Name: Sweet Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5-6 medium red garnet yams or sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cloves

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 6 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly irresistible side dish to wow your family and friends, this Sweet Candied Yams Recipe is where your search ends. Trust me, these candied yams are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and cozy spices — all baked to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or just craving a comforting treat, stick around because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share how to nail it every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The combination of dark brown sugar and a hint of granulated sugar gives just the right caramelized flavor without being overpowering.
Warm Spices That Comfort: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves weave their magic, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Simple and Reliable Technique: The step-by-step glaze coating and baking method ensures tender yams every single time — no dry or mushy pieces.
Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Whether it’s a holiday table or weeknight dinner, these yams bring the cozy vibes and endless compliments.

Sweet Candied Yams, candied yams recipe, sweet yam side dish, holiday yams, caramelized yams - A white oval pot filled with several thick slices of cooked sweet potatoes in a dark, shiny sauce that coats each piece evenly. The sweet potatoes are orange with a smooth, glazed texture, arranged in overlapping layers inside the pot. A wooden spoon rests on the right side, partially under some slices, showing a smooth, dark brown surface. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth partially visible next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this Sweet Candied Yams Recipe shine. Here’s why each one deserves a spotlight in your kitchen and a special place on your table.

Sweet Candied Yams, candied yams recipe, sweet yam side dish, holiday yams, caramelized yams - Flat lay of fresh whole red garnet yams with vibrant orange flesh showing through one sliced yam, a small square of pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of golden cornstarch powder, ground cinnamon in a small white ceramic bowl, ground nutmeg in a small white ceramic bowl, ground cloves in a small white ceramic bowl, and a small pile of coarse kosher salt all arranged with perfect symmetry in a balanced composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Red Garnet Yams or Sweet Potatoes: These have a rich, sweet flavor and a creamy texture that holds up beautifully to baking without becoming mushy.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious glaze that coats every slice.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the natural flavors.
Dark Brown Sugar: The molasses content gives depth and that classic caramel color and taste.
Granulated Sugar: Works alongside brown sugar to boost caramelization and texture.
Cornstarch: A small secret weapon that thickens the glaze, so it clings to the yams instead of pooling at the bottom.
Cinnamon: The warmest, most comforting spice in this mix—essential to the candied yam flavor profile.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness that elevates the dish.
Cloves: Offers a hint of spiced heat without overpowering; use sparingly.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how easy it is to tweak this Sweet Candied Yams Recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to play around with spices or sugar amounts — it’s your kitchen, your rules!

Variation: I sometimes swap half the butter for coconut oil to add a subtle tropical flavor and make the dish dairy-free — it’s just as delicious.
Spice Swap: If you’re not a fan of cloves (they can be strong), try adding a pinch of ginger for a different but equally warm vibe.
Less Sweet: For a less sugary version, reduce the granulated sugar by half and add a splash of maple syrup for natural sweetness and depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and generously spray your baking dish with non-stick spray. I like using a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan because it gives just the right space for the yams to cook evenly without overcrowding. Then peel and cut your yams into roughly ½-inch thick slices or bite-sized chunks—whatever you prefer. Consistent sizing helps them cook evenly, so take your time here!

Step 2: Whip Up That Glaze

In a large pot, melt together your butter, salt, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly until everything combines into a smooth, luscious glaze. This step is so satisfying — the kitchen fills with those amazing spiced-sweet aromas and you know the magic is happening!

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

Once the glaze is ready, gently stir your yam slices into the pot. Be careful not to break them up—just coat every piece with that sticky goodness. Then pour everything into your prepared dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then stir to coat again. Pop the foil back on and bake another 15 minutes. You’re aiming for fork-tender yams glazed with a thick, syrupy coating.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove your candied yams from the oven and give them a final gentle stir. Serve warm, and get ready for all the “Wow, these are amazing!” comments from your dinner companions. Honestly, these taste even better the next day, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Candied Yams Recipe

Choose the Right Sweet Potato: Red garnet yams have the ideal sweetness and texture for this recipe, so try to find those instead of white or other varieties for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the glaze keeps it thick and sticky, which ensures that gorgeous coating on every yam slice instead of a thin syrup pooling on the bottom.
Keep the Pieces Consistent: Cutting your yams into even slices helps everything cook uniformly, so check your knife skills or take a moment to eyeball them properly.
Watch Your Bake Timing: Overbaking can cause mushiness, so stick to the total 55 minutes and check for fork tenderness—if it goes too long, your yams might lose their shape.

How to Serve Sweet Candied Yams Recipe

Sweet Candied Yams, candied yams recipe, sweet yam side dish, holiday yams, caramelized yams - The image shows many round slices of sweet potatoes covered in a shiny brown glaze, all inside a white pan. The sweet potatoes have a soft, slightly rough texture with bright orange and caramelized brown colors. A dark wooden spoon holds up some slices near the center right of the pan. The glaze looks thick and glossy, pooling slightly around the slices, making the surface look sticky and rich. The photo was taken on a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my candied yams with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts to add a little crunch and nuttiness. If you want to get fancy, a few fresh thyme leaves can add a subtle herbal note that pairs surprisingly well with the sweet spices. A dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows on top can be fun for festive occasions, too!

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside roasted turkey, maple-glazed ham, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. I’ve also served it with sautéed greens and cranberry sauce for a classic holiday meal. Don’t be afraid to pair it with grains or even salad for a bit of freshness to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I layered my candied yams in a clear glass casserole dish, so guests could see all the glossy, spiced layers — it was a big hit visually. Another fun idea is to spoon the yams into small ramekins, topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, perfect for individual servings at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover candied yams to an airtight container once they cool down and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before with great results—just pack cooled yams into a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 2 months. When you defrost, do it overnight in the fridge to retain texture, then warm up gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes to avoid drying out the yams. Microwave works in a pinch but it can sometimes make them a little mushy, so the oven’s the best bet for keeping that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of red garnet yams?

Absolutely! While red garnet yams offer a particular sweetness and creamy texture, regular sweet potatoes can work fine too. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different varieties vary in moisture and starch content, which can affect texture.
Do I need to peel the yams for this recipe?

Peeling is recommended because it helps the glaze stick better to the smooth slices and creates a more tender bite overall. However, if you prefer the added texture and nutrients from the skin, just be sure to wash them thoroughly first!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and glaze the yams a few hours in advance, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just bring to room temperature and proceed with baking. This makes it a great option for holiday prep.
What’s the best way to avoid mushy yams?

Cut your yams into even slices and keep an eye on baking time. Fork-tender is the goal—not falling apart. Also, using red garnet yams helps maintain structure better than wetter varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Candied Yams Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years because it’s just so reliably delicious and warms the soul. Whenever I make it, I think of cozy family dinners and holiday celebrations, and I hope you’ll feel the same way once you try it. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share, customize, and come back to again and again — just like a good friend in your kitchen.