Southern Candied yams are a beloved holiday tradition in my home, but honestly, we love and enjoy this homemade classic dish all year long! The natural sweetness of the yams, mixed with just the right blend of spices and baked to perfection, is what makes my recipe so delicious. If you’ve ever had a good serving of old-fashioned, soul food-style candied yams, you know exactly what I mean. These yams bring a sweet and comforting touch to your holiday table—or any meal—no matter the season! Follow along as I share my easy Southern candied yams recipe.

How to Make Candied Yams

The best candied yams are made with fresh yams or sweet potatoes. But what the difference between the two? I’m glad you asked.

What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

The main difference between yams and sweet potatoes comes down to simply their appearance, how they feel, and where they come from. Yams have rough, brown skin and their insides can be white, purple, or red. Yams come from Africa and Asia, and when cooked, they’re more dry and starchy. Sweet potatoes, though, have smoother skin that’s usually tan or orange, and their insides are typically orange or white. They’re sweeter, softer, and more moist when cooked, and they come from Central and South America. Even though we often call them “yams” in the U.S., most of what you find in stores are actually sweet potatoes.

Watch the video (Video Tutorial Candied Yams Recipe)

Ingredients for Candied Yams

This recipe is made with only a few simple ingredients that yields a delicious side dish. For this recipe you will need:

• Yams or Sweet Potatoes: The yams/sweet potatoes are the base of the dish. They provide the natural sweetness and texture for this delicious dish.
• Sugar: White sugar adds sweetness and aids in creating that wonderful caramelized glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Brown Sugar also adds sweetness but also it adds a depth of flavor with its molasses content.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor with a slightly sweet and an aromatic note.
• Cinnamon: The Cinnamon provides a warm, spicy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the dish.
• Ground Cloves: The Ground Cloves adds a bold, slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with other spices.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the dish’s complexity.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the ingredients meld together while providing a smooth texture.

What you will need:

• Cooking Utensils
• Sharp Knife
• Skillet
• Baking Dish

Instructions for Candied Yams Recipe

Before you begin, make sure to Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit.

Step 1: Preparing the Yams

Slice the yams using a sharp knife or a mandoline. For this recipe I used a sharp knife to evenly slice my yams. After you have sliced the yams, Add water to the baking dish then add the sliced yams to the baking dish.

Step 2: Making the Syrup for the Candied Yams

To make the syrup for the yams. Bring a skillet to medium heat then melt one stick (1/2 cup) of butter. After the butter has melted, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and mix until your sugars dissolve. Keep a close watch on your pan and temperature during this process. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure your sugar does not seize. As the sugar begins to melt, add the vanilla, the ground cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon and mix until well incorporated.

Step 3: Baking the Yams

Now that your syrup is ready, pour the sugary mixture over the yams then cover them with aluminum foil. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and allow it to cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes remove your baking dish from the oven and give them a gently stir. Return the yams to the oven and allow them to cook for an additional 40 minutes.

This is a classic recipe for Soul Food Candied Yams that is perfect for holidays or any occasion. You may use yams or sweet potatoes if you can’t find any yams around. They are baked until they are soft and caramelized. Candied yams are a delicious and comforting side dish served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time of the year.

4. What’s the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused with each other, but they are actually two different vegetables. Yams are a starchy root vegetable that is native to Africa and Asia. They have a long, cylindrical shape and a rough, brown skin. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that is native to the Americas. They have a shorter, more tapered shape and a smooth, reddish skin. Sweet potatoes are also sweeter than yams.

Candied Yams Recipe

Recipe by Soul Food Cooking

4.3 from 6 votes

Course: Sides, MainCuisine: Southern, American, Soul Food

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Yams/Sweet Potatoes

• 1 cup Sugar

• 1 cup Golden Brown Sugar

• 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract

• 1 tsp Cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves

• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg

• 1/2 cup Butter

• 1 cup Water

Directions

• ​PreHeat Oven to 350 degrees
• Slice the yams into 1 inch thick slices.
• Add the water to the baking dish then place the yams in the baking dish.
• In a pan melt the butter.
• Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and mix until dissolved.
• Add the ground cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon and mix.
• Add the vanilla and mix.
• Coat the yams with the mixture then cover with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes remove from the oven and stir.
• Return the yams to the oven and allow them to cook for an additional 40 minutes.

Recipe Video

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