Brown Sugar Candied Yams are a sweet and cozy side dish that everyone loves! Soft yams are baked with brown sugar, butter, and spices, creating a warm, delicious flavor.
These yams are the star of any holiday meal! I mean, who can resist that sweet, gooey goodness? I always save a little extra for myself—it’s just too tasty to share! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams or Sweet Potatoes: While yams and sweet potatoes are commonly used, you can also use regular potatoes in a pinch. Just remember they won’t have the same sweetness!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor. If you’re out, white sugar plus a bit of molasses can work as a substitute. Aim for 1 cup of white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter. Both will still add great flavor!
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the dish’s warmth. Feel free to swap in pumpkin spice if you have it; it adds a nice twist to the flavor.
Nuts or Marshmallows: Chopped pecans add crunch, while marshmallows bring sweetness. If nuts aren’t your thing, leave them out or top with graham cracker crumbs for a different texture.
How Do I Ensure the Yams Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking yams to the perfect tenderness is key for this recipe. Here’s how:
- Cut the yams into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven. A steady temperature makes a difference in cooking.
- Covering with foil while baking traps steam and helps them soften faster. Remove it later to allow the sauce to thicken!
- Check for doneness by piercing a piece with a fork. If it goes in easily, they’re ready!
Following these tips will give you deliciously tender yams every time. Enjoy the sweetness!
How to Make Brown Sugar Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Yams:
- 4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick rounds or chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for extra sweetness)
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or marshmallows
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 50-55 minutes for baking. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish, including some time for cooling. Perfect for your cozy family dinner or holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or another similar sized oven-safe dish to prevent the yams from sticking.
2. Cut the Yams:
Peel and chop your yams or sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Try to make them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Once chopped, place them into the greased baking dish.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Sauce:
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until everything is combined and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. It should look smooth and bubbly!
4. Pour the Sauce Over the Yams:
Carefully pour the brown sugar mixture over the yams. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure all the pieces are well coated in the sauce.
5. Bake It Up:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and helps the yams cook. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Let It Brown:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. You want the yams to be tender and the sauce to become thick and glossy. If you’re using nuts or marshmallows, sprinkle them on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delightful crunch or sweetness!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take the yams out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools, giving you that lovely candied coating. Serve warm and enjoy!
Brown Sugar Candied Yams are a classic accompaniment to any meal. Perfect for holidays or any cozy meal—enjoy this sweet treat!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Yams?
While yams and sweet potatoes are the traditional choices for this recipe, you can use regular potatoes in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they won’t have the same sweetness or creamy texture, so you might want to adjust the sugar content a bit.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to create a similar flavor. Alternatively, you could use coconut sugar for a more natural option!
How Do I Store Leftover Candied Yams?
Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of butter if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the yams and the brown sugar sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, then combine and bake when you’re ready to serve. This can save you time on busy days!