Candied Yams Recipe – Sweet and Delicious Side Dish
Last Updated on: 2nd December 2025, 10:52 pm
Good Ol' Candied Yams
Candy Yams, Sounds sweet right!?
Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, butter, and loads of TLC. That's what makes this candied yams recipe so irresistible! There’s just something about the combination of sweet potatoes and brown sugar that hits the spot, especially when the cinnamon and butter come into play. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that’ll have you coming back for seconds—guaranteed!
Perfect for Any Occasion!
Like most of my recipes, this one is great all year round. I kid you not, if I’m not making candied yams, I’m whipping up some variation of sweet potatoes at least once a week! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or holiday gathering, this dish is sure to shine. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Just grab some sweet potatoes, and you’re halfway there.
Sweet Potato Mash: A Delicious Alternative
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can even turn these yams into a sweet potato mash! It’s a great alternative when you’re craving something creamy and comforting. (Psst… Check out the link to my sweet potato mash recipe!)
Why a Holiday Favorite?
This dish also makes the perfect side for any holiday meal. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, candied yams always find their place on the table. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet glaze that everyone will love.
Try This Recipe and Enjoy!
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, whip up this good ol’ candied yams recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
More Holiday Favorites!
BON APPÉTIT,
Chef Abyssinia
Candy Yams
Equipment
- cutting board/knife
- Stockpot
- Vegetable Peeler
- Saucepot
- Whisk
- Baking dish
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoe
- 4 lb sweet potatoes About 10 each
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 tsp salt
Glaze
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg preferable freshly grated
Instructions
Sweet Potatoe
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Peel and boil sweet potatoes until fork tender. Strain. Set aside to cool.
Glaze
- In a saucepan add 1/4 cup orange juice, 3 tbsp butter, salt, vanilla, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together and bring to a boil to reduce, this will take about 5 minutes.
- Add in cold butter, whisk together. Once the glaze has thickened, set aside.
Candy Yams
- In a baking dish add cooked sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 tsp salt.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes at 325 degrees F.
- Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and mix gently using a rubber spatula.
- Pour glaze evenly over sweet potatoes. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for another 30-40 minutes.
- Remove sweet potatoes from the oven. Mix gently using a rubber spatula. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Sprinkle the top of your sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows and salt.
- Set oven to broil and place sweet potatoes under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Enjoy!