Needhams

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Needhams are traditional American confectionery dessert bars originating from Maine. They're made with a combination of mashed potatoes (unseasoned), butter, salt, sugar, coconut, vanilla, and chocolate. The melted butter is mixed with the potatoes, sugar, vanilla, and coconut, and the mixture is spread in a layer in a pan. Once cooled, it's cut into squares and dipped into melted chocolate. Needhams became popular in the late 19th century in Maine, and it is believed that they were named after an evangelist Reverend George S. Needham. Nowadays, these desserts are often made during the festive Christmas season.