If you’re craving a comforting, sweet dish that will light up any holiday table or cozy dinner, this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. Tender sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious butter-brown sugar glaze accentuated by warm cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite a comforting hug. The creamy, caramelized sauce brings out the natural sweetness of the yams while adding richness that melts in your mouth. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a cherished classic and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component contributes to a beautiful balance of sweet, creamy, and warmly spiced flavors, while also bringing an inviting texture and color to the dish.
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total): Choose firm, bright orange yams for the best flavor and color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky glaze coating every piece.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: The heart of the candy glaze, providing deep molasses sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Boosts sweetness and contributes to caramelization.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious texture and creamy finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice essential to classic candied yams.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle but important note adding cozy depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma that uplifts the entire dish.
How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into thick, even chunks. Arranging them uniformly in a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and that each chunk gets a generous coating of glaze later on.
Step 2: Make the Butter and Sugar Glaze
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter completely. This is the base of your addictive glaze that will cling perfectly to the sides of each yam chunk.
Step 3: Sweeten the Butter
Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter, continuing to mix until the sugars dissolve thoroughly. This step is key for creating that caramel-like consistency everyone craves.
Step 4: Add Cream and Spices
Now, add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Keep stirring constantly as the mixture cooks for 3–4 minutes until it’s smooth, slightly thickened, and filled with enchanting aromas.
Step 5: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Pour the warm, flavorful glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure each piece gets a generous coating. This step seals in moisture and sweetness.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 40 minutes. The cover traps steam and helps the yams become tender without drying out.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered and Glaze
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes. Halfway through this time, spoon the glaze over the sweet potatoes once more so they caramelize and develop that glossy, sticky finish.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes outside the oven to let the glaze thicken slightly. This little pause helps the flavors marry beautifully before the first bite.
How to Serve Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch and a toasty contrast to the soft yams. You can also add a little fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color if you like.
Side Dishes
This candied yams dish pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, baked ham, or simply alongside savory green beans or salad. The sweet richness complements many traditional holiday plates splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the candied yams in individual ramekins topped with a marshmallow or two toasted until golden brown. You might also add a dollop of whipped cream infused with a pinch of cinnamon for a dessert-like presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover candied yams in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it just as delightful the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover candied yams by transferring them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat the yams gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, spooning some of the glaze over the top to keep them moist. Microwaving is faster but can dry them out if overdone.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While regular potatoes have a different taste and texture, this recipe is specifically designed for sweet potatoes. Their inherent sweetness and softness are what make this dish truly irresistible.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the glaze won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative with its own lovely flavor.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Covering the dish traps steam, helping the sweet potatoes become tender without drying out. Removing the cover later allows the glaze to caramelize nicely, which is essential for authentic candied yams.
Can I add marshmallows on top?
Yes, adding marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking gives a classic sweet touch and a lovely toasted texture, turning this into a quintessential holiday treat.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is warmly spiced but not spicy hot. The cinnamon and nutmeg simply provide gentle warmth that complements the sweetness without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the warmth and sweetness of this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe to bring comfort and joy to your meals. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or whenever the mood strikes, this dish delivers every time with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic recipe for Irresistible Candied Yams features tender, thick-cut sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery glaze made with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream. The sweet potatoes are slow-baked until caramelized and fork-tender, then rested to allow the luscious glaze to thicken, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spice that’s ideal for holiday dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely, making sure it doesn’t brown or burn to maintain a smooth glaze.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until they are fully dissolved into the melted butter, creating a sweet base for the glaze.
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potato chunks, making sure each piece is well coated with the luscious sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften while absorbing the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Spoon the glaze over the potatoes halfway through this time to enhance caramelization and ensure moistness. The yams should be fork-tender and have a caramelized surface.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes off the heat to allow the glaze to thicken and set, making the sweet potatoes even more flavorful and ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, choose firm and uniformly sized sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter glaze, though it might be less rich.
- Covering with foil during initial baking keeps sweet potatoes moist and prevents glaze from burning.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preference for more or less spice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in an oven or microwave.
