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The Best Candied Yams

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Tender, buttery candied yams baked in a rich brown sugar syrup with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a glossy, caramelized, and comforting side dish.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) butter, salted or unsalted
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3–4 large yams or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (about 2½–3 pounds / 1.1–1.3 kg), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
  3. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly into a syrup.
  4. Pour about one quarter of the syrup into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Arrange one third of the yam slices over the syrup. Drizzle one third of the remaining syrup on top.
  6. Repeat with another layer of yams and half of the remaining syrup. Finish with the final layer and pour remaining syrup evenly over the top.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and gently press yams into the syrup. Return to oven uncovered and bake 25–35 minutes until yams are fork-tender and syrup is caramelized.
  9. Let rest 15 minutes before serving. Spoon glaze over the top.

Notes

  • Marshmallow Topping: Sprinkle 1½–2 cups mini marshmallows over yams after baking and bake 10–15 minutes until melted and lightly golden.
  • Citrus-Infused: Add 1/4–1/3 cup orange juice to the syrup before simmering; optional 1/2 teaspoon orange zest.
  • Spiced Maple Version: Replace 1/4 cup brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Layer yams and syrup in slow cooker; cook Low 5–6 hours or High 2½–3 hours.
  • Canned Yams: Drain, reduce baking time to 20–30 minutes until heated and syrup thickens.
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in oven 350°F 20–25 minutes covered, or on stovetop over low heat; microwave in short intervals if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/the-best-candied-yams/