Needham Potato Candy
A classic Maine treat that cleverly uses mashed potatoes to create a sweet, creamy coconut filling, all enrobed in rich dark chocolate. This unique confection has a surprising secret ingredient that yields an unforgettable texture.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook and Mash Potato
- b.Place the peeled and cubed potato in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender.
- c.Drain the potato thoroughly, ensuring no excess water remains. Mash until perfectly smooth using a potato ricer or a fine-mesh sieve. Any lumps will affect the final texture.
- d.Spread the mashed potato in a thin layer on a plate or baking sheet and let it cool completely to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. This step is critical to prevent a soupy filling.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Filling
- b.In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat the cooled mashed potato, softened butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- c.Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture will become very thick and stiff.
- d.Fold in the shredded coconut and salt with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill the Filling
- b.Line an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to act as handles.
- c.Transfer the filling mixture to the pan and press it down firmly and evenly. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create a smooth, flat surface.
- d.Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the block is very firm to the touch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cut and Freeze
- b.Using the parchment paper handles, lift the chilled block of filling out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.
- c.With a sharp knife, cut the block into 24 equal squares (a 6x4 grid).
- d.Arrange the squares in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during dipping.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Melt Chocolate
- b.While the squares are freezing, place the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- c.Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is about 90% melted. Continue stirring until completely smooth to avoid overheating.
- d.Alternatively, melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler).
- 6
Step 6
- a.Dip and Set Candies
- b.Working with one frozen square at a time, drop it into the melted chocolate. Use two forks to turn the square and ensure it's fully coated.
- c.Lift the candy out of the chocolate with one fork, and tap it gently on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
- d.Place the dipped candy back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all remaining squares.
- e.Let the candies set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, until the chocolate is completely firm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a starchy potato like a Russet for the best dry, fluffy texture. Waxy potatoes can make the filling gummy.
- 2A potato ricer is highly recommended for achieving the smoothest, lump-free mashed potato essential for this candy.
- 3Ensure the mashed potato is completely cool before mixing with other ingredients to prevent melting the butter and sugar, which would result in a soupy filling.
- 4Don't skip the freezing step before dipping; it makes the process much cleaner and prevents the squares from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
- 5If your chocolate coating seems too thick for dipping, add another teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
- 6For a professional look, you can trim the edges of the chilled block before cutting it into individual squares.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chocolate Type
Use milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter candy, or a semi-sweet chocolate for a classic taste.
Flavor InfusionFlavor Infusion
Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint or almond extract to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
Unsweetened CoconutUnsweetened Coconut
For a less sweet version, use unsweetened shredded coconut. You may want to increase the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup to compensate for the texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Antioxidants
Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Shredded coconut is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Quick Energy Boost
The combination of carbohydrates from sugar and potato, along with fats from coconut and chocolate, provides a rapid source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
The mashed potato acts as a binder and provides a unique, creamy, and smooth texture to the filling without adding a noticeable potato flavor. It's a traditional Maine recipe born from resourcefulness.