Published: Oct 14, 2026 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Easy Candied Yams Recipe (Southern Brown Sugar Glaze)

Name: Easy Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 5 large yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into large chunks (about 4 to 5 cups); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 8 tablespoons butter, cubed

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This Easy Candied Yams Recipe combines tender sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a sweet, comforting Southern side dish.

A quick boil gives the sweet potatoes a head start, then they finish in the oven with a buttery glaze. Serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.

Updated October 14, 2026: I refreshed this post with clearer ingredient notes, a simple method overview, cooking tips, make-ahead guidance, and answers to common questions. The ingredient quantities and cooking method remain the same. I originally posted it in June 2020.

Close up overhead view of finished yams in a white baking dish.

Watch this quick video tutorial!

Growing up in the South, candied yams were a staple on our family table. The best part is that buttery glaze at the bottom of the dish. Spoon it over the potatoes before serving so every bite gets a little extra sweetness.

Serve them with Southern Collard Greens and Bacon Mac and Cheese for a comforting Sunday dinner plate.

Let's get started!

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Watch this quick video tutorial!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
How to Make Candied Yams
LaKita's Expert Tips
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes
Why Are My Candied Yams Mushy?
Can I Use Canned Yams?
Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage and Reheating
What to Serve With Candied Yams
Frequently Asked Questions
📖 Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, two sugars, and warm spices.
A buttery brown sugar glaze: The sauce comes together right in the baking dish.
No marshmallows needed: The sweet potatoes and glaze bring plenty of sweetness.
A Southern favorite: Right at home beside your Sunday dinner or holiday mains.

Ingredients You'll Need

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make yams in separate bowls on marble surface.

Fresh sweet potatoes: Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often called yams in Southern cooking. Peel and cut into similar-sized chunks.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and molasses flavor to the glaze.
Granulated sugar: Combines with the brown sugar to sweeten the potatoes.
Butter: Cube it so you can distribute it evenly over the dish.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Give the glaze its warm spice flavor.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make Candied Yams

Here's the quick overview. The recipe card below contains the complete measurements and instructions.

1. Prepare and Parboil the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat and cook for approximately 10 minutes, until slightly softened but still firm. Drain well.

Overhead view of sweet potatoes in large pot on marble surface.

2. Add the Sugar, Spices, and Butter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to an 8x8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, then distribute the cubed butter over the top.

Cubed butter added on top of the other yam ingredients in the white baking dish.

3. Bake and Coat With the Glaze

Bake for about 10 minutes, until the butter melts and the glaze collects at the bottom of the dish. Carefully remove from the oven and gently toss the sweet potatoes to coat.

4. Finish Baking and Serve

Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until fork-tender. Spoon the glaze over the top and serve warm.

LaKita's Expert Tips

Cut evenly: Similar-sized chunks cook at a similar rate.
Leave a little firmness: The sweet potatoes should not be fully tender after boiling. They finish in the oven.
Drain well: Excess cooking water can dilute the glaze.
Toss gently: Coat the potatoes without breaking them into smaller pieces.
Spoon on the glaze: Bring the buttery mixture from the bottom of the pan over the potatoes before serving.

Close up view of finished yams in white baking dish with serving spoon.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes

Although we call this dish candied yams, it uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams are a different vegetable. Look for fresh sweet potatoes when shopping for this recipe.

Why Are My Candied Yams Mushy?

Overcooking during the boiling step can leave the pieces too soft to hold their shape. Parboil only until slightly softened, then finish in the oven. Toss gently when coating them with the glaze.

Can I Use Canned Yams?

Fresh sweet potatoes are the ingredient used in this recipe. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked and may come in syrup, so they need a different approach. For this version, use fresh sweet potatoes and follow the recipe as written.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Prepare the candied yams up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate covered. Reheat before serving, then spoon the glaze over the potatoes to coat them again.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Warm in an oven-safe dish at 300°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions in short intervals. Gently spoon the glaze over the potatoes before serving.

What to Serve With Candied Yams

Balance the sweet, buttery glaze with savory dishes for a comforting Southern meal.

Single serving of finished yams in white bowl with spoon in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make candied yams ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate covered, and reheat before serving. Spoon the glaze over the potatoes again after reheating.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Yes. This recipe uses peeled sweet potatoes for a tender texture throughout.

Can I use canned yams instead of fresh?

This recipe is written for fresh sweet potatoes. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked and may be packed in syrup, so they require changes to the method and may produce a different texture.

Do I need marshmallows?

No. This version gets its sweetness from brown sugar and granulated sugar, with butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Do you boil the sweet potatoes before baking?

Yes. Parboil them for approximately 10 minutes, until slightly softened but still firm. They finish cooking in the oven.

How long do candied yams bake?

Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, gently toss with the melted glaze, then bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until fork-tender.

Why are my candied yams mushy?

They may have been cooked too long during the boiling step. Leave them slightly firm before baking and toss gently so the pieces hold their shape.

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of finished candied yams in square white baking dish on marble surface.

Easy Candied Yams Recipe

LaKita Anderson

This easy candied yams recipe features tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. A classic Southern side dish for Sunday dinners and holidays!

4.80 from 44 votes

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Video

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 344 kcal

Equipment

1 Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
1 8x8-inch square baking dish

Ingredients

5 large yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into large chunks (about 4 to 5 cups)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
8 tablespoons butter, cubed

Instructions

Place the cut yams (5 large sweet potatoes) into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat and cook until they have a bite and can be pierced with a fork. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, until slightly softened but still firm. Do not cook until fully tender.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Drain the water off the yams and carefully pour them into an 8x8-inch square baking dish.
Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Spread the ¼ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar over the yams evenly to distribute.
Top with the cubes of 8 tablespoons butter evenly over the top.
Place in the oven to bake for about 10 minutes. The butter should be melted and the candied mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and gently toss the candied yams to evenly cover in the mixture.
Place back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the yams are fork-tender. Remove from the oven and spoon the candied mixture evenly over the top. Serve warm and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Substitution: Use fresh orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, often called yams in Southern cooking.
Flavor Boost: Swap part of the granulated sugar for dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 189mgPotassium: 665mgFiber: 6gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 27109IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword baked candied yams, easy candied yams, southern candied yams

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Did You Make This Recipe?

Made these Candied Yams? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a comment below. And tell me, are candied yams a holiday tradition at your table or a Sunday dinner favorite?

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Comments

4.80 from 44 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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