Description
These Irresistible Candied Yams feature tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery glaze of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for holiday meals or as a comforting side dish, this recipe yields sweet, caramelized yams with a luscious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely.
- Dissolve Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until fully dissolved.
- Add Flavorings and Cream: Add heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Cook this mixture for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to cook through and absorb the glaze flavors.
- Bake Uncovered & Glaze: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the sweet potatoes halfway through this baking time to keep them moist and caramelized. The yams should be fork-tender and beautifully glazed when done.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the glaze to thicken and settle before serving.
Notes
- Use firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Covering with foil during the first baking stage locks in moisture, ensuring soft yams.
- Spoon the glaze over the yams during the uncovered baking phase to create a rich caramelized finish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though texture and richness will differ.
- This recipe reheats well and can be prepared a day ahead for convenience.
