Description
These irresistible candied yams are made with tender sweet potatoes baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfectly caramelized and creamy, this classic side dish is a comforting and flavorful addition to any holiday or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick chunks. Arrange the chunks evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Dissolve the sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Add remaining glaze ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook the sauce while stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the prepared sweet potatoes, making sure to coat all the pieces thoroughly with the mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Spoon the glaze over the sweet potatoes halfway through this time to intensify the caramelization. The yams should become fork-tender and caramelized.
- Rest before serving: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting time helps the glaze to thicken and set for a perfect texture.
Notes
- Use firm, large sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to cover the dish during the first baking phase to keep the potatoes moist.
- Spoon the sauce back over the yams during the uncovered baking for an even caramelized finish.
- Letting it rest before serving enhances the glaze consistency and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit cinnamon and nutmeg or substitute with alternative warming spices.
