Maine Potato Candy Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Treat from Home

Sweet memories of childhood burst through my delightful maine potato candy creation, whisking me back to grandma’s kitchen.

Crisp autumn afternoons always meant special treats emerging from her wooden countertop.

Soft powdery sugar blended seamlessly with creamy ingredients, promising something magical.

Comfort wrapped in every delicate bite speaks directly to heart and soul.

Surprisingly simple ingredients dance together, creating unexpected magic in mere minutes.

Rich traditions merge with playful culinary creativity in this nostalgic confection.

Prepare to taste something wonderfully unique that connects generations through pure deliciousness.

Maine Potato Candy Highlights You’ll Want to Know

• Create a stress-free dessert that kids can help make, turning cooking into a playful bonding experience with minimal mess and maximum enjoyment.
• Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a unique homemade gift that showcases your creative culinary skills with minimal effort.

What Goes into Maine Potato Candy

• Mashed Potatoes: Soft, creamy base that gives unique texture and helps bind the candy together. Best with starchy, smooth potatoes like Russet or Idaho.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor and enhances overall taste. Pure vanilla provides richer flavor than imitation.

• Powdered Sugar, Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, moldable candy consistency. Provides sweetness and helps dough hold shape. Ultra-fine texture is key for smooth results.

• Peanut Butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor and creamy filling layer. Smooth peanut butter works best for easy spreading. Natural or commercial varieties both work well.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling the candy roll. Standard kitchen plastic wrap helps maintain shape.
• Parchment Paper: Assists in rolling and prevents sticking during candy preparation. Silicone-coated for easy release.

Making Maine Potato Candy from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

• Grab mashed potatoes
• Add vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.

Step 2: Build Candy Dough

• Add powdered sugar gradually
• Mix after each addition

Continue until dough becomes thick and easily moldable like soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Roll Out Candy Foundation

Dust clean countertop with powdered sugar.

Roll dough into rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4: Layer Peanut Butter

Spread generous and even peanut butter layer across entire dough surface.

Step 5: Form Candy Roll

Carefully roll dough into tight cylindrical shape similar to jelly roll technique.

Use parchment paper if dough becomes sticky.

Step 6: Chill Candy Log

Wrap rolled candy in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum one hour until completely firm.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove from refrigerator.

Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces.

Arrange on serving plate and enjoy delicious homemade treat.

Smart Pointers for Maine Potato Candy

• Prevent Sticky Dough: Dust your work surface and rolling pin generously with powdered sugar to keep the potato candy dough from sticking and make rolling easier.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Swap peanut butter with Nutella, almond butter, or chocolate spread to create unique and delicious flavor combinations.
• Smooth Consistency Trick: Use room temperature mashed potatoes and sift powdered sugar to eliminate lumps and ensure a silky, even texture throughout the candy.
• Proper Storage Solution: Store the potato candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Texture Control Technique: Add powdered sugar gradually and stop when the dough reaches a play-dough-like consistency to prevent the candy from becoming too dry or crumbly.

Leftover Storage Tips for Maine Potato Candy

• Store the potato candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together.
• Place candy pieces in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen candy from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps restore its soft, creamy texture.
• Serve directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and consistency. The chilled candy maintains its shape and delivers a delightful, sweet treat.

Pairing Maine Potato Candy with Other Treats

• Dark roast or espresso cuts through the candy's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience that highlights the peanut butter's nutty depth.
• Cold whole milk provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the sugary candy, cleansing the palate between bites and enhancing the dessert's richness.
• Almond milk or hazelnut-flavored latte complements the peanut butter's earthy tones, adding an extra layer of nutty complexity to each sweet bite.
• Vanilla bean ice cream creates a decadent pairing that melts beautifully against the candy's firm texture, offering a cool, creamy contrast.

Switch Things Up in Your Maine Potato Candy

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional powdered sugar with a gluten-free powdered sugar blend, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this sweet treat.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter for a safe alternative for those with nut allergies.
• Vegan Friendly: Use plant-based powdered sugar and replace peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter to create a completely vegan-friendly version of the candy.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute some powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the candy's creamy texture.

Common Questions about Maine Potato Candy

• Why use potatoes in a candy recipe?

Potatoes create a surprisingly smooth, soft texture that helps bind the ingredients without using eggs or flour, making the candy light and unique.

• Can I substitute peanut butter with another spread?

Yes, you can use alternatives like almond butter, chocolate spread, or even cream cheese for different flavor profiles.

• How long will this candy stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Maine Potato Candy typically stays fresh for 5-7 days.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The basic recipe contains gluten and nuts, but you can modify it by using gluten-free powdered sugar and alternative nut-free spreads.

Maine Potato Candy Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Maine potato candy weaves nostalgic New England charm into a delightful confection. Creamy homemade treats blend local ingredients with simple joy, offering you a taste of traditional American comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) plain mashed potatoes (no butter or seasoning)
• 4–5 cups (480–600 grams) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Create a velvety base by thoroughly blending mashed potatoes with vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until completely uniform and creamy.
2. Incrementally incorporate powdered sugar, stirring meticulously after each addition, transforming the mixture into a pliable, dense consistency reminiscent of moldable cookie dough.
3. Liberally dust a clean work surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, then gently stretch and flatten the sweet potato mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.
4. Distribute a uniform layer of smooth peanut butter across the entire potato dough surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. With careful precision, tightly roll the dough into a compact cylindrical log, using parchment paper as a helpful guide if the mixture becomes too sticky.
6. Encase the rolled candy log completely in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to allow the confection to solidify and set.
7. Once chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to slice the log into delicate rounds ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, revealing the beautiful swirled interior.
8. Arrange the candy pieces on a serving platter and enjoy these unique, sweet potato-based treats.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are completely mashed and free from lumps for a smooth, creamy candy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough mix more easily and prevent clumping of powdered sugar.
• If the dough becomes too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar or chill briefly to make rolling easier.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that your powdered sugar is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg