Candy Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes cooked in a spiced pineapple syrup create a rich, caramelized side dish with warm cinnamon and allspice, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sweet potatoes until done.
- Slice the cooked sweet potatoes and butter them.
- Bring the pineapple juice, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and allspice to a boil.
- Pour the boiling syrup over the sliced sweet potatoes.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the syrup. If you're short on pineapple juice, orange juice can be a great substitute. Ensure the sweet potatoes are tender but not overly mushy for the best texture. You can also use light brown sugar instead of dark if that's what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Candy Sweet Potatoes as a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair perfectly with roasted meats and complement the flavors of a tossed salad for a balanced plate. For a sweet finish, consider serving with Dream Pie for dessert, creating a delicious end to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring gently.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 755 calories, with 10g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2164mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Candy Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and the syrup a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. To serve, simply layer the sweet potatoes, pour the syrup over, and bake as directed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice is a great alternative that retains sweetness. Alternatively, apple juice or a mix of water with a bit of lemon juice can work, but the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of the substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. This dish can be enjoyed by anyone looking for delicious vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).