Needham Bars or Potato Candy
Indulge in the nostalgic sweetness of Needham Bars, also known as Potato Candy, a classic New England treat with a surprising twist! This no-bake recipe transforms humble mashed potato into a rich, velvety base for a coconut-infused filling that's both creamy and satisfying. Layered with a decadent coating of silky semi-sweet chocolate, these bite-sized delights are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. With just a handful of pantry staples—including shredded coconut, confectioners’ sugar, and a small russet potato—these bars come together effortlessly in under 30 minutes of prep. Ideal for holiday platters, potlucks, or gifting, these unique candy bars are sure to be a hit. Try them today and experience the magic of this old-fashioned confection, designed to impress with both flavor and charm!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 small Russet potato (peeled and boiled)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 cups Confectioners' sugar
- 2 cups Shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
Peel and dice the small russet potato, then boil it in a pot of water until fork-tender. Drain and mash the potato until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. You will need about 1/4 cup of mashed potato for this recipe.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mashed potato, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, stirring until fully incorporated. The mixture should form a thick, dough-like consistency.
Stir in the shredded sweetened coconut until evenly distributed.
Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Press the coconut mixture firmly into the pan, creating an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
Remove the chilled coconut mixture from the refrigerator and cut it into 24 bars or squares.
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Let the chocolate set by refrigerating the bars for 15-20 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
Once the chocolate coating has set, the Needham Bars are ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
196 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.6 g | 8% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.2 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.0 g | ||
| Protein | 1.3 g | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 31 mg | 1% | |
*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.
