Candied yams are soft, sweet potatoes baked until they’re warm and cozy. They’re usually covered in brown sugar and butter, making them irresistible!
There’s something magical about that sticky glaze! I always find myself going back for seconds (or thirds!). These yams are perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams/Sweet Potatoes: Regular yams can be hard to find, so feel free to use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They’ll give you that same sweet, fluffy texture.
Brown Sugar: This adds richness. If you need a substitution, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses to create a similar flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but if you’re watching your sodium, vegan butter works well too! Alternatively, coconut oil can add a unique flavor.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Spices truly elevate the dish. If you don’t have nutmeg, try allspice or cinnamon alone. Freshly grated spices can make a big difference!
Vanilla Extract: This is optional, but it really brings out the flavors. I’ve found that adding just a little bit goes a long way!
How Do You Make Sure Your Yams Are Soft and Flavorful?
The key to perfectly tender and flavorful candied yams lies in the baking technique. It’s all about layering the flavors and using the right heat.
- Slice the yams evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Cover with foil to retain moisture in the first half of baking – this helps them soften.
- Basting occasionally with the syrup as they bake gives that rich flavor throughout.
- Remove the foil towards the end to let the syrup thicken and caramelize – it creates that lovely glossy finish.
Remember, patience is key! Enjoy the process and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Candied Yams Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Yams:
- 4 large yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking time, making a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will get the oven nice and warm for our delicious yams!
2. Prepare the Yams:
Peel the yams or sweet potatoes and then slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Lay them out in a baking dish in an even layer so they cook evenly.
3. Make the Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, add the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and water. Set it over medium heat and stir occasionally. Keep stirring until the butter melts and the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a smooth syrup.
4. Add the Spices:
Once your syrup is ready, stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. This will give your yams extra flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the tasty syrup evenly over the sliced yams in the baking dish. Make sure all the yams get a little love from the syrup!
6. Bake the Yams:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes. This helps the yams steam and become tender.
7. Finish Baking:
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes while basting the yams with the syrup every so often. They should be tender and the syrup will become thick and glossy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once fully baked, let the candied yams cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the syrup to thicken a bit more. Dish them up warm and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness!
Now, you have a delicious side dish to brighten up any meal. Enjoy your warm, sweet, and buttery candied yams!
Can I Use Canned Yams Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned yams. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the dish. Since they’re already cooked, reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, just enough to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with molasses. Use 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. If you prefer, white sugar alone will still work, but it won’t have that rich flavor.
Can I Make Candied Yams Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftover Candied Yams?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if they’ve thickened too much.
