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–+ servings
sweet potato cubes in a bowl in sugary syrup.
Julia

Baked Candied Yams (Candied Sweet Potatoes)

5 from 7 votes
These baked candied yams are a beloved dish for Thanksgiving table and many holiday dinners. Sweet potato cubes are coated in a sticky, flavorful buttery syrup, brown sugar, warming spices and baked in the oven to fork tender.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 319
Ingredients Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9 or 8 inch (I used 8 x11 inch) pan or 2-quart baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  2. Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer within the prepared dish.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, maple, and ginger.
  4. Whisk them together until well blended.
  5. Pour the candied mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss the sweet potatoes to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce.
  6. Bake the sweet potatoes for a span of 45-50 minutes, pausing to stir every 15-20 minutes. Test the sweet potatoes for doneness, they should be firm yet fork-tender. After baking, allow the yams to rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the textures settle. They should become even more tender and acquire a delightful caramelized finish. Enjoy!
  7. Optional: How to add marshmallows. After baking, sprinkle the marshmallows over the top of the tender sweet potatoes. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and have taken on a golden brown hue. Serve right away!

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 247mgPotassium: 630mgFiber: 5gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 24404IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 1mg

Video

Notes

  • Fresh sweet potatoes - Opt for medium-large, smooth-skin firm ones without bruises, blemishes, or cracks. Choose the darker reddish-brown colored sweet potatoes which will have a rich bright orange flesh inside. This type of sweet potato tends to be more sweeter than the rest. Did you know that yams and sweet potatoes are different things? Read about the differences in the next paragraph!
  • FLAVOR & TEXTURE: These candied sweet potatoes are soft, buttery, caramelized on the edges, bursting with flavors like vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and ginger, and enhanced by orange aroma.
  • Why did my yams burn? You may have sliced them unevenly or very small/thin. Take care to cut them into uniform slice, about 1-2 inch pieces.
  • Do I need to boil the yams first? No, in this recipe it is unnecessary and in fact, this will turn your sweet potatoes mushy overcooked mess.

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