Maine Potato Candy

Maine Potato Candy is a classic, old-fashioned treat with humble beginnings and surprisingly sweet results. Despite using mashed potatoes as its base, this candy is delightfully creamy, soft, and sweet—usually filled with peanut butter and rolled into pinwheel-style bites. It’s a nostalgic no-bake dessert that originated in New England and has been passed down through generations for good reason.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required
• Incredibly easy and fun to make
• Budget-friendly using simple pantry ingredients
• A great way to use leftover mashed potatoes
• Rich, sweet, and satisfying
• Nostalgic flavor with a unique texture
• Easily customizable with different fillings
• Naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free
• A great holiday or homemade gift treat
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mashed potatoes (plain, cooled—no butter or salt)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Creamy peanut butter (or filling of choice)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the cooled mashed potatoes with vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick, pliable dough forms.
3. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment or wax paper into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
4. Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter over the entire surface.
5. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge.
6. Wrap tightly in parchment and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours until firm.
7. Slice into ½-inch pinwheels and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 pinwheels.
Total time: about 2 hours (including chilling)

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 1–2 hours

Variations

• Use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or Nutella as filling
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth
• Dip slices in melted chocolate for a candy-coated version
• Use food coloring for festive dough (great for holidays)
• Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist
• Mix cocoa powder into part of the dough for a chocolate swirl
• Make it nut-free with cookie butter or jam filling

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving
• Reheating: Not needed—serve chilled or at room temperature

FAQs

Does it really taste like potatoes?

Not at all! The sugar and vanilla completely mask the potato flavor, leaving a sweet, creamy candy.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes, but make sure they are plain—no butter, milk, or salt added.

What kind of potato works best?

Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal due to their starchy, dry texture.

Is this candy gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ingredients (especially powdered sugar and peanut butter) are certified gluten-free.

How long does it last?

It lasts up to a week in the fridge or two months in the freezer.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely—it’s a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays or events.

Why is the dough sticky?

Potatoes absorb moisture differently. Just add more powdered sugar until the dough is firm and workable.

Can kids help make this?

Yes! It’s fun and safe for kids to roll, spread, and slice with supervision.

What if I don’t like peanut butter?

You can use other spreads like almond butter, cookie butter, or jam.

Can I freeze the whole log?

Yes—freeze the log wrapped tightly, then slice when thawed and chilled.

Conclusion

Maine Potato Candy is a quirky, classic recipe that turns simple ingredients into a rich, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering it for the first time, this candy is a fun and delicious way to surprise your taste buds. Easy to make, no baking required, and perfect for sharing—it’s a sweet piece of heritage worth keeping in your recipe box.

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