Description
This Irresistible Candied Yams Sweet Potatoes recipe offers tender, caramelized chunks of sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery glaze infused with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it balances sweet and warm spices, baked to a luscious finish that’s ideal for holiday meals or cozy dinners.
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 them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely to create the base for the glaze.
- Dissolve Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth sweetness.
- Add Spices and Cream: Add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes, thoroughly coating all the pieces to ensure flavor penetration.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes to soften the sweet potatoes while allowing the glaze to infuse.
- Bake Uncovered and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the potatoes halfway through this time to promote caramelization and a tender texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the glaze to thicken and set before serving.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the glaze.
- Use firm sweet potatoes to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- The resting time allows the glaze to thicken, so don’t skip this step.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust sugar quantities if you prefer less sweetness.
