Candied yams are a sweet and comforting dish made with tender sweet potatoes, sugar, and warm spices. They’re perfect for special occasions and delightful to enjoy any time!
These yams are like little bites of happiness! I love how the sugary glaze makes them taste like dessert, making them the star of any meal. You might want to hide some so you can have extras later! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams/Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh yams if you can find them, but sweet potatoes work just as well! If you’re in a pinch, canned sweet potatoes can be a time-saver, though they’ll be softer.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. If you’re out, use white sugar with a little bit of molasses mixed in, or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice to control the salt level. For dairy-free options, coconut oil or vegan butter works great, giving a nice flavor, too.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Either adds sweetness. If you want a sugar-free option, try using agave syrup or even a sugar substitute like stevia, keeping in mind it can alter the flavor slightly.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm flavors. You can add a pinch of ginger or allspice if you like a bit more warmth or even some pumpkin spice for a unique twist!
How Do I Get Perfectly Tender Yams?
Cooking yams so they’re tender and sweet requires a bit of care. Here are some tips to make sure they come out perfectly:
- Slice your yams uniformly for even cooking—about 1/2-inch thick works well.
- Simmer the butter and sugar mixture until it thickens slightly; this helps the glaze stick.
- When baking, cover them with foil initially to prevent drying out. Remove it later to let the syrup caramelize on top.
- Baste the yams with the syrup a few times during baking for extra flavor and moisture.
Following these steps will ensure your candied yams are soft, sweet, and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups peeled and sliced yams (or sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh thyme sprig or ground cloves (optional, for garnish or added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an hour of baking time. Expect a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. A perfect time to catch up on some music or relax while the yams bake and fill your kitchen with sweet aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking those sweet yams to perfection!
2. Prepare the Yams:
Now, peel the yams and slice them into roughly 1/2-inch thick rounds. This allows them to cook evenly and get that perfect tenderness.
3. Make the Sweet Glaze:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the mixture is fully combined and smooth—it should smell amazing!
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Add the water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble a bit, which helps it thicken slightly—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
5. Layer the Yams:
In a baking dish, arrange the sliced yams in a single layer. You want them snug but not overcrowded; this helps them cook uniformly.
6. Pour on the Glaze:
Now, pour that delicious butter and sugar mixture evenly over the yams. Make sure they are well-coated for that sweet flavor that we all love.
7. Bake the Yams:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture and cook for about 40 minutes. This helps the yams soften beautifully. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil.
8. Caramelize and Baste:
Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. During this time, baste the yams with the syrup a couple of times to help caramelize the top. You want them to be tender and slightly brown on top.
9. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done, take the yams out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the syrup settle and makes them easier to serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh thyme or sprinkle a bit of ground cloves if you like. Serve warm with some of that sweet syrup spooned over the top. Enjoy your heavenly, rich, and sweet candied yams!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Canned Yams Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned yams, but be aware they will be softer and may require less baking time. Drain and rinse them well, then proceed with the recipe by skipping the simmering step for the glaze to reduce moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Candied Yams?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or reserved syrup when reheating to keep them moist!
Can I Make Candied Yams Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the candied yams a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. For the best flavor, bake them fresh, but this method works well if you’re short on time.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works wonderfully. Both options will still give great flavor and texture to your candied yams!
