Irish potato candy

This article is about a candy originating in Southeast Pennsylvania. For the mashed potato roll filled with peanut butter, see Potato Candy.
Irish tater
Irish potato candy from See's of South San Francisco with cream cheese, cinnamon, sugar and nuts
TypeCandy
Place of originUnited States
Region or statePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Main ingredientsCinnamon, sugar, coconut and cream cheese
Irish potato candy

Irish potato candy is a traditional candy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Despite its name, it is not from Ireland, and does not usually contain any potato.[1] The candies have a coconut cream inside (generally made from some blend of coconut, confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and cream or cream cheese) and are rolled in cinnamon on the outside, resulting in an appearance reminiscent of small potatoes.[1][2] The treats are about the size of a large marble and are especially popular around St. Patrick's Day.[1]

Oh Ryan's of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, claims to be the largest distributor of Irish Potatoes, shipping about 80,000 pounds to major chains and smaller candy stores, mostly in the Philadelphia area.[3] See's Candies, based in South San Francisco, also makes a version composed of a divinity and English walnut interior dusted with cocoa and using pine nuts as potato "eyes".[3] The potatoes are showcased as a seasonal product by Philadelphia-area supermarkets, such as Acme Markets.

  1. ^ a b c "Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes – Oh Ryan's Original Irish Potatoes Candies". Archived from the original on March 17, 2017.
  2. ^ SAUNDRA. "Irish Potato Candy". Allrecipes.com. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b Erin Zimmer Irish 'Potatoes' from See's Candies and Oh Ryan's March 17, 2009 Serious Eats