Irish Potato Candy (Authentic Philadelphia Recipe)
This is the definitive Philadelphia Irish potato candy recipe, a local family recipe from a professional pastry chef and Philly native. These iconic St. Patrick’s Day treats are easy, no-bake coconut buttercream truffles rolled in ground cinnamon to look like little "spuds." Perfectly balanced with the tang of real cream cheese and sweetness from coconut and powdered sugar, this authentic version delivers a soft, festive treat that's better than any store-bought version.
Servings: 75 Irish potatoes, or thereabouts
Calories: 36kcal
Essential Equipment
- Small cookie scoop
- Mixing bowl with paddle attachment
- Spatula
- Sheet pan
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 32 ounces confectioner's sugar (a.k.a. powdered sugar)
- 7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
- 3 tablespoons (more or less) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner's sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low until smooth and fully mixed. Scrape the bowl to make sure nothing's hiding at the bottom. Cover and chill for one hour.TIP: You can also stir the mixture together by hand using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the mixer is on the lowest setting so the powdered sugar doesn't blow everywhere. Chilling the dough makes it easier to scoop and roll.
- Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to scoop and roll small, tablespoon-sized rounds of your coconut "dough." You should have about 75 total. Place the cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Working several at a time, roll the coconut buttercream balls in cinnamon, then place the finished Irish potatoes on a parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.TIP: You may not use all the cinnamon, but you need enough to roll the buttercream balls.
- Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
All That Cinnamon
Rolling the coconut buttercream dough in raw cinnamon may seem aggressive, but the cinnamon is not overpowering. The spice cuts through the sweetness of the coconut filling in just the right proportion.
How to Store Irish potatoes
These will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container. Irish potatoes can be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator overnight. You must keep these chilled and covered to keep them fresh and stop them from drying out.
Local Philly Variations
- Stick a few small pieces of chopped pine nuts (pignoli) in each finished Irish potato so they look like they have little potato eyes
- You can also roll the Irish potatoes in a 1:1 combination of sifted cocoa powder and cinnamon
Nutrition
Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is provided for courtesy purposes only, and is an estimate not verified by medical or nutrition experts. Read the full nutrition disclaimer.
