Maine Potato Candy (Needhams) Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that packs both nostalgia and indulgence, Maine Potato Candy, also known as Needhams, is the perfect recipe to try. This classic candy is made with simple ingredients—potatoes, coconut, and chocolate—that come together to create a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s a perfect candy for busy weeknights when you need something easy and unique to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this candy ready in no time! It’s a no-bake treat that requires minimal effort.
• Deliciously Unique: Potato in candy? Yes! It adds a surprisingly smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and shredded coconut.
• Perfect for Gifting: Maine Potato Candy makes a great homemade gift. It’s quirky and flavorful—exactly the type of treat that will leave people talking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making your own Maine Potato Candy. This recipe is all about simplicity, but the combination of ingredients is what gives the candy its distinctive flavor and texture:

• Potato: The key ingredient that brings this candy together. You’ll only need a small amount, but it adds the smooth, creamy texture that makes Needhams so special. Don’t worry—it doesn’t taste like mashed potatoes!
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to bind everything together into a dough-like consistency.
• Shredded Coconut: Coconut adds a chewy, slightly sweet bite that complements the smooth texture of the potato. It’s a traditional ingredient in Maine Potato Candy.
• Butter: A little butter adds richness and helps to balance the sweetness of the candy.
• Vanilla Extract: This brings a warm, fragrant note that elevates the overall flavor.
• Chocolate (Dark or Milk): The rich chocolate coating is what makes Needhams irresistible. You can choose dark or milk chocolate based on your personal preference.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Maine Potato Candy and experiment with these variations:

• Nutty Twist: Add crushed nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the coconut mixture for a crunchy surprise.
• Flavored Coating: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a little orange zest or mint extract to the chocolate before dipping the candy.
• Make It Mini: Roll the candy mixture into smaller balls for bite-sized treats that are easy to pop into your mouth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate to make this candy dairy-free, while still keeping the rich flavor intact.

How to Make Maine Potato Candy (Needhams)

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

Start by boiling your potato until it’s soft. You only need a small potato, so don’t worry about leftovers! Once cooked, mash it thoroughly and allow it to cool completely. The mashed potato should be smooth and free of lumps.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potato with powdered sugar, shredded coconut, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, dough-like consistency. The mixture should hold together without being too sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Candy

Roll the mixture into small logs or balls—whichever shape you prefer. You want them to be about the size of a bite-sized truffle. Once shaped, place them on a parchment-lined tray to keep them from sticking.

Step 4: Coat in Chocolate

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until it’s smooth and fully melted. Dip each piece of the potato mixture into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Return each piece to the parchment paper to cool and harden. The chocolate coating will firm up as it cools.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once all the pieces are coated, refrigerate the candies for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully set. After that, they’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Mash the Potato Well: Make sure the mashed potato is smooth and lump-free for the best texture.
• Work Quickly with the Chocolate: Once you dip the candy in chocolate, the coating can set quickly. If it starts to harden too much, just warm it up gently again.
• Customize the Texture: If you want a more rustic candy, leave the coconut chunks a bit larger for a chewier bite.

How to Serve

These Maine Potato Candies (Needhams) are a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them on a dessert tray or package them in a cute gift box for a sweet surprise. They’re perfect for holiday gifting or just as a fun treat after dinner.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Beverages: A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect complement to these sweet, chocolatey bites.
• Sides: For a light contrast, serve with fresh fruit like berries or slices of apple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These candies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator to help the chocolate maintain its texture.

Freezing

Maine Potato Candy freezes beautifully. Store the candy in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them slightly softened, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for the coating. It’s all about what flavor you prefer.

2. What if my potato mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture is too sticky to roll, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches a workable consistency. You want it to be firm but not too dry.

3. How do I make the coconut mixture less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture, so you may need to add a little more coconut to compensate.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these candies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for even longer.

Final Thoughts

Maine Potato Candy (Needhams) is a delightful treat that combines the smoothness of mashed potatoes with the sweetness of coconut and chocolate. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and its unique flavor and texture are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a fun gift or a special treat for yourself, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Maine!

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