If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and just the right touch of spice to your table, this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine tender sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious caramel sauce that’s rich with brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, and fragrant spices—each bite a comforting hug. It’s a timeless side that elevates any meal, from cozy family dinners to celebratory holiday feasts, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You won’t need any complicated staples—just a handful of pantry favorites and fresh sweet potatoes ready to be transformed.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds: The star of the dish providing natural sweetness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture when baked perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that creamy caramel glaze coating each yam slice beautifully.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the sauce, giving it that candy-like appeal.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds crisp sweetness and helps balance the sauce so it’s not overly rich.
- 1/4 cup water: Ensures the sugar dissolves smoothly and transforms into a perfect caramel sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses subtle warmth and aroma that makes the caramel sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that classic fall flavor note, a gentle spice that complements the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of earthiness and warmth for deeper complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small pinch to balance all the sweetness and enhance every flavor in the dish.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts the soft yams and luscious caramel.
How to Make Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray for easy cleanup and to help the yams caramelize without sticking. Then, peel and slice your sweet potatoes into even 1/2-inch rounds. This thickness ensures they cook through while absorbing all that gorgeous caramel sauce.
Step 2: Arrange the Sweet Potatoes
Lay the sliced sweet potatoes in a single layer across the baking dish. Arranging them side by side helps the sauce coat each piece evenly, making sure every mouthful is bursting with that sweet, buttery flavor.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
Now for the magic—combine your melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly as it warms up. After about five minutes, you’ll see the sugars dissolve and the mixture bubble up into a glossy caramel sauce that smells absolutely divine. This step is key to that signature sticky, caramelized finish.
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Yams
Generously pour your caramel sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes, making sure to cover every slice. This is when the flavors really start to meld together, with the sweet potatoes soaking up that buttery, spiced caramel goodness that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This gentle cooking lets the yams soften perfectly while the caramel sauce thickens and becomes beautifully sticky. The foil cover also prevents the top from drying out, ensuring your candied yams stay tender and juicy.
Step 6: Add the Pecans and Finish Baking (Optional Step)
After the first 30 minutes, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, uncover the dish, and return to the oven (broil for a few minutes if you like a toasted finish). The pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast that’s absolutely worth the extra step.
How to Serve Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle the top with a few fresh chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can add a little luxe if you’re feeling indulgent. These small garnishes elevate the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Caramel Candied Yams Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken—think Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special weekend feast. It’s also a perfect companion to savory greens like collard or kale and offers a sweet counterbalance to spiced main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your candied yams in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy, homey vibe, or on a festive platter lined with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add contrast and aroma. You can also layer them in a clear casserole dish to showcase the beautiful caramel pairing—sometimes, we eat first with our eyes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover caramel candied yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after a day or two, so you might find the leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
Freezing candied yams is totally doable! Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To avoid sogginess, thaw them slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through. This method preserves the texture and keeps the caramel sauce luscious. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover loosely to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While regular potatoes will cook well, they lack the natural sweetness of yams and sweet potatoes that make this dish truly special. For authentic caramel candied yams, stick with the sweet potato variety.
How do I prevent the caramel sauce from burning?
Keep the heat moderate when cooking the sauce and stir constantly. Burning usually happens when the heat is too high or you leave the sauce unattended. Watching closely ensures a buttery, smooth caramel without bitterness.
Are pecans necessary, or can I leave them out?
Pecans add a lovely crunch and nuttiness, but they’re optional. If you have allergies or preferences, you can skip them or substitute with walnuts or even toasted coconut flakes for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and make sure your sugars are vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally vegan, making this dish adaptable for many diets.
What’s the best sweet potato variety for candied yams?
Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes or yams. Varieties like Beauregard or Jewel are great choices for their vibrant color and sweet, creamy texture after baking.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm, sweet hug on a plate, this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s easy to make, bursting with comforting flavors, and versatile enough to shine on any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and comforting Caramel Candied Yams, featuring tender sweet potato slices baked in a rich, buttery caramel sauce with warm spices and topped with crunchy pecans. This classic side dish is perfect for holiday meals or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish to allow uniform cooking and caramelization.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until the mixture boils and the sugars are fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. This creates a smooth, flavorful caramel sauce.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is well coated with the syrup for maximum flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This steams the yams gently and allows them to absorb the sweet sauce.
- Add Pecans and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pecans are toasted and the sauce is bubbly.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding on top.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing sugar to taste.
- Use fresh yams or sweet potatoes for best results; avoid ones that are too soft or sprouted.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce slightly before serving.
- Can be prepared a day ahead; reheat covered in oven to maintain moisture.
