These Mouthwatering Candied Yams are tender, sweet, buttery, and spiced just right. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Let’s break it down so you can make it at home—no fluff, no filler—just real, delicious food.
What Are Candied Yams?
Candied yams are sweet potatoes slow-baked in a rich, buttery syrup made of sugar and warm spices. The result? A golden, caramelized, tender dish that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prep and bake
- Full of warm, comforting flavors
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Can be made ahead of time
Mouthwatering Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this classic recipe. Stick to USA measurements for accuracy:
- 4 medium-large yams or sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs)
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Tip: Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh. They yield the best texture and flavor.
How to Make Mouthwatering Candied Yams
You don’t need to be a professional chef. Follow these straightforward steps:
1. Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
- Wash thoroughly under cool water.
- Peel the skin using a vegetable peeler.
- Slice into even ½-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
Optional Tip:
Boil the slices for 5–10 minutes in salted water to soften them and reduce oven time.
2. Arrange in a Baking Dish
- Use a large 9×13-inch baking dish or pan.
- Lay the sweet potato slices in even layers.
3. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F.
4. Make the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup salted butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup brown sugar.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until fully combined and smooth (about 2–3 minutes).
5. Coat the Yams
- Pour the hot syrup over the sweet potatoes.
- Gently mix or toss to coat every slice.
- Don’t worry if the sauce pools at the bottom—it will bake into the yams.
6. Bake Until Tender
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.
- Baste every 20 minutes using a spoon to scoop syrup over the top.
Shortcut:
If you parboiled the yams earlier, check for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
7. Let Them Rest
- Once tender and golden, remove from the oven.
- Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows the syrup to thicken slightly and coat the yams beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Best Candied Yams
- Don’t skip the spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger give depth.
- Use salted butter. It balances the sweetness.
- Add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes if you like them gooey and golden.
- Make it ahead. This dish stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Use the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?
In the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably. True yams are starchier and rarely sold in grocery stores. This recipe uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add an extra pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Can I make this vegan?
Swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Can I freeze candied yams?
Yes. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Pair This With:
- Roasted turkey or ham
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Collard greens or green beans
- Fresh dinner rolls or cornbread
You don’t need a fancy ingredient list or complicated steps. These Mouthwatering Candied Yams deliver rich, nostalgic flavor with easy-to-follow instructions. Whether it’s your first time making them or your hundredth, this recipe belongs on your holiday table.
Ready to impress your guests?
Make it once, and it’ll be your go-to every year.
