Transform your holiday table with the perfect candied yams that strike an irresistible balance between sweet and savory.
These crowd-pleasing dishes combine tender sweet potatoes with warm spices and gooey marshmallows to create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Whether you prefer a classic preparation or want to explore creative twists like pecan-crusted or maple-glazed variations, these ten recipes will help you master this beloved side dish.
From quick stovetop methods to slow-cooked perfection, you’ll find options to suit any cooking style and time constraint.
Classic Southern Candied Yams with Brown Sugar Glaze

Classic Southern Candied Yams with Brown Sugar Glaze is a beloved holiday dish that transforms simple sweet potatoes into a caramelized, buttery delight.
This traditional recipe brings together warm spices and rich brown sugar to create a side dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes/yams, peeled and sliced (½-inch thick)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Step 1: Arrange sliced sweet potatoes in a large baking dish.
Step 2: Combine brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, water, and salt in a saucepan.
Step 3: Heat mixture over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Pour glaze over sweet potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
Step 5: Bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking. If your glaze starts to crystallize during baking, add a tablespoon of hot water and gently stir to smooth it out.
Maple Pecan Candied Sweet Potatoes

Maple Pecan Candied Sweet Potatoes combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans.
This comforting side dish creates the perfect balance of soft, tender sweet potatoes and crunchy, candied pecans.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step 1: Boil sweet potato chunks in water for 15 minutes until tender but still firm.
Step 2: Drain potatoes and arrange them in a buttered 9×13 baking dish.
Step 3: Combine maple syrup and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until melted.
Step 4: Mix in pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 5: Pour the maple-pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Step 6: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
Pro Tip: To prevent the pecans from burning, check the dish at the 20-minute mark and cover with foil if they’re browning too quickly. For the best texture, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Coconut Vanilla Bean Candied Yams

Transform ordinary yams into a luxurious side dish with this tropical twist on a classic recipe.
The combination of coconut milk and real vanilla beans creates a creamy, aromatic glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the yams.
Ingredients:
• 4 medium yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional garnish)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange yam chunks in the baking dish in a single layer.
Step 3: Combine coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla bean seeds, butter, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan.
Step 4: Heat mixture until butter melts and sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Pour mixture over yams and bake for 45-50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Top with shredded coconut in the last 5 minutes if desired.
Pro Tip: For the best results, choose yams of similar size for even cooking. You can prepare the coconut vanilla sauce a day ahead and reheat it before using to save time during preparation.
Honey-Glazed Candied Yams with Marshmallow Topping

Transform ordinary yams into a decadent side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
This classic comfort food features tender yams bathed in a honey-butter glaze and topped with gooey marshmallows for that perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
• 4 large yams, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange yam slices in the baking dish.
Step 3: Mix melted butter, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Step 4: Pour mixture evenly over yams.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Remove foil, top with marshmallows, and bake for additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Pierce yams with a fork before removing from oven to ensure they’re tender throughout. For extra caramelization, broil the marshmallow topping for the final minute, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Spiced Apple Butter Candied Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your holiday feast with these irresistible Spiced Apple Butter Candied Sweet Potatoes.
This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple butter and aromatic spices, creating a side dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Layer sweet potato slices in the prepared dish.
Step 3: Mix apple butter, brown sugar, melted butter, and spices in a bowl.
Step 4: Pour mixture evenly over sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Remove foil, add pecans if using, and bake for additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Pro Tip: For the perfect texture, slice your sweet potatoes to an even 1/4-inch thickness. You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
Orange-Glazed Candied Yams with Pecans

Orange-Glazed Candied Yams with Pecans bring a delightful twist to your holiday table.
This sweet and savory dish combines tender yams with a citrusy glaze and crunchy pecans, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that your family will love.
Ingredients:
• 4 large yams (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup pecan halves
• ½ teaspoon salt
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange yam chunks in the prepared dish.
Step 3: Mix brown sugar, butter, orange juice, zest, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Step 4: Pour mixture over yams and top with pecans.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and bake for additional 20-25 minutes until yams are tender and glaze is bubbly.
Pro Tip: Test the yams’ tenderness with a fork at the 40-minute mark. If you notice the pecans browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil while maintaining the glaze’s bubbling action.
Caramelized Cinnamon-Sugar Candied Yams

Caramelized Cinnamon-Sugar Candied Yams transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
These tender yams are coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates an irresistibly sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
• 4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Arrange yam chunks in a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 3: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 4: Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
Step 5: Pour mixture over yams and add water around the edges.
Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes, basting every 15 minutes until yams are tender and glaze is caramelized.
Pro Tip: Choose yams of similar size for even cooking, and don’t skip the basting steps – this ensures each piece gets evenly coated with the sweet glaze. You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces through the chunks.
Butter Pecan Streusel-Topped Candied Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your holiday spread with these irresistible Butter Pecan Streusel-Topped Candied Sweet Potatoes.
This comforting dish combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the streusel:
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Mash potatoes with 1/4 cup butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices.
Step 4: Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly.
Step 5: Spread potato mixture in baking dish, top with streusel.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the perfect texture, don’t overmash your sweet potatoes – keep them slightly chunky. You can prepare the potato mixture a day ahead and add the streusel just before baking.
Ginger-Spiced Candied Yams with Toasted Almonds

Transform your holiday table with these irresistible Ginger-Spiced Candied Yams topped with crunchy toasted almonds.
This dish combines warm spices with natural sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
• 4 large yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Place yam chunks in the baking dish.
Step 3: Mix brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Step 4: Sprinkle the spice mixture over yams and dot with butter.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6: Remove foil, add maple syrup, and stir gently.
Step 7: Top with almonds and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until golden.
Pro Tip: For the perfect texture, check the yams’ tenderness at the 35-minute mark with a fork. If you want extra-crispy almonds, toast them separately before adding to the dish.
Caribbean-Style Coconut Candied Sweet Potatoes

Caribbean-Style Coconut Candied Sweet Potatoes bring tropical flavors to your dinner table.
This vibrant side dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with creamy coconut milk and warm island spices, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you to a beachside paradise.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• Salt to taste
Step 1: Boil sweet potato chunks in salted water for 10 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 2: Drain potatoes and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and coconut oil over medium heat.
Step 4: Add spices and stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Add sweet potatoes and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens.
Step 6: Top with shredded coconut before serving.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking, as the coconut milk can quickly reduce. For the best texture, ensure your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes traditional southern candied yams different from other recipes?
Traditional southern candied yams feature a rich butter and brown sugar glaze with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The sweet potatoes are typically cut into thick rounds and slow-cooked until tender and caramelized.
Which spices work best for enhancing candied yam flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract create the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness in candied yams. You can also add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra depth.
How can you prevent candied yams from becoming too watery?
Pre-bake your sweet potatoes for 20 minutes before adding the glaze to remove excess moisture. Always arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding your baking dish.
What’s the best way to achieve that perfect sticky glaze on candied yams?
Baste your yams every 15-20 minutes during cooking with the pan juices. Use a combination of brown sugar and butter, allowing the mixture to reduce and thicken naturally.
Can you make candied yams ahead of time for holiday meals?
You can prepare candied yams up to two days in advance and reheat them covered at 350°F. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer traditional southern-style or modern takes on candied yams, these ten recipes offer something for every taste.
Remember to choose fresh, uniform-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking, and don’t rush the caramelization process.
You can prepare most of these dishes ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking, and don’t forget that proper storage in an airtight container will keep your candied yams fresh for up to four days.
Try these recipes during holidays or any time you crave a comforting side dish.