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
Scale
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.
