Vegan Candy Spuds: Dairy Free Coconut Condensed Milk Balls

Delicious candy “spuds” may look just like freshly dug potatoes, but they are actually a delicious sweet treat. These potato shaped sweets are made with coconut and dairy free condensed milk and dusted with cocoa. Our candy spuds taste similar to a Bounty or Mounds bar, but are vegan, gluten free and allergy-friendly so everyone can enjoy them. An easy no bake recipe that’s perfect for sharing at Christmas or any time of the year.

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What are “spuds”?

Here in Australia, “spud” is how we often refer to potatoes. And a lolly or candy spud is a sweet treat that looks much like a potato that’s just been dug out of the garden. Spuds are actually coconut condensed milk balls, coated in cocoa powder “dirt”. I remember making spuds at school when I was young. They are definitely an old fashioned treat.

Unlike Irish potato candy, spuds aren’t made with cream cheese. They are simply icing sugar, coconut and condensed milk. This makes them very sweet! They are so easy to make, no baking required.

Of course, traditional candy spuds are made with regular condensed milk. So we’ve made allergy-friendly and vegan candy spuds using a dairy free condensed milk alternative instead.

Vegan candy spud ingredients

You’ll only need 4 ingredients to make these allergy-friendly and vegan candy spuds:

• 2 cups desiccated coconut
• 3/4 cup dairy free sweetened condensed milk (eg oat, soy or coconut)
• 3 to 4 cups icing sugar
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder for rolling

Desiccated coconut

These candy spuds are made with fine, desiccated (dried) coconut. Don’t use coconut flakes as these will be too moist. We’ve used McKenzies fine desiccated coconut.

Dairy free condensed milk

We often use store bought sweetened condensed coconut milk or a sweetened condensed oat milk for making allergy friendly treats. If you can tolerate soy, a condensed soy milk would also work well. Sometimes it can be hard to find plant based sweetened condensed milk in store. If you can’t source any, it’s very easy to make your own.

For this recipe, we made our own condensed oat milk using our easy dairy free condensed milk recipe.

Icing sugar

Make sure to choose a pure icing sugar (powdered sugar), or if you use an “icing mixture” be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Icing mixture often includes a little cornflour to stop lumps from forming. We’ve used an icing mixture this time but have made sure that it is gluten free.

The quantity of icing sugar needed is listed as a range, because it will depend very much on the type of dairy free condensed milk you use. With thick condensed milk you may only need 2 to 3 cups. For some thinner, runnier condensed milks you will need to add more icing sugar to form the right consistency for rolling your spuds. The key is to add the icing sugar a little at a time and knead until the mixture is a playdough consistency and not too sticky.

Cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is the “dirt” on these potato like treats. Some cocoa powders have a “may contain” or precautionary allergy statement for milk. Make sure to read the label of the cocoa you use carefully. We usually use Cadbury Bournville cocoa powder.

Cooking method

Place desiccated coconut, 2 cups of icing sugar and diary free condensed milk in a large bowl and mix well to combine.

Gradually add more icing sugar, a little at a time, and combine until the mixture forms a large ball that can be kneaded. The mixture should be the consistency of playdough, not too sticky, and easy to roll in your hands.

Spread cocoa powder in a a shallow ball or small plate.

Take one teaspoon of coconut mixture at a time and roll into a ball in your hands. Roll the ball through the cocoa powder to create a “dirty” appearance. Do not completely cover the coconut ball.

Place prepared spuds on a lined tray in the fridge for around 15 minutes to set.

This recipe makes about 36 small candy spuds.

Storage

Store prepared candy spuds in the fridge to maintain firmness. They will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. After that they will start to dry out and won’t be as tasty.

More allergy-friendly sweet treats

For more allergy friendly sweet treats using dairy free condensed milk, make sure to try some our favourites:

• dairy free coconut ice;
• coconut and maple dairy free fudge;
• gluten, nut, egg and dairy free lemon slice;
• no bake chocolate slice;
• lemon balls;
• allergy friendly apricot balls; and
• dairy free ‘rum’ balls.

Or try some of other allergy friendly Christmas treats. You’ll also find lots more allergy-friendly recipes to try on our recipe page.