Candied yams are a warm, sweet delight perfect for any meal. Made with tender sweet potatoes bathed in a sticky mix of brown sugar, butter, and spices, they’re a true comfort food!
When I make them, the smell fills the house and can’t resist sneaking a bite before serving. They’re the ultimate treat that turns any dinner into a feast! 🍠✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! Look for firm ones with smooth skin. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, yams can work, but they’ll have a different texture and taste.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular granulated sugar, but the flavor won’t be as deep. You can also mix some molasses with white sugar to mimic brown sugar.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice here, as it allows you to control the salt level. If you prefer a dairy-free option, margarine or coconut oil can substitute, but they might change the flavor profile slightly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth. You can swap out nutmeg with allspice or ginger if you prefer. Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor even more!
Vanilla Extract: This is optional but adds a nice layer of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use almond extract for a different twist.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
The key to baking tender and flavorful sweet potatoes lies in slicing them evenly and following the baking times closely. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife for even slicing—1/2-inch rounds create a balance of tenderness and texture.
- Don’t skip the aluminum foil! Covering the dish helps steam the potatoes, preventing them from drying out.
- Remember to check doneness with a fork—it should glide in easily when the yams are ready.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice caramelized top; watch carefully to avoid burning.
With these tips, you’re on your way to making delicious candied yams that everyone will love!
How to Make Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour to bake—totaling about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend some time slicing sweet potatoes and mixing the delicious sauce, and then just let it bake while the sweet aroma fills your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your yams when they’re ready to go in!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is nice and bubbly. This sweet sauce is what makes the yams so delicious!
3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, take your sliced sweet potatoes and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish (or another similar baking dish you have). It’s okay if they overlap a little, but try to keep them mostly in one layer for even cooking.
4. Coat the Potatoes:
Pour the buttery brown sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Use a spoon to gently toss or press down the slices to make sure they get well coated. You want each slice to soak in that sweet goodness!
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to keep all the moisture in as they bake. Place it in the oven and let them bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Finish Baking Uncovered:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and let the yams bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork and the sauce has thickened into a lovely glossy syrup.
7. Broil for Extra Touch (Optional):
If you want an extra caramelized topping, you can broil the yams uncovered for about 2 to 4 minutes. Just make sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some vanilla extract on top if you’re using it. Let the candied yams cool slightly to allow the syrup to thicken. Serve them warm as a delicious side dish for any meal! Enjoy the sweetness and buttery goodness!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since they’re already cooked. Just heat the sauce and gently fold in the drained sweet potatoes, then bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Ground Nutmeg?
No problem! If you don’t have nutmeg, you can either omit it or substitute with a pinch of allspice or ginger for a similar warmth. It’ll still taste delicious without it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm them gently in a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the syrup.
Can I Make Candied Yams In Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking point, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it into the oven. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings!