into truffle-sized balls, which are then rolled in cinnamon and eaten.
In Philadelphia, Irish potatoes are neither Irish nor potatoes. And yet this sweet, no-bake confection makes one of the Philadelphia area’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day food traditions.
Easter’s just around the corner! Get my roundup of best Easter dessert recipes.
History of Irish Potato Candy
What are Irish potatoes? The history of Philadelphia’s Irish potatoes candy — as opposed to actual Irish potato dishes like colcannon and shepherd’s pie — is a little complex, murky, and interesting.
Food writer Daniela Galarza wrote an excellent, well-researched piece a few years ago on Irish potato candy and its Philadelphia roots. According to Galarza’s research, Irish potatoes are definitively not Irish.
First thing to know? Irish potato candy is also not authentically Irish. Rather, the sweet coconut cream confections known as Philly Irish potatoes emerged at the intersection of 1) a huge wave of mid- to late-19th century Irish immigration, and 2) Philadelphia’s place as the candy capital of the United States.
Irish potato candy’s origin in Philly was a way to fill the candy hole between Valentine’s Day and Easter.
At one time, the Philadelphia area boasted between 200 and 300 candy companies. Many Irish immigrants worked at the candy factories. Theories of Irish potato invention differ. However, Philadelphia candy maker Dave Lamparelli, founder of Oh Ryan’s (which sells around 2.5 million Irish spuds per year), speculates that Irish potatoes emerged as a candy-selling opportunity to bridge the dead period between Valentine’s Day and Easter.
Candy makers found a way to sell a treat in this otherwise low season, using the same filling as traditional chocolate-coated coconut buttercreams. Coating the treat in cinnamon — for a dirt-covered potato aesthetic — recalled Ireland’s famous potato identity, for better or worse since the immigration wave was largely caused by the potato famine.
Today, you can find Irish potato candies for sale and homemade in kitchens throughout the greater Philadelphia region, including South Jersey and parts of Delaware, throughout the month of March — a little earlier or later if you’re lucky.
Where to Buy Irish Potatoes in Philly
Many bakeries and grocery stores sell these seasonal treats in spring, usually from early March through April. Some of the best and best-known brands are as follows. You can also make your own — which are the very best of all.
- Oh Ryan’s is the brand you’ll see for sale most and are available in many regional supermarkets (see photo above), Wawa, and specialty food stores. They taste serviceable.
- Shane Confectionary in Old Town Philadelphia makes a high-quality, and I’d say best, Irish potatoes. These get my vote for all-around winner. You may want to pre-order.
- Stutz Candy is also a Philly fave (phave?)
How to Make Irish Potates at Home
You don’t have to travel to Southeastern Pennsylvania or South Jersey to find Irish potatoes. You can make them in no time at all, with this authentic Philly Irish Potato Candy Recipe.
Here are some more Irish-inspired recipes to enjoy:
