Maine Needhams
Indulge in the rich, nostalgic charm of Maine Needhams, a beloved New England candy that blends creamy coconut and chocolate with an unexpected twist—mashed potato! This no-bake recipe transforms a humble boiled russet potato into a sweet and chewy filling, perfectly combined with shredded coconut, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Each bite-sized square is dipped in a silky coating of semi-sweet chocolate, delivering the ultimate balance of sweetness and texture. Ready in just an hour of prep time, these homemade Needhams are an irresistible treat for holidays, parties, or as a cozy indulgence. Perfect for coconut lovers and chocolate fans alike, this traditional Maine dessert is a must-try for your candy-making adventures!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 medium Russet potato (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 cups Shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon Coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
Place the peeled and cubed potato into a small saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until the potato is fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Drain the potato and mash thoroughly in a medium bowl, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mashed potato cool to room temperature.
Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed potato. Mix until fully combined. The mixture should resemble a thick dough.
Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the coconut mixture into the pan in an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Once the filling is firm, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
Using a fork or candy-dipping tool, dip each square of the filling into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off before placing the candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate the coated Needhams until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
Store the Needhams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
163 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.2 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 31 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.1 g | ||
| Protein | 0.9 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 87 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
