Candied Yams Recipe

This Candied Yams Recipe delivers tender sweet potatoes baked in a buttery brown-sugar glaze spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. It’s a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners sweet, glossy, and soul-warming.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 5

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4

Course: Healthy Side Dishes & Salads, Holiday Recipe

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes about 2 lbs, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 cup light brown sugar packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: ½ cup chopped pecans or mini marshmallows

Equipment

1 Large pot for parboiling yams
1 Sharp knife & cutting board to slice evenly
1 9×13-inch baking dish for oven baking
1 Mixing bowl to combine the syrup
1 Spatula or basting brush for coating yams

Method

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Parboil the Yams: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add sliced yams and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Arrange the yams in the baking dish in overlapping layers. Pour the sugar-butter mixture evenly over them, making sure each slice is well coated.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, baste with syrup, and bake another 15–20 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Optional Toppings: For extra crunch, sprinkle pecans on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. For a holiday twist, add marshmallows and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve alongside dishes like our Chicken Divan Recipe
or Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

Don’t skip parboiling: It helps yams cook evenly and soak up the caramel glaze.
Use real butter: It adds rich flavor that margarine can’t match.
Lighter option: Swap half the sugar for maple syrup and use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to restore the glaze.
Pairs beautifully with Hush Puppies Recipe for a Southern-inspired feast.