Learn how to make this classic holiday side dish of candied yams with just a few simple ingredients and steps. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or any time of year.
Of course, this recipe is super popular during the holiday times, but if you're like us sweet potatoes (yams) are a staple year round.
Naturally, the kids gravitate toward this recipe due to it's overly sweet flavors.
Jump to:
Why My Recipe
My cooking skills were shared with me by the older generations down here in the bayou state. Their southern-style of cooking makes this kind of dish especially popular with the entire family.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Candied Yams Recipe Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 7: Pour over the top of the yams, then serve.
Hint: Due to the temperature of the hot sugar, the yams will cook well make the slices thick (at least ½") and don't stir too often or they'll break up.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Warm Spices - instead of pumpkin pie spice, you could use a mixture of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger and all spice (which is basically what pumpkin pie spice is).
- Salt - if you only have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the recipe to enhance flavors.
- Marshmallow - You could either mix this into the sugar mixture, or arrange mini marshmallows on top and brown the top.
- Dark Brown Sugar - instead of light brown. You may need to add less.
Sharing is Caring - Like Our Facebook Page
Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You'll only need a peeler, or a sharp knife to peel and slice the yams. A saucepan with a lid, and an 11x7" casserole dish. I have some affiliate links in the recipe card below if you want to know more.
More Thanksgiving recipes I think you'll love
For dessert, you could try my Pineapple Upside Down Cake, or my Amish Pumpkin Pie (they're so good!)
How to store leftovers
Once the candied yams have cooled completely store in an airtight container, or cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat any leftovers in the microwave for just a minute or so.
Mel's kitchen notes
Don't skip on the brown sugar glaze, this will really bring the dish together and give that wonderful syrup like texture.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
If you’ve tried this Candied Yams Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!
Viral Recipe Alert!
Banana Bread
Due to the secret ingredient in this deliciously moist banana bread it has become one of my most sought after recipes!
Candied Yams
Video
Equipment
- 1 4.5 Quart Pot
- 1 Baking Dish (11"x7")
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Yams peeled and sliced into ½" coins
- 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter
- ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 Each Oranges just the juice
Instructions
- Peel and slice the yams (sweet potatoes) into ½" slices/coins.2 Pounds Yams
- In a large pot add the butter, sugars, vanilla, orange juice and pumpkin pie spice and apply medium-high heat. Stir well until everything is combined.8 Tablespoons Salted Butter, ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract, 1 Each Oranges, 3 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Add the sliced yams and toss in the sugar butter mixture until totally coated.
- Cover the pot and allow a high simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring half way.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the yams to a 11x7" baking dish.
- Continue to cook down the sugar mixture, without the lid, until thickened and treacle-like.
- Pour over the top of the yams, then serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Sign Up for my emails and never miss another recipe!
I'll never share your email, or send you spam. Pinkie Promise!
Comments
No Comments