philly irish potato candy, oh, how I adore you! These little coconut cream creations, rolled in cinnamon, are a Philadelphia tradition that always brings back the sweetest memories. Growing up, my mom would make a batch every St. Patrick’s Day, and the whole house would smell like a sugary, spiced dream. Preparing philly irish potato candy isn’t about following a complicated recipe; it’s about recreating a cherished experience, a taste of home, and a burst of pure, unadulterated joy.
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Why You Will Love This philly irish potato candy Recipe
This philly irish potato candy recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a fast track to nostalgia! The creamy coconut filling melts in your mouth, followed by a gentle warmth from the cinnamon. It’s comfort food at its finest, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying. I especially love how simple the ingredients are; you probably already have most of them in your pantry.
Plus, these little “potatoes” are naturally gluten free and offer a delightful alternative to heavier holiday treats. Each bite is a mini celebration, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They pair so nicely with a cup of Authentic Irish Tea Cake or as a sweet ending to a St. Patrick’s Day feast. These have been a family favorite for years, and I promise it will be yours too when you give it a try.
Ingredients Needed for This philly irish potato candy Recipe
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting
- 4 cups shredded coconut, sweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
How to Make This philly irish potato candy Recipe
- 1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- 2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. I like to use a hand mixer for this step.
- 3. Stir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This mixture will be your “potato” filling.
- 4. Take a small amount of the coconut mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into an oval shape, resembling a small potato. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 5. In a small bowl, place the ground cinnamon. Roll each “potato” in the cinnamon, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- 6. Refrigerate the philly irish potato candy for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This makes them easier to handle and keeps them from going flat.
- 7. Dust your prepared surface with more confectionary sugar to keep the candy ingredients from sticking!
How to Serve This philly irish potato candy Recipe
These philly irish potato candies are best served chilled. Arrange them on a platter for a festive St. Patrick’s Day treat or simply enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of year. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds an extra touch of elegance.
They pair wonderfully with a Traditional Irish Apple Cake and a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Store This philly irish potato candy Recipe
To keep your philly irish potato candy fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the candies. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make This philly irish potato candy Recipe
- If your coconut mixture is too sticky, add more confectioners’ sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- For a richer flavor, try toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the mixture.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure that each “potato” is uniform in size.
- If you do not have cinnamon on hand, a few drops of vanilla essence can compliment this recipe.
Helpful Notes for This philly irish potato candy Recipe
The cream cheese is key to getting the right texture for these candies. Make sure it’s fully softened to avoid any lumps in the mixture. If you don’t have sweetened coconut, you can use unsweetened, but you might need to add a little extra confectioners’ sugar to compensate. Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond or peppermint, for a unique flavor twist.
Variation of This philly irish potato candy Recipe
For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for a festive holiday flavor. You can also dip the finished candies in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat. Consider adding food coloring to make them green for an extra touch of St. Patrick’s Day flair.
Another fun idea is to add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the coconut mixture for added texture.
What exactly is Philly Irish Potato Candy?
Philly Irish Potato Candy is a traditional confection made with a coconut cream filling and rolled in cinnamon. It resembles small potatoes and is a popular treat, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.
Is Philly Irish Potato Candy really Irish?
Despite its name, Philly Irish Potato Candy is not actually Irish. It’s a Philadelphia tradition and a sweet treat with no connection to Ireland.
How do I store Philly Irish Potato Candy?
Store Philly Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help them maintain their shape and freshness for up to a week.
Can I freeze Philly Irish Potato Candy?
While you can freeze them, it’s generally not recommended as it can affect the texture. The coconut cream filling might become slightly grainy after thawing.
Philly Irish Potato Candy: The BEST Easy Recipe!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 30 candies 1x
Description
These Philadelphia Irish Potato Candies are a classic St. Patrick’s Day treat! Creamy coconut filling rolled in cinnamon, they’re easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softenedn4 cups confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dustingn4 cups shredded coconut, sweetenedn1 teaspoon vanilla extractn2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.nGradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each addition.nStir in the shredded coconut and vanilla extract.nTake a small amount of the coconut mixture (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into an oval shape.nRoll each “potato” in the cinnamon, ensuring it’s evenly coated.nRefrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Irish American
Nutrition
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
