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Easy Candied Yams

Tender sweet potatoes baked in a buttery brown-sugar glaze with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. A classic, nostalgic, Southern holiday side dish that’s simple, elegant, and always delicious.
Print Recipe
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 –4 large sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1/4 cup water or orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows or 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
  2. Arrange sliced sweet potatoes in slightly overlapping layers.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and water (or orange juice).
  4. Stir until smooth and pour the warm syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and continue baking 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Optional: Add mini marshmallows and broil 1–2 minutes until golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

• Use evenly sliced sweet potatoes so they cook at the same rate.
• Orange juice adds brightness; water keeps flavor classic.
• Add pecans for crunch or marshmallows for sweetness.
• A splash of bourbon adds depth for holiday meals.
• If sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water while baking.
• Stores well for 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Approx nutrition per serving: Carbs 52g – Protein 2g – Fat 12g – Fiber 4g

🔸 Times & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories: 310 per serving