How to Make Perfect Candied Yams

Candied yams are a beloved dish that graces tables during holiday celebrations and special gatherings. This recipe transforms simple yams into a sweet and comforting side dish, coated in a rich, caramelized syrup that enhances their natural sweetness. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or just craving a sweet, indulgent treat, candied yams are sure to satisfy. This guide will walk you through every step of making these delectable yams, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking process.

Ingredients for Candied Yams

• 4 large yams or sweet potatoes – peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup brown sugar – packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup maple syrup – or light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – optional, for added flavor
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows – optional, for a gooey topping

How to Make Candied Yams

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the yams will cook evenly and caramelize perfectly.
2. Prepare the Yams: Peel the yams and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces will cook evenly, so try to keep them as consistent in size as possible.
3. Cook the Yams: Place the yam cubes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the yams cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Drain the yams and set them aside.
4. Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a smooth, syrupy mixture.
5. Season the Syrup: Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the syrup. Stir well to combine all the spices into the syrup.
6. Combine Yams and Syrup: Place the partially cooked yams into a large baking dish. Pour the prepared syrup over the yams, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use a spoon to gently stir the yams and syrup together to ensure all the pieces are coated.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the yams are fully tender and the syrup has thickened and caramelized. If using mini marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing them to melt and brown slightly.
8. Serve: Once the yams are done, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the syrup to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

About the Main Ingredients

Yams/Sweet Potatoes: Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they are different vegetables. Yams are starchy tubers with a rough, scaly skin and are usually imported from Africa or the Caribbean. Sweet potatoes are sweeter and have a smoother skin, ranging from pale beige to deep orange. For this recipe, sweet potatoes are preferred for their sweeter flavor and softer texture.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor to the syrup. It contributes to the caramelization process, giving the yams their characteristic sweet and sticky coating.

Butter: Unsalted butter is used to add richness and a smooth texture to the syrup. It helps in blending the sugar and syrup together and contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is used for its natural sweetness and depth of flavor. It enhances the caramel-like taste of the candied yams. If you prefer, you can substitute it with light corn syrup.

Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices that pair beautifully with sweet potatoes. They add warmth and complexity to the flavor of the syrup, making the dish more aromatic and appealing.

Mini Marshmallows: Although optional, mini marshmallows can be added for a gooey, sweet topping that caramelizes nicely during baking.

Candied yams are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them a versatile addition to any meal. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing, making it a hit at any occasion.