This Philly Style Irish Potato Candy is the perfect addition to your St. Patrick's Day festivities! This no-bake recipe has a delicious coconut cream inside and is rolled into cinnamon making them look like bite-sized potatoes. It's a gluten-free and easily dairy-free St. Patty's day treat!
Does Irish potato candy contain actual potatoes?
Truth is though- Irish Potatoes didn't originate in Ireland, and they aren't made from potatoes! Our family has been making this recipe since I was in the 3rd grade(that's a LONG time!!) but it wasn't until recently that I realized they're only a Philadelphia tradition! My whole life I thought everyone was enjoying these sweet Irish treats!!
These little coconut balls are rolled in cinnamon and called Irish Potatoes! They're so easy to make and perfect to bring to parties- no baking needed and can be made ahead & stored in the fridge. Kids especially have so much fun making this recipe!
Philadelphia is famous for its version of Irish potato candy. Even though you won't find this treat in Ireland. It's a regional St. Patrick's Day dessert that has become a tradition in bakeries across the city during March.
What ingredients do I need to make this Irish Potato Candy?
There's nothing "healthified" about this recipe! BUT it's a once a year tradition that has been in our family for years and years. Good news- this recipe is naturally gluten free as written. Just double-check your powdered sugar label for safety if cooking for someone with celiac disease. We also swapped out the butter in the original recipe for a dairy-free version.
Here's what you'll need:
- Confectioner's Sugar
- Butter, plant-based butter for dairy free.
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened
- Water
- Ground Cinnamon
Looking for more Gluten Free St. Patrick's Day recipes?
Check out this Turkey Shepherd's Pie, Gluten Free Shamrock Pops for St. Patrick's Day and our Almond Flour Irish Soda Bread!
How to make this Irish Potatoes recipe
This recipe is super easy and such a fun one for kids to get involved with!
- Grab a large bowl, then combine all of your ingredients-except for the cinnamon!
- Mix the dough well...it will be hard, but go ahread and add a little more water if it's too hard and crumbly.
- Let the dough sit in the fridge for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the dough is chilled, form it into small balls(potatoes!) and then roll the balls into cinnamon. That's it! You can either start eating the Irish Potatoes right away, or store in the fridge until ready to eat.
Storage & Make Ahead Tips
Irish potato candy stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for parties.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
- Serve chilled or slightly softened
They're actually even better the next day once the flavors settle.
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!
Comment below and tell me where you're from! Have you ever had Irish Potato Candy?
Philly Style Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix all ingredients(Except cinnamon!) in a medium bowl.
- Mix well(dough will be hard) and let sit in the fridge for 45min-1hr.
- Form small balls(potatoes!). Pour some cinnamon in a separate small bowl, then roll your potatoes into the cinnamon until all sides are covered.
- Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to eat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Jacqui Lehman says
My Dad is from Ireland this is exactly how my grandmother made this candy. I make these every year 🍀 they are a yearly tradition in my house! Thank you!!
Thriving Gluten Free says
Love that!! Happy St. Patrick's Day!
A says
thank u Debby these were so yummy (I did modify the recipe a little bit by adding less powdered sugar but they still came out great)
Thriving Gluten Free says
You're welcome! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your feedback. Happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Rachel bulisky says
Ummm, no potato? Yeah, you need to add potato or you're kind of missing the point.
Thriving Gluten Free says
Haha this is a candy recipe! No actual potatoes involved!
Elizabeth says
How many ounces of powdered sugar? I have a huge bag lol
Thriving Gluten Free says
Hi Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for just seeing your message. If you ever need an immediate reply please contact me on IG or FB! The confectioner's sugar box I use is 16oz- I hope that helps if you didn't try making the recipe already.