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!

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 24

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Drain the potato and mash thoroughly in a medium bowl, ensuring there are no lumps. Let the mashed potato cool to room temperature.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Once the filling is firm, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 7

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval, until smooth.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Refrigerate the coated Needhams until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Step 10

Store the Needhams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1567.1 grams (1567.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5451

Total Fat 198.40g	254%
Saturated Fat 148.50g	743%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 836mg	36%
Total Carbohydrate 951.60g	346%
Dietary Fiber 48.30g	173%
Total Sugars 788.90g
Protein 33.00g	66%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 226mg	17%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 2863mg	61%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.2%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 66.5%