Brown Sugar Candied Yams are the perfect sweet side dish for any meal! Made with tender yams coated in a rich blend of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, they’re simply irresistible.
Honestly, who can resist that sticky, sweet glaze? I love serving them warm, especially during holidays. Plus, the aroma filling the kitchen is pretty magical! 🍠✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yams or Sweet Potatoes: Both yams and sweet potatoes work well. Personally, I prefer sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness. If you can’t find yams, go for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes; they create a deliciously sweet dish!
Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how rich and deep you want the flavor. If you’re out, coconut sugar is a great alternative, or even regular granulated sugar, though it won’t have the same flavor depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but you can swap it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Just remember that it will change the flavor slightly.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch! If you’re allergic or want to keep it nut-free, just leave them out or try using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the dish. You can switch to pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor twist or skip the nutmeg if it’s not your thing!
How Do I Get My Yams Tender and Flavorful?
Getting the yams perfectly tender is key! Start by making sure you cut them into even slices so they cook uniformly. Here’s how to prep and bake them:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin.
- After cutting the yams, place them in a large baking dish to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd!
- When mixing in the sugar sauce, make sure every slice is coated well. This ensures each bite is flavorful.
- Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to trap steam, making them tender.
- Stir halfway through, then uncover to let them caramelize in the last stage.
- Baste occasionally with the sauce during the uncovered cooking time for that beautiful glaze!
Let them sit for a bit after baking; this will help the sauce thicken and stick to the yams. Enjoy your sweet and sticky dish!
Brown Sugar Candied Yams
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yams (or sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by approximately 1 hour of baking time. You’ll spend about 30 minutes covered and another 20-30 minutes uncovered to get that delicious caramelized finish. The waiting time for cooling is around 10 minutes before digging in. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even cooking temperature for your yams.
2. Prepare the Yams:
Peel the yams (or sweet potatoes) and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large baking dish to prepare for the sweet glaze!
3. Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a smooth sauce. Remove from heat, and if you’d like, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor!
4. Coat the Yams:
Pour the warm brown sugar sauce over the yams in the baking dish, ensuring they are well coated. Gently mix the yams around to make sure everyone gets a good coating of that sweet goodness.
5. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help steam the yams and make them tender. Bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and Add Nuts:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Give the yams a gentle stir, and if you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
7. Bake Uncovered:
Return the dish to the oven without the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the yams become tender and the sauce thickens into a bubbly glaze. Baste the yams occasionally by spooning some sauce over them for that luscious finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a bit more. Now, it’s time to enjoy your beautifully sweet, tender, and glossy Brown Sugar Candied Yams!
Enjoy, and happy cooking! 🍠🍯
Can I Use Canned Yams Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using canned yams, simply drain them well and reduce the baking time to about 15-20 minutes, just enough to heat through and coat with the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and ensure the brown sugar is vegan. This will keep your dish sweet without any dairy products.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to maintain moisture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! You can add a bit of shredded coconut, marshmallows, or even orange zest for a citrusy twist. Feel free to experiment with flavors to make this dish your own!
