🍠 Candied Yams: Sweet, Silky, and Soul-Satisfying

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There are some dishes that just speak to your soul, wrapping you in a warm hug with every bite. Candied Yams are absolutely one of them. Imagine vibrant, tender sweet potatoes, slowly simmered in a shimmering, caramelized syrup until they’re impossibly soft, glistening, and bursting with a sweet, buttery vanilla flavor. Each forkful is a melody of earthy sweetness, a gentle reminder of cherished moments and gatherings. Perfect for your holiday table, a cozy Sunday dinner, or whenever you need a touch of heartwarming comfort, this recipe promises to bring a smile to every face.

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Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 6-8
• 💥 Vibe: Sweet, Creamy, Comforting

Jump Ahead

Craving a specific bit of deliciousness? Click below to jump straight to what you need!

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Candied Yams
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magical side dish. You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, ready to transform into something truly special.

• 3 lbs yams or sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water or orange juice (for an extra citrusy zing!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Candied Yams

Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the most delightful aromas! Follow these simple steps to create perfectly candied yams that will disappear from the plate in no time.

1. Prepare the Yams: Peel your yams or sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. This ensures they cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.
2. Melt the Magic: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water (or orange juice), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture begins to gently simmer. This is your luscious candying syrup!
3. Add the Yams: Carefully add the sliced yams to the pot, ensuring they are submerged as much as possible in the glorious syrup. If they’re not fully covered, don’t worry – they’ll soften and create more liquid as they cook.
4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Periodically stir gently to ensure the yams cook evenly and don’t stick.
5. Uncover and Thicken: After 20-25 minutes, the yams should be fork-tender. Uncover the pot and increase the heat slightly to medium-low. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened into a beautiful, glossy glaze that coats the yams.
6. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes. The syrup will thicken further as it cools. Serve these glistening Candied Yams warm and watch them disappear!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

While perfect on their own, these Candied Yams are also wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• Marshmallow Mounds: For a classic touch, transfer the finished yams to a baking dish, top with a generous layer of mini marshmallows, and broil until golden brown and toasty.
• Citrus Zest Burst: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange or lemon zest at the very end of cooking for a bright, aromatic lift that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• Spiced Pecan Crunch: Toast 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and sprinkle them over the yams just before serving for an added layer of nutty flavor and delightful texture.
• Maple & Bourbon Glaze: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of bourbon to the syrup mixture for a sophisticated, warming twist.
• Gingerbread Warmth: A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can be added to the syrup for an extra layer of cozy, holiday spice.

Reviews

These Candied Yams have become a beloved staple in so many homes! Here’s what our wonderful community has to say:

Sarah L. (5 Stars)
“I’ve tried so many candied yam recipes, and this one is hands down the best! The syrup is perfectly balanced, and the yams come out incredibly tender. My family devoured them for Thanksgiving!”

Michael P. (5 Stars)
“So easy to make and absolutely delicious. I added a little orange zest, and it was divine. This will be my go-to recipe from now on!”

Jessica R. (4 Stars)
“Great recipe! I used sweet potatoes instead of yams, and they were still fantastic. I might try adding a little cayenne next time for a sweet-spicy kick!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master your Candied Yams!

Q: What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
A: In North America, what are often sold as “yams” are actually a type of sweet potato with reddish-brown skin and moist, orange flesh. True yams are starchy tubers with rough, bark-like skin and drier, whiter flesh, less commonly found in regular grocery stores. For this recipe, look for the orange-fleshed variety, often labeled ‘yams’ or ‘sweet potatoes.’

Q: Can I make Candied Yams ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Candied Yams are a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Candied Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.

Q: My sauce is too thin/thick. What can I do?
A: If the sauce is too thin, simply continue to simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice until it reaches the perfect glaze consistency.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about bringing a dish like Candied Yams to the table. It’s more than just a side; it’s a taste of tradition, a memory in the making, and a warm invitation to gather and share. The sweet aroma filling your home, the glistening golden hues, and that first incredibly tender, sweet bite – it all speaks to the heart of joyful cooking. We encourage you to try this recipe, make it your own, and watch as it becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and deliciousness!

Recipe Note

For the most tender yams, ensure your slices are roughly the same thickness. This prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still firm. Slow and steady simmering is key to achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, syrupy glaze.