Louisiana Yam Ring
A sweet and nutty yam cake with a caramelized sugar crust, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy Sunday dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash hot yams in a large bowl with milk, salt and pepper.
- Spread about 5 tablespoons of softened margarine over the bottom and sides of a 6½‑cup ring mold.
- Spread dark brown sugar over the margarine‑covered bottom and sides, pressing lightly.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the bottom.
- Blend the remaining margarine with the mashed yams.
- Spoon the yam mixture into the mold, spreading evenly.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Cover with foil and bake 10 more minutes.
- Remove from oven, unmold onto a serving plate.
- Fill the center with creamed ham or chicken if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of milk. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the yam mixture. Make sure the yams are still hot when mashing for better consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Louisiana Yam Ring makes a stunning centerpiece for holiday meals or family gatherings. Serve it alongside roasted meats or pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a delightful twist, fill the center with creamed ham or chicken, or try it with a side of Mama'S Corn Bread for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the yam ring in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, ensuring it warms through evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Yam Ring contains roughly 468 calories, with 6g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2110mg per serving (92% 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 prepare the yam ring in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the yam mixture and assemble the ring a day ahead. Simply cover it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together and saves you time on the day of serving.
What can I substitute for dark brown sugar?
You can use light brown sugar as a substitute, but if you want a closer match, mix regular granulated sugar with a bit of molasses to achieve a similar flavor and moisture level.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Louisiana Yam Ring is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat ingredients. To keep it vegetarian, simply skip the creamed ham or chicken filling, or fill it with a vegetable-based mixture instead.
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).