Candied yams are a classic, sweet, and buttery side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, this dish is a staple in Southern cooking and a favorite among families who love rich, caramelized flavors. The combination of tender yams, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices creates an irresistible side that pairs perfectly with holiday mains like turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
But what exactly are candied yams? Despite the name, many recipes actually use sweet potatoes instead of true yams. In the U.S., what we call “yams” are typically orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweeter and softer when cooked. True yams, often found in African and Caribbean cuisine, have a drier, starchier texture and are less common in American grocery stores.
This easy candied yams recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal prep but delivers a rich, caramelized glaze that coats every bite. Whether you prefer oven-baked candied yams or a quick stovetop version, this guide will walk you through the best way to make them. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and storage methods to help you customize the dish to your liking.
Ready to make the best homemade candied yams? Let’s get started! 🔥🍠
Why You’ll Love This Candied Yams Recipe
Easy & Simple Ingredients – Uses Pantry Staples Like Butter, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon
One of the best things about making candied yams is that it requires basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand. With just a handful of ingredients—including butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon—you can create a dish that’s rich, caramelized, and bursting with warm, sweet flavors.
- Brown Sugar & Butter: These two ingredients form the base of the signature sweet glaze, helping to caramelize the yams as they bake. The butter adds richness, while the brown sugar provides a deep molasses-like sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices enhance the natural sweetness of the yams, giving the dish that classic holiday aroma and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla deepens the flavors, adding a subtle yet noticeable boost.
- Optional Sweeteners: Some people like to mix in maple syrup or honey for extra depth and a hint of natural sweetness.
These simple ingredients work together to create candied yams that are perfectly sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings – A Must-Have Dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Candied yams are a holiday favorite, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. This dish has been a staple on dinner tables for generations, bringing a comforting and nostalgic feel to family feasts.
- Thanksgiving Tradition: Candied yams are a must-have side dish for Thanksgiving, often served alongside roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Their sweet, buttery flavor provides a delicious contrast to the savory main dishes.
- Christmas Comfort Food: During Christmas, candied yams make a great addition to a festive meal, pairing well with holiday hams and other seasonal dishes.
- Perfect for Potlucks & Gatherings: Because they are easy to make in large batches, candied yams are an excellent dish to bring to potlucks, family reunions, and holiday parties. They travel well and can be easily reheated if needed.
No matter the occasion, candied yams bring people together, making them a beloved part of holiday celebrations and comfort food traditions.
Customizable Options – Add Marshmallows, Pecans, or Maple Syrup for Extra Flavor
One of the best things about candied yams is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular ways to switch it up:
- Marshmallows: For a classic Southern twist, top the yams with mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt and turn golden brown, adding a delicious gooey sweetness.
- Pecans or Walnuts: If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. The nutty texture adds a nice contrast to the soft, caramelized yams.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Instead of or in addition to brown sugar, try using pure maple syrup or honey for a natural, slightly different sweetness. This is a great option if you prefer a less processed alternative.
- Coconut Sugar or Agave: For a refined sugar-free option, swap out brown sugar with coconut sugar or agave nectar while still achieving a caramelized effect.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of clove, allspice, or even cayenne pepper for a little extra warmth or mild heat.
With so many ways to customize candied yams, you can make them uniquely your own while still enjoying that rich, buttery, and caramelized flavor everyone loves! 🍠✨
Ingredients You’ll Need
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes – Which One to Use and How to Prepare Them
One of the biggest misconceptions about candied yams is that most recipes actually don’t use true yams at all! Instead, they call for sweet potatoes, which are more commonly available in the U.S.
What’s the Difference?
- Yams: True yams have a rough, scaly brown skin and are starchy, dry, and white or purple on the inside. They are more common in African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines but can be harder to find in regular grocery stores.
- Sweet Potatoes: The orange-fleshed variety of sweet potatoes is what most people refer to as “yams” in the U.S. These are naturally sweeter and softer, making them ideal for candied yams recipes.
Which One Should You Use?
For traditional candied yams, you’ll want to use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, such as:
- Beauregard sweet potatoes – The most common variety with deep orange flesh and natural sweetness.
- Garnet sweet potatoes – Slightly firmer and great for baking or caramelizing.
- Jewel sweet potatoes – Smooth-textured and perfect for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth candied yam dish.
How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Candied Yams
- Peel the Skin: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin for a smooth texture.
- Slice Evenly: Cut into ½-inch thick rounds or wedges to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Pre-Cook for Softness (Optional): Some recipes call for boiling or steaming the sweet potatoes for 5–10 minutes before baking, which speeds up the cooking process.
- Pat Dry Before Baking: Removing excess moisture helps the sugar glaze stick better.
By choosing the right type of sweet potato and preparing them properly, you’ll get the perfect texture for your candied yams recipe—tender, caramelized, and full of flavor!
Sweeteners & Spices – Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla Extract, and Maple Syrup
The magic of candied yams comes from the perfect blend of sweeteners and warm spices that create a deep, caramelized flavor. Let’s break down the key ingredients:
Sweeteners: The Base of the Glaze
- Brown Sugar: The most common sweetener, brown sugar contains molasses, giving it a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the yams.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of earthy, smoky sweetness, perfect for those who love a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Honey: A great natural sweetener that provides a touch of floral sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze.
Spices: The Warmth & Depth of Flavor
- Cinnamon: The star spice in candied yams, giving them a warm and comforting taste.
- Nutmeg: Adds a slightly nutty and spicy depth that enhances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A small splash of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a mild, sweet aroma.
- Cloves or Allspice (Optional): A pinch of these spices can add extra warmth and make the dish even cozier.
The combination of sweeteners and spices creates the perfectly caramelized, rich glaze that makes candied yams so irresistible!
Butter & Other Add-Ins – The Role of Butter, Honey, Pecans, and Marshmallows for Texture and Flavor
Butter and add-ins play a huge role in the flavor and texture of candied yams. Here’s how they elevate the dish:
The Role of Butter
Butter is essential for giving candied yams their signature richness. As it melts, it combines with the sweeteners to create a thick, glossy glaze that coats the yams. The butter also enhances the caramelization process, making the edges golden and slightly crisp.
Other Flavor-Boosting Add-Ins
- Marshmallows: A classic addition that creates a gooey, toasted topping. Adding marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking gives a delicious contrast to the caramelized yams.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts provides a nutty crunch, balancing out the soft texture of the yams.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If you want a more natural sweetness, drizzling honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar can create a deeper, more complex glaze.
- Orange Zest or Juice (Optional): A splash of fresh orange juice or zest adds a citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors.
By combining butter, sweeteners, and these optional add-ins, you can customize candied yams to match your perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor! 🍠✨
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candied Yams
Step 1: Preparing the Yams – Peeling, Slicing, and Pre-Cooking for the Best Texture
Properly preparing your yams (or sweet potatoes) is the key to achieving the perfect texture—soft and tender on the inside with a delicious caramelized glaze on the outside. Here’s how to do it:
Peeling the Yams
Rinse the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt and debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully peel off the skin. Peeling ensures that the sweet potatoes fully absorb the buttery, spiced glaze during baking.
Slicing for Even Cooking
Cut the yams into ½-inch thick rounds or wedges to ensure even cooking.
- Thinner slices (¼-inch) will cook faster and become softer.
- Thicker slices (¾-inch) will hold their shape better but may take longer to cook.
Avoid cutting them too thick, as they may not absorb the glaze properly.
Pre-Cooking for the Best Texture (Optional but Recommended!)
While some recipes call for baking raw yams directly, pre-cooking them for a few minutes can help achieve a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture while reducing baking time.
Two methods for pre-cooking:
- Boiling: Place sliced yams in a pot of boiling water for 5–7 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Steaming: Steam them for 5–10 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
Pre-cooking helps prevent undercooked or tough yams, allowing them to soak up the delicious glaze more effectively.
Step 2: Making the Sweet Glaze – Combining Brown Sugar, Butter, and Spices
The rich, buttery glaze is what makes candied yams truly irresistible. The secret is to strike the perfect balance between sweetness, warmth, and depth of flavor.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Glaze:
- Butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize the yams.
- Brown Sugar: Creates the signature sweet and sticky coating.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices enhance the warmth and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma to complement the caramelization.
- Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): For a more complex sweetness.
How to Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, gently melt the butter until fully liquefied.
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture forms a smooth, glossy glaze.
This glaze will coat the yams beautifully, ensuring every bite is filled with rich, buttery caramelized goodness.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection – Best Oven Temperature and Baking Time for Caramelization
The baking process is where all the flavors come together, transforming simple ingredients into candied perfection.
Oven Temperature for the Best Results
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this allows the yams to bake slowly, absorb the glaze, and caramelize properly without burning.
How to Bake Candied Yams for the Best Texture & Flavor:
- Layer the Yams: Arrange the prepped yams in a single layer in a buttered baking dish. Overlapping too much can result in uneven cooking.
- Pour the Glaze: Evenly coat the yams with the warm sugar-butter glaze, ensuring every slice is well covered.
- Cover & Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes to allow the yams to soften.
- Uncover & Caramelize: Remove the foil, spoon some of the glaze over the yams, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the glaze thickens and slightly caramelizes.
The result? Soft, tender, and perfectly caramelized candied yams that melt in your mouth!
Step 4: Optional Toppings – Adding Marshmallows or Pecans for Extra Crunch and Sweetness
While candied yams are delicious on their own, adding toppings can take them to the next level. Here are some popular options:
Marshmallows – Classic, Gooey Sweetness
A Southern favorite, marshmallows add a light, fluffy texture that melts into the yams for an extra touch of sweetness.
- When to Add: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking so they melt and turn golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Toastiness: For a more caramelized effect, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Pecans or Walnuts – A Nutty Crunch
For those who love a contrast in texture, chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch that balances the soft, sweet yams.
- When to Add: Mix them into the glaze before baking or sprinkle on top for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Other Delicious Add-Ins:
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist and added texture.
- Cranberries: A tart contrast to the sweet glaze.
- Orange Zest: A fresh, citrusy brightness that enhances the flavors.
No matter which toppings you choose, these add-ins make candied yams even more indulgent, giving you a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized every time! 🍠✨
Tips, Variations & Storage
Stovetop vs. Baked Candied Yams – Pros and Cons of Each Method
When making candied yams, you have two primary cooking methods: stovetop and baked. Both methods yield sweet, tender yams coated in a rich glaze, but they have key differences in texture, preparation time, and flavor development.
Baked Candied Yams – Slow & Caramelized Goodness
Pros:
✅ Deep, caramelized flavor – Baking allows the glaze to thicken and coat the yams evenly.
✅ Tender yet firm texture – The yams hold their shape better compared to stovetop cooking.
✅ Hands-off cooking – Once in the oven, minimal stirring is required.
Cons:
❌ Longer cooking time – Baking takes around 45–60 minutes.
❌ Requires oven space – This can be tricky during big holiday meals.
Stovetop Candied Yams – Quick & Easy
Pros:
✅ Faster cooking time – Ready in about 20–30 minutes.
✅ No oven required – Great for making a side dish while the oven is occupied.
✅ Easier to adjust consistency – You can control the thickness of the glaze as it cooks.
Cons:
❌ More hands-on stirring – The yams need to be stirred gently to prevent sticking.
❌ Softer texture – The yams may become mushy if overcooked.
Which method is best?
- If you love deep caramelization and a firmer texture, go for baked candied yams.
- If you need a quick and easy side dish, the stovetop method is your best bet.
- Tip: If using the stovetop method, you can finish the yams under the broiler for a few minutes to mimic the caramelization of baking.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips – How to Store Leftovers and Reheat Them for the Best Taste
Candied yams taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. If you want to make them ahead of time or store leftovers, follow these simple tips:
How to Make Candied Yams Ahead of Time
You can prepare candied yams 1–2 days in advance to save time, especially during busy holidays.
- Cook the yams as directed, either on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Let them cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container or covered baking dish.
💡 Tip: If using marshmallows, wait to add them until reheating so they don’t melt prematurely.
How to Store Leftover Candied Yams
- Refrigeration: Keep leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze candied yams in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, but note that freezing may slightly change the texture.
How to Reheat Candied Yams
To restore their soft, caramelized texture, use these reheating methods:
✔ Oven (Best for Baked Yams): Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warm.
✔ Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
✔ Microwave (Quickest Option): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
💡 Tip: Add a splash of water or butter when reheating to keep the yams from drying out.
Healthy Alternatives – Using Maple Syrup or Honey Instead of Brown Sugar, and Dairy-Free Options
If you want a healthier twist on traditional candied yams, there are plenty of ways to reduce sugar and dairy while still achieving delicious results.
Natural Sweeteners for a Healthier Glaze
Instead of brown sugar, try these healthier alternatives:
✔ Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
✔ Honey: A great unrefined sweetener with a slight floral taste.
✔ Coconut Sugar: A lower-glycemic alternative to brown sugar.
💡 Tip: If using maple syrup or honey, reduce the butter slightly to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
Dairy-Free & Vegan Alternatives
Traditional candied yams use butter, but you can easily make a dairy-free or vegan version:
✔ Coconut Oil: Adds richness and a hint of coconut flavor.
✔ Vegan Butter: Works just like regular butter without dairy.
✔ Olive Oil: A lighter option that still provides a silky texture.
Lower-Sugar Options
For a less sweet version, try:
✔ Reducing the sugar by half and letting the natural sweetness of the yams shine.
✔ Adding fresh orange juice or zest to enhance the flavor without extra sugar.
✔ Sprinkling with cinnamon and nutmeg to add warmth without added sweeteners.
By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy candied yams guilt-free while still getting that delicious, caramelized flavor everyone loves! 🍠✨
Enjoy a Classic, Comforting Dish Anytime
Candied yams are more than just a side dish—they’re a comforting, nostalgic favorite that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, their rich, caramelized glaze and tender texture make them an irresistible addition to the table.
With easy-to-find ingredients like butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, this dish comes together effortlessly. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you prefer them baked or stovetop, with marshmallows or pecans, or even with a healthier twist using maple syrup and dairy-free options, there’s a version for everyone.
By following the right techniques—preparing the yams properly, creating a balanced glaze, and baking or simmering them to perfection—you’ll achieve a dish that’s soft, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized every time.
If you have leftovers, you can easily store and reheat them for another meal, keeping all the delicious flavors intact. And if you’re looking to try something different, don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and toppings!
Now it’s time to put this recipe to the test—whip up a batch of these easy candied yams and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just because you’re craving something sweet and satisfying, this classic recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Let me know how your candied yams turn out—I’d love to hear your favorite variations and serving ideas! Happy cooking! 🍠✨