If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe. These sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery glaze melt with a perfect balance of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a luscious combination of sweet and spice that simply can’t be beat. The caramelized edges and tender interior deliver a texture that’s out of this world, making this dish a star at any family dinner, holiday feast, or whenever you crave something truly cozy and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building that signature rich glaze and tender texture that make the Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe a much-loved classic. The sweet potatoes provide a hearty base, while the combination of sugars, butter, and spices creates a luscious coating that turns this dish into a showstopper.
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total): Choose firm, vibrant yams for the best texture and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep molasses notes and a lovely caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances the brown sugar’s richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a smooth, velvety glaze that coats every inch of those sweet potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces warm, spicy undertones that are essential for that cozy feel.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of nuttiness and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweetness and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a delicate, aromatic sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Arrange the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel those beautiful sweet potatoes and cut them into thick, chunky pieces so they bake evenly and soak up maximum glaze. Place them neatly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure each yam has room to caramelize.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, grab a medium saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Watching the butter melt completely sets the stage for mixing all the sweet and spicy ingredients into a luscious glaze.
Step 3: Add Sugars
Once your butter is melted, stir in both the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Keep stirring until all the sugars are dissolved—it’s like creating liquid gold that’s going to coat every sweet potato bite.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Spices
Add the heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to your saucepan. Let this mixture cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened. This step is where all those beautiful flavors meld and the glaze gains that irresistible glossy texture.
Step 5: Coat the Yams
Pour the hot, heavenly glaze evenly over your cut sweet potatoes, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. This glaze is what transforms your yams from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This gives the yams enough time to soften while locking in moisture, so they stay tender and luscious.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, spooning the saucy glaze over the potatoes about halfway through. This final bake lets the glaze thicken and caramelize, forming those signature sticky edges that everyone loves.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your candied yams rest for 10 minutes. This pause lets the glaze thicken nicely, so each bite is perfectly coated and full of flavor. Now your Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe is ready to wow your family and friends!
How to Serve Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or some freshly chopped toasted pecans on top just before serving. These little finishing touches add a lovely crunch and boost the warm spice notes, enhancing the entire experience.
Side Dishes
This sweet potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken, making it a fantastic addition to holiday spreads or simple weeknight dinners. For a full comfort meal, complement it with green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these candied yams in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of mini marshmallows, then pop them under the broiler for a few seconds. It’s a fun twist that feels festive and indulgent!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and honestly, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making for easy reheats or quick side dishes during the week ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze your cooked candied yams as well. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm throughout. You can also microwave smaller portions on a medium setting, stirring halfway to keep that glaze luscious and prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While you can use regular potatoes, they won’t have the same natural sweetness or texture that makes this candied yams recipe so special. Sweet potatoes absorb the glaze and spices beautifully, delivering that classic, irresistible flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. The warm spices and sugars will still work their magic to give you that comforting sweetness.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely. You can assemble everything up to pouring the glaze over the potatoes, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They are done when they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and the glaze is caramelized and bubbling. The sweet edges will have a gorgeous golden brown color, signaling that perfect finish.
Can I add nuts or marshmallows to this candied yams recipe?
Definitely! Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, while mini marshmallows sprinkled on top and briefly broiled create a gooey, delightful topping. Both options bring extra texture and fun to this classic dish.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the cozy indulgence of this Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes Recipe to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or any special day, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love every golden, caramelized bite!
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
These irresistibly sweet and tender Candied Yams feature thick chunks of sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery glaze made with brown and granulated sugars, heavy cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a comforting side dish, these yams are caramelized to perfection and ideal for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
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 the pieces evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. This forms the base of the candied glaze.
- Add sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until they are fully dissolved, creating a sweet and smooth syrup.
- Add cream and spices: Pour in the heavy cream along with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is smooth and slightly thickened, forming a rich glaze.
- Coat the sweet potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potato chunks, making sure all pieces are well coated to absorb the flavors.
- First bake with foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and start to soften.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through this time, spoon the sauce over the potatoes to enhance caramelization. Bake until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized on top.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the glaze thicken and cling to the potatoes for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh sweet potatoes for best results and consistent cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the glaze from burning and keeps yams moist.
- Spooning the sauce over the yams halfway through baking enhances caramelization and flavor.
- Letting the dish rest before serving allows the glaze to set nicely.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
