Description
Deliciously sweet and tender candied yams made with a rich buttery glaze, brown and granulated sugars, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla. Perfectly baked until caramelized and fork-tender, this classic side dish is ideal for holiday meals and cozy family 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 ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely, creating the base for the sweet glaze.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted butter until both sugars are fully dissolved, forming a smooth mixture.
- Make the Glaze: Add the heavy cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring constantly, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are well coated with the mixture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Uncover and Caramelize: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the yams halfway through this time. Bake until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest before Serving: Let the candied yams rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the glaze to thicken and enhances the overall texture and flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version, though texture and flavor may vary.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before the final baking step.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- Using fresh spices rather than pre-ground versions will enhance the flavor of the glaze.
