This candied yams recipe is a Southern classic featuring tender sweet potatoes coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, and anytime you want to bring a little extra sweetness to the table.
Growing up in the South, this was a staple on our family table, and I've perfected this version over the years. It's simple, classic, and always a crowd-pleaser. Learn more about me here!
Updated August 2025: This post has been refreshed with new expert tips, clarified steps, and FAQs for the best baked candied yams every time. It was originally posted in June 2020.
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Here's what some readers are saying about this recipe:
One reader, Tristin, commented: "I used to always make the sauce separately, but this is so much easier. Thanks for sharing this great recipe! ★★★★★"
Another reader, Dani, says: "Hands down, the only Candied Yams recipe a family needs. Super easy to make and delicious! Will make again. ★★★★★"
Another reader, Kelly, says: "My mom made candied sweet potatoes, but I lost her recipe. This tasted like hers. I am content. Thank you! ★★★★★"
Before You Bake, Read This!
The Vibe
Sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
What You Gotta Know
Cut the yams into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Best Bite Alert
That syrupy glaze pooling at the bottom of the pan? Spoon it over every bite (or drizzle it on your cornbread...you're welcome).
Prep Tip
Use fresh sweet potatoes, not canned, for the best flavor and texture.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
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📖 Recipe
Candied Yams Recipe
Video
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. Careful not to overcook, they should not be fully cooked, just enough to soften. Approximately 10 minutes.
- 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: You can use sweet potatoes if you can't find yams.
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside Southern Collard Greens and Bacon Mac and Cheese for the perfect soul food plate.
- Ideal for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through or microwave in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Prepare up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Yes, peeling gives the best texture, but you can leave the skins on for a rustic look.
Yes, but reduce the baking time since canned yams are already tender.
Nope. This version is rich and sweet enough on its own.
Did this recipe remind you of someone in your family who always brought the yams to the holiday table? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag @SimplyLaKita on Instagram. I love seeing your plates!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!
LaKrystal Warren Gordon says
Absolutely perfect! Everyone loved them. Just right.
LaKita says
Thank you for sharing LaKrystal! Happy to hear everyone enjoyed the candied yams 🙂
Michelle says
Me and these yams on Thanksgiving !! Love this recipe !!
LaKita says
Thank you so much, happy to hear that you enjoy the yam recipe 🙂
Kelly says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I was scouring the internet looking for something simple that had the ingredients I currently have on hand and your recipe popped up. I immediately started cooking it. Then I tasted-tested it after it was done cooking and it was delicious! Can't wait to serve it to my guests tomorrow at Thanksgiving! Thanks again😋
LaKita says
Thank you so much Kelly, that makes me so happy to hear! We love a good and easy recipe here 🙂
Samantha E. says
I recommend seeing the main recipe for yams for the thanksgiving worksheet at Corner Middle School in Ms Mulvehills class!!!
LaKita says
Hi Samantha! Happy to hear the candied yams were a hit with your class. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Enri Lemoine says
I'm a big sweet potato fan, and your recipe has everything I need to enjoy my favorite tuber without complications. Thank you for the inspiration. My casserole turned out delicious!
LaKita says
Thank you so much Enri!!
Tristin says
I used to always make the sauce separately, but this was is so much easier. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
LaKita says
Thank you Tristin! My mom makes the sauce separate as well, but this way is one less step 😉
Dani says
Hands down, the only Candied Yams recipe a family needs. Super easy to make and delicious! Will make again
LaKita says
Thank you Dani! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the yam recipe 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
I love sweet potatoes but have never made them this way. It sounds divine. On my to make list!
LaKita says
Thank you Jacqueline! They're really good if you do decide to give the recipe a try!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
This is such a great side dish and they are so much better than the canned ones!
LaKita says
Thank you so much, I agree 🙂
Cathleen says
I just bought a whole bunch of yams, and had no idea what to do with them. This is the perfect solution! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe 🙂
LaKita says
Thank you Cathleen! This is a great recipe to use them in 🙂
Pam says
I was looking for a recipe that tasted like my grandma's sweet potatoes and this one is perfect!
LaKita says
Thank you Pam, I am honored and happy you enjoyed it!
Helene says
I had no idea that we could cook this vegetable this way, it's delicious and brings a sweet caramelized touch. A great recipe to keep!
LaKita says
Thank you Helene! This way makes the process easier!
Kathryn says
These yams are so delicious, I almost forgot we were eating a veggie! Love how you use fresh yams in your recipe as opposed to the canned ones. Making these again and again!
LaKita says
Thank you so much Kathryn! I definitely prefer to use fresh yam/sweet potatoes.
megane says
These are so good! I could eat a plate full every day 🤣
LaKita says
Thank you Megan, me too 🙂
Dee says
This is almost to a T how I make my sweet potatoes. I can’t stand them sliced. I also half the sugar and butter to add more while the sweet potatoes are in the oven. Sometimes I add a tsp of vanilla if I have it on hand.
So easy and delicious.
LaKita says
Thank you Dee! So glad to hear, my mom also adds vanilla to her candied yams.
Rachel Shaver says
Amazing I loved making it and eating it with my family and friends on thanksgiving! So excited to try some more of your recipes🥰
LaKita says
Thank you Rachel!! So happy to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe.
Christian Bass says
Yams is one of my favorites, so this will definitely be done today!! Also, What’s up Mike, It’s Gainsgiving!! Let’s eat cause Ik ya mama is feeding you good haha!!
LaKita says
Hi Christian! Thank you. Hope you have enough delicious food today to help you make all the Gains this Thanksgiving!
Kelly Hildbold says
My mom made candied sweet potatoes but I lost her recipe. This tasted like hers. I am content. Thank you!
LaKita says
So glad to hear that Kelly, enjoy!
Michael says
Leftovers? Haha, as if!
LaKita says
I agree Michael, never any leftovers when it comes to candied yams!
Eilene says
Hi 👋🏽. Recipe looks great and I can’t wait to try it.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
LaKita says
Hi Eilene! Thank you. It doesn't matter with this recipe, use whichever you prefer.
Dani says
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
When you're draining the water that you first boiled the yam in, you're draining that water into the baking dish? Do I have that correct?
LaKita says
No, just the yams go into the baking dish. Sorry if that wasn't clear in the recipe.