There are certain dishes that don’t just fill your stomach—they fill your heart. Candied yams are one of those soul-warming creations that instantly transport you to your favorite family gatherings. The smell of buttery brown sugar bubbling in the oven, the golden glaze caramelizing over tender slices of sweet potato—it’s a moment of pure comfort.
Maybe you remember them from your grandmother’s table, baked to perfection for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or maybe this is your first time making them yourself. Either way, you’re about to experience something truly special. This candied yams recipe isn’t just sweet—it’s rich, buttery, and melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table go silent for a moment before saying, “Wow, that’s heavenly.”
Let’s dive into how to make this timeless classic right in your own kitchen.
What Are Candied Yams (And Why Everyone Loves Them)?
Before you start cooking, it’s worth understanding why candied yams hold such a special place in comfort food history. Despite the name, most candied yam recipes actually use sweet potatoes, not true yams. In the U.S., “yams” and “sweet potatoes” are often used interchangeably—but it’s the orange-fleshed sweet potatoes that give this dish its creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor.
This Southern classic dates back generations, appearing on dinner tables across America—especially during the holidays. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a balance of flavors that’s both cozy and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
- It has a perfect caramelized glaze—not too runny, not too thick.
- It’s versatile enough for holidays, Sunday dinners, or weeknight indulgence.
- It’s comforting—every bite feels like home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Candied Yams
You don’t need fancy ingredients—just the right balance of sweetness, spice, and butter. Here’s everything you’ll need to create the most delicious candied yams recipe that tastes like heaven.
Candied Yams Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes (yams) | 4–5 medium | Naturally sweet and creamy base |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Adds richness and silky texture |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | Creates deep caramel sweetness |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Balances and enhances the glaze |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp | Subtle spice for flavor complexity |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Smooth, aromatic finish |
| Water or orange juice | ¼ cup | Helps form the syrupy glaze |
| Mini marshmallows (optional) | 1 cup | For a gooey, golden topping |
Pro Tips
- Swap water for orange juice to add a hint of citrus brightness.
- Add a touch of maple syrup for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
- Want extra crunch? Toss in a handful of chopped pecans before baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Candied Yams That Taste Like Heaven
Making perfect candied yams isn’t complicated—you just need patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps carefully for that caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth result every time.
Step 1 – Prepare the Yams
- Wash, peel, and slice your sweet potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and parboil the slices for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
- Drain and set aside. This step helps the yams bake evenly later.
Step 2 – Make the Sweet Syrup
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns into a smooth, syrupy glaze.
- If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen it slightly.
Step 3 – Combine and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the yam slices in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the syrup evenly over the slices, ensuring every piece is coated.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Step 4 – Caramelize and Finish
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes.
- The glaze should thicken and caramelize beautifully.
- For an extra treat, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and gooey.
Tips for the Best Candied Yams
Perfecting candied yams takes more than just following the recipe—it’s about those little touches that bring out the best flavor.
- Pick the right yams: Use fresh, firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best texture.
- Balance the sweetness: A pinch of salt or a splash of orange juice keeps the dish from being overly sweet.
- Use real butter: It gives your glaze that luxurious shine and rich flavor.
- Avoid overcooking: Too long in the oven can make them mushy.
- Let them rest: Once baked, let your yams sit for 10 minutes. The syrup will thicken into that perfect glossy coating.
Tasty Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s fun to experiment. Here are a few irresistible twists on the traditional candied yams recipe:
Classic Southern Candied Yams
Stick with the basics—brown sugar, butter, and spices. No marshmallows, just a deep, caramelized glaze that embodies authentic Southern comfort food.
Maple Pecan Candied Yams
Add ¼ cup of maple syrup to the sauce and top your dish with chopped pecans before baking. The nuts add crunch, while maple syrup deepens the sweetness.
Vegan Candied Yams
Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. You’ll still get a rich glaze, and the coconut adds a subtle tropical note.
Stovetop Candied Yams
If you’re short on oven space, make them on the stovetop. Simmer sliced yams in your syrup mixture over low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and glossy.
How to Store and Reheat Candied Yams
You’ll probably want to make extra—these yams taste even better the next day.
- Store: Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Pro Tip: Add a dab of butter before reheating to restore that fresh-from-the-oven richness.
Serving Suggestions
Candied yams are one of those side dishes that go with almost anything. They add warmth, color, and sweetness to your table.
Perfect Pairings
- Thanksgiving turkey with gravy
- Baked ham or roast chicken
- Fried chicken and collard greens for a classic soul-food meal
- Mac and cheese for extra comfort
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits for a Southern feast
Garnishing Ideas
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans or marshmallows.
- Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish.
- For a gourmet look, drizzle lightly with maple syrup just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Sugars | 34 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
These numbers may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion size, but this gives you a good idea of the nutritional profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Yams
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., what we call “yams” are actually sweet potatoes. Real yams come from Africa and Asia and have a rough, bark-like skin with a starchy texture. Sweet potatoes are smoother, sweeter, and perfect for this recipe.
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake them the day before, then reheat them before serving. They taste just as good—maybe even better—after the flavors have settled.
How do I keep my candied yams from turning watery?
Don’t skip the step where you bake them uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This helps evaporate excess liquid and thickens the glaze into a luscious caramel sauce.
Can I use canned yams instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to drain them well before baking, and reduce your cooking time since they’re already soft.
Are candied yams vegan-friendly?
The traditional recipe isn’t, but it’s easy to make them vegan by swapping butter for plant-based alternatives and skipping marshmallows.
Conclusion – A Heavenly Treat Worth Sharing
There’s something extraordinary about a dish that’s both simple and decadent. These candied yams aren’t just food—they’re a celebration of warmth, comfort, and love. The rich caramel glaze, tender texture, and hint of spice create a harmony that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or just craving something sweet on a quiet Sunday, this recipe delivers every time. With one bite, you’ll understand why so many people call it “heaven on a plate.”
So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bring a little Southern soul into your kitchen.
Table of Contents
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potato
https://labelrecipes.com/old-fashioned-tuna-casserole-recipe-everyone/