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Candied Yams Recipe

Candied Yams Recipe

These Southern candied yams are soft, buttery, and coated in a rich brown sugar glaze with warm spices. I bake them low and slow so they turn tender and glossy without falling apart. It’s classic comfort food and always a favorite on my table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner, Holiday
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 whole Sweet potatoes About 1.5 lbs peeled and sliced
  • 5 tbsp Butter Salted or unsalted
  • ½ cup Brown sugar Light or dark
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar Balances sweetness
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Warm spice
  • ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg Optional
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • 2 tbsp Orange juice Optional for brightness

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish 8×8-inch or similar
  • 1 Saucepan Small or medium
  • 1 Sharp knife For slicing potatoes
  • 1 Vegetable peeler Optional
  • 1 Aluminum foil To cover while baking
  • 1 Spoon For stirring sauce

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat my oven to 400°F. I generously butter an 8×8 baking dish so the yams don’t stick and get extra flavor.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 2:
  1. I peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into about ½-inch rounds. I keep them close in size so they cook evenly, then arrange them in the baking dish.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 3:
  1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, I melt the butter. Once melted, I stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and orange juice if using. I stir until smooth and glossy, about 2–3 minutes.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 4:
  1. I pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and gently toss so every slice is coated.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 5:
  1. I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes soften without drying out.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 6:
  1. I remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
    Candied Yams Recipe
Step 7:
  1. I take the yams out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the glaze sets up nicely.
    Candied Yams Recipe

Notes

  • I don’t recommend boiling the sweet potatoes first. Baking them covered gives the best texture.
  • If I want them less sweet, I reduce the sugar slightly and let the potatoes shine.
  • These can be made a day ahead and reheated covered at 325°F.
  • If the glaze thickens too much, I stir in a splash of water or orange juice.