Candied yams are a sweet and tasty side dish that brings warmth to your table. With buttery yams coated in brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon, they’re hard to resist!
These babies are perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a few extra bites. They’re just that good! 😊
I love serving candied yams with a sprinkle of nuts on top for a little crunch. They’re not just easy to make but also a hit with everyone, even the picky eaters!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams: Use large yams or sweet potatoes for this dish. Both varieties taste great! If yams are hard to find, sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative. They might be a little sweeter, but they pair perfectly with the sugary syrup!
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar is key for that rich flavor. If you’re out, you could use white sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) for a similar effect. Honey or maple syrup can also work, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to because it lets you control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just remember that coconut oil might add a hint of coconut flavor!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the dish. If you don’t have nutmeg, don’t worry! Just skip it or replace it with allspice for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Yams Perfectly Tender and Flavorful?
To achieve perfectly tender yams, the key is in the cooking process. Baking them covered first helps to steam them, making them soft. Once they’re tender, uncovering allows the syrup to thicken for that delicious, sticky finish.
- Slice the yams evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Make sure to coat each yam slice well with the syrup to capture all the flavors.
- Check if they’re done by piercing with a fork; they should glide through easily.
- Stir them a bit before serving to redistribute that lovely syrup.
Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 1 hour for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dive into these sweet yams!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your yams can bake evenly once you’re ready!
2. Prepare the Sweet Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using nutmeg and vanilla extract, add those too! Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is bubbly. This sweet sauce is going to coat your yams perfectly!
3. Arrange the Yams:
Take a baking dish and arrange the sliced yams in a single layer. This way, all the pieces cook evenly and absorb that delicious sauce!
4. Pour the Sauce:
Now, pour the brown sugar sauce evenly over the yams. Make sure each slice gets a nice coat of that sweet goodness.
5. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The yams should be tender when you poke them with a fork.
6. Bake Uncovered:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and get that lovely caramelization!
7. Stir and Serve:
Once done, carefully stir the yams to coat them again in the syrup. Serve them warm as a sweet side dish to enjoy!
Enjoy your beautifully glossy, perfectly sweet candied yams! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Canned Yams Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use canned yams as a shortcut! Simply drain and rinse them, then prepare the sauce as directed and pour it over the yams. Bake for just 20-30 minutes to heat through, since they’re already cooked.
How Can I Add More Flavor to My Candied Yams?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a bit of maple syrup to the sauce. You can also incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture, or a touch of ginger for warmth!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a tiny splash of water can help refresh the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make vegan candied yams, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Use maple syrup or brown sugar to keep the sweetness while staying dairy-free!
