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Home » Recipes » Soul Food Classics

Modified: Nov 18, 2024 · Published: Nov 11, 2024 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Easy Candied Yams

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Close up view of finished yams in white baking dish.
Overhead view of finished candied yams in square white baking dish on marble surface.
Close up view of yams in baking dish with serving spoon in it.
Finished single serving of yams in white bowl with spoon in it.
Two finished photos of candied yams in bowl and baking dish on pin with text overlay.
Close up view of finished yams in baking dish on pin with text overlay.
Serving of finished yams in white bowl with spoon on pin with text overlay.
Four process photos to make candied yams on pin with text overlay.
Close up view of finished yams in white baking dish.

This recipe for Easy Candied Yams is a delicious side dish that combines sweet yams, with butter, sugar, and warming spices. They're rich, tender, and full of flavor. Sure to be popular with everyone at the table.

This recipe pairs well with your favorite protein and side dish of Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks or Garlic Green Beans for a complete meal. Also, if you love the flavor of sweet potato, then you should try making an Easy Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Casserole, or Sweet Potato Cornbread.  

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

Candied yams are a southern staple and soul food classic. They're the perfect combination of sweet potato, butter, sugar, and spices.

Sweet, buttery, caramelized goodness.

For years I avoided making these because my mom makes the best version so I didn't feel I needed to take on the task of making this dish. I didn't even bother to learn. It just wasn't important. That's until recently when I was craving them and didn't want to bother asking my mom to whip up a batch.

I chose to give her a call and ask her how to make them and was floored when she told me how easy it is to make them. Her version requires making the syrup separately and pouring it on top of the cooked sweet potatoes. However, this is the lazy gal version and it turns out just as delicious.

Let's get started!

Jump to:
  • What is a Candied Yam?
  • Do Yams and Sweet Potatoes Taste the Same?
  • Ingredients You'll Need
  • How to Make Candied Yams
  • Best Candied Yams Recipe Tips & Tricks
  • Storage Tips
  • Want More Easy Side Dish Recipes? Try These:
  • 📖 Recipe

What is a Candied Yam?

A candied yam is a southern classic dish that is actually made using sweet potato. The sweet potato is cut into pieces and covered with butter and two different types of sugar. Once heated the mixture combines to create a sweet and buttery syrup that carmelizes the sweet potato pieces to make candied yams.

Do Yams and Sweet Potatoes Taste the Same?

No, they do not. Real yams are native to Africa and are a root vegetable that looks similar to the bark of a tree. It has a more starchy flavor, similar to a regular potato. Yams can be purchased in specialty markets.

Sweet potatoes are more commonly found in grocery stores. They are sweet and have a reddish-brown outer skin with an orange sweet flesh in the center. It is not uncommon for sweet potatoes to be labeled as yams in supermarkets.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make yams in separate bowls on marble surface.
  1. Yams - These are most commonly referred to as sweet potatoes in the produce section at most grocery stores. They may also be labeled as Mississippi red sweet potatoes or yams. Again, if they're labeled as yams, make sure that it looks like an orange potato with a red outer skin and not tree bark, which is actually a yam and is not sweet. 
  2. Ground Cinnamon - Make sure it is pure ground cinnamon without any additional ingredients added to it. This adds a bite of sweetness and warm spice flavor.
  3. Ground Nutmeg - This spice certainly makes a difference, so definitely do not omit it. It gives the yams a nutty spice flavor.
  4. Brown Sugar - For this ingredient, you can use light or dark brown sugar. The dark brown sugar contains more molasses and adds a richer flavor. The light brown sugar is sweet and similar to cane sugar. Either is fine, I have used them both to make this recipe. You can also substitute it with maple syrup.
  5. Granulated Sugar - As called white or cane sugar, works well to add additional sweetness to the recipe.  
  6. Butter - Use salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer in your favorite brand.

See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Candied Yams

Place the cut yams into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the yams to a low rolling boil and cook until they have a bite and can be pierced with a fork. 

Overhead view of cut up sweet potatoes in a large pot.

Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and grab a square baking dish. Drain the water off the yams and carefully pour them evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

Boiled sweet potatoes in large white baking dish on marble surface.

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Sprinkle the top of the cooked yams evenly with ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.

Boiled sweet potatoes in baking dish topped with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Spread the granulated sugar and brown sugar over the yams to evenly distribute.

Sweet potatoes topped with granulated sugar and brown sugar in baking dish.

Top with the cubes of butter evenly over the top.

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

Place the yams into the oven to bake for 10 minutes. The butter should be melted and the candied mixture at the bottom of the baking dish. Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently toss the candied yams to evenly cover them in the brown sugar mixture.

Baked candied yams in square white baking dish on marble surface.

Place the candied yams back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the yams are fork-tender. Serve while they're still warm as a side dish to compliment any meal.

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

They're perfect to share with your family and friends for Sunday dinner or your Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas meal.

Best Candied Yams Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • The yams (sweet potatoes) can be cooked/boiled 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight to use the next day.
  • Be sure not to boil the sweet potatoes too long. This is just a parboil to soften them enough to be pierced with a fork. They will finish cooking in the oven.
  • While baking the sauce will settle at the bottom of the baking dish underneath the potatoes, be sure to gently spoon the sauce over the sweet potatoes after removing them from the oven and before baking.
  • Try not to fuss over cutting the sweet potatoes before boiling them, they can be similar in size without being all exactly the same.
  • You may use light or dark brown sugar and if you don't have either on hand, granulated cane sugar is perfectly fine to use instead.

Storage Tips

Storage. Refrigerate any candied yams leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The butter may solidify, but it will melt upon reheating. Simply stir to incorporate before serving.

Reheating. When you're ready to serve the candied sweet potatoes again, reheat them in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish or in a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat for a few minutes.

Freezing. These yams are best enjoyed the same day they're made or a few days after by reheating. This recipe does not freeze well, unfortunately.

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

Want More Easy Side Dish Recipes? Try These:

  • Easy Cornbread Dressing
  • Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Southern Mac and Cheese 
  • Fried Okra
  • Garlic Green Beans 
  • Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks
  • Southern Cornbread
  • Sweet Potato Dumplings
  • Overhead view of finished cabbage in large skillet.
    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon (Easy One-Skillet Side Dish)
  • Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon
  • Overhead view of green beans on a white plate by a fork on marble surface.
    Garlic Green Beans
  • Close up front view of finished pound cake on serving plate.
    Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas for these Easy Candied Yams? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

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

Easy Candied Yams

LaKita Anderson
Easy Candied Yams are a delicious side dish that combines sweet yams, with butter, sugar, and spices. Rich, tender, and full of flavor.
4.80 from 44 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 9
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. 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.

Video

Notes

  • The yams (sweet potatoes) can be cooked/boiled 1 day ahead and refrigerated overnight to use the next day.
  • Be sure not to boil the sweet potatoes too long. This is just a parboil to soften them to be pierced with a fork. They will finish cooking in the oven.
  • While baking the sauce will settle at the bottom of the baking dish underneath the potatoes, be sure to gently spoon the sauce over the sweet potatoes after removing them from the oven and before baking.
  • Try not to fuss over cutting the sweet potatoes before boiling, they can be similar in size without being exactly the same.
  • You may use light or dark brown sugar and if you don't have either on hand, granulated cane sugar is perfectly fine to use instead.
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
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 06/19/2020. Updated 02/15/2023 & 11/11/2024.

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    The Best Southern Meatloaf Recipe for Sunday Supper
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    How to Roast Sweet Potatoes Without Oil (Fast, Easy, & No-Fuss Method)

Comments

    4.80 from 44 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. LaKrystal Warren Gordon says

    November 28, 2024 at 12:54 pm

    Absolutely perfect! Everyone loved them. Just right.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 06, 2024 at 12:01 pm

      Thank you for sharing LaKrystal! Happy to hear everyone enjoyed the candied yams 🙂

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    November 14, 2024 at 5:06 pm

    5 stars
    Me and these yams on Thanksgiving !! Love this recipe !!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 14, 2024 at 6:31 pm

      Thank you so much, happy to hear that you enjoy the yam recipe 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kelly says

    November 22, 2023 at 9:33 pm

    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😋

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:47 pm

      Thank you so much Kelly, that makes me so happy to hear! We love a good and easy recipe here 🙂

      Reply
  4. Samantha E. says

    November 06, 2023 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    I recommend seeing the main recipe for yams for the thanksgiving worksheet at Corner Middle School in Ms Mulvehills class!!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 29, 2023 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Samantha! Happy to hear the candied yams were a hit with your class. Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
  5. Enri Lemoine says

    February 27, 2023 at 6:23 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 08, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you so much Enri!!

      Reply
  6. Tristin says

    February 26, 2023 at 8:34 pm

    5 stars
    I used to always make the sauce separately, but this was is so much easier. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 08, 2023 at 2:33 pm

      Thank you Tristin! My mom makes the sauce separate as well, but this way is one less step 😉

      Reply
  7. Dani says

    February 26, 2023 at 8:06 pm

    5 stars
    Hands down, the only Candied Yams recipe a family needs. Super easy to make and delicious! Will make again

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 08, 2023 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you Dani! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the yam recipe 🙂

      Reply
  8. Jacqueline Debono says

    February 26, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    5 stars
    I love sweet potatoes but have never made them this way. It sounds divine. On my to make list!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      March 08, 2023 at 2:31 pm

      Thank you Jacqueline! They're really good if you do decide to give the recipe a try!

      Reply
  9. Jersey Girl Cooks says

    February 26, 2023 at 12:41 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a great side dish and they are so much better than the canned ones!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 26, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you so much, I agree 🙂

      Reply
  10. Cathleen says

    February 25, 2023 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    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 🙂

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 26, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you Cathleen! This is a great recipe to use them in 🙂

      Reply
  11. Pam says

    February 24, 2023 at 3:34 pm

    5 stars
    I was looking for a recipe that tasted like my grandma's sweet potatoes and this one is perfect!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 26, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      Thank you Pam, I am honored and happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Helene says

    February 23, 2023 at 2:12 pm

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 24, 2023 at 1:38 pm

      Thank you Helene! This way makes the process easier!

      Reply
  13. Kathryn says

    February 22, 2023 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    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!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 24, 2023 at 1:37 pm

      Thank you so much Kathryn! I definitely prefer to use fresh yam/sweet potatoes.

      Reply
  14. megane says

    February 21, 2023 at 6:19 am

    5 stars
    These are so good! I could eat a plate full every day 🤣

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 24, 2023 at 1:37 pm

      Thank you Megan, me too 🙂

      Reply
  15. Dee says

    November 26, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    5 stars
    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.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 01, 2020 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you Dee! So glad to hear, my mom also adds vanilla to her candied yams.

      Reply
  16. Rachel Shaver says

    November 26, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    5 stars
    Amazing I loved making it and eating it with my family and friends on thanksgiving! So excited to try some more of your recipes🥰

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 01, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Thank you Rachel!! So happy to hear you and your family enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply
  17. Christian Bass says

    November 26, 2020 at 11:02 am

    5 stars
    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!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 26, 2020 at 11:32 am

      Hi Christian! Thank you. Hope you have enough delicious food today to help you make all the Gains this Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  18. Kelly Hildbold says

    November 20, 2020 at 8:11 am

    5 stars
    My mom made candied sweet potatoes but I lost her recipe. This tasted like hers. I am content. Thank you!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 23, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      So glad to hear that Kelly, enjoy!

      Reply
      • Michael says

        June 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

        Leftovers? Haha, as if!

        Reply
        • LaKita says

          June 22, 2022 at 3:13 pm

          I agree Michael, never any leftovers when it comes to candied yams!

          Reply
  19. Eilene says

    November 15, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    Hi 👋🏽. Recipe looks great and I can’t wait to try it.
    Should the butter be salted or unsalted?

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      November 18, 2020 at 12:23 am

      Hi Eilene! Thank you. It doesn't matter with this recipe, use whichever you prefer.

      Reply
      • Dani says

        November 18, 2020 at 11:30 am

        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?

        Reply
        • LaKita says

          November 23, 2020 at 1:41 pm

          No, just the yams go into the baking dish. Sorry if that wasn't clear in the recipe.

          Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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