This vintage no-bake candy may sound unusual at first, but it’s a classic for a reason. A simple dough made from mashed potatoes and powdered sugar gets rolled with creamy peanut butter into a sweet, soft candy log that slices into beautiful swirls.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or nostalgic homemade treats.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain mashed potatoes, cooled
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Use completely plain mashed potatoes:
- no butter
- no milk
- no salt or seasoning
If needed, boil and mash fresh potatoes with only a little water and chill completely.
Measure out 1/4 cup cooled mashed potatoes.
2. Make the Candy Dough
Place the mashed potatoes in a mixing bowl.
Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition.
At first the mixture will seem runny, but continue adding sugar until a soft dough forms.
Usually this takes about:
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
3. Adjust the Texture
The dough should feel similar to soft sugar cookie dough:
- smooth
- pliable
- not sticky
If sticky:
- add more powdered sugar a little at a time
If too dry:
- lightly dampen your hands and knead gently
4. Chill
Shape dough into a flat rectangle.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for:
- 20–30 minutes
This makes rolling much easier.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Dust parchment paper and rolling pin lightly with powdered sugar.
Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about:
- 1/4 inch thick
- roughly 8×10 inches
Don’t worry about perfect edges.
6. Add Peanut Butter
Spread the peanut butter evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
7. Roll Into a Log
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to cinnamon rolls.
If small cracks appear, gently smooth them with your fingers.
8. Chill Again
Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for:
- 30–60 minutes
This helps the candy firm up for clean slicing.
9. Slice and Serve
Cut into thin pinwheel slices and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ No baking required
✔️ Only 3 ingredients
✔️ Sweet peanut butter swirl
✔️ Vintage family recipe
✔️ Budget-friendly treat
Tips for Success
- Use smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes
- Chill before slicing for cleaner swirls
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar if sticky
- Store chilled in warm weather
Variations
- Use crunchy peanut butter for texture
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Try Nutella instead of peanut butter
- Dip slices halfway in melted chocolate
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned potato candy is a nostalgic homemade treat with a surprisingly soft texture and sweet peanut butter swirl. Simple ingredients transform into a charming dessert that has been passed down through generations.
