Soul Food Candied Yams (Printable)

Sweet potatoes glazed in buttery brown sugar syrup with warm spices for a Southern comfort side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large yams or sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

→ Syrup & Sweeteners

02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
05 - 1/4 cup water
06 - 1/4 cup orange juice (optional)

→ Spices

07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Arrange sliced yams in a single, even layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, water, and orange juice if using. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract.
05 - Pour hot syrup evenly over yams in baking dish, ensuring all slices are coated.
06 - Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
07 - Remove foil, baste yams with syrup, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until yams are tender and syrup is thick and glossy.
08 - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving to permit syrup to thicken further.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Simple ingredients create an incredibly flavorful and impressive side dish
  • The buttery brown sugar syrup becomes thick and glossy as it bakes
  • Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add depth and comfort
  • Vegetarian and naturally gluten-free, perfect for diverse holiday tables
  • Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions
02 -
  • Use fresh yams or sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor
  • Don't skip the basting step—it ensures even coating and maximum gloss
  • Let the dish rest before serving so the syrup thickens to perfection
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Reheat gently in a 300°F oven to maintain the syrup's consistency
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