Yum-Yum Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
Sweet and caramelized, these candied sweet potatoes feature a rich blend of sugars, pecans, and cinnamon, making them a cozy side perfect for family dinners and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice sweet potatoes about 1/2-inch thick.
- Cover sweet potatoes with water and boil until almost tender when pricked with a fork.
- Drain the sweet potatoes.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
- Mix sugar, brown sugar, water, melted butter, chopped pecans, and a dash of cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until slightly thickened.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. If you're short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes instead; just skip the boiling step. Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or omitted entirely for a nut-free version. Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Yum-Yum Candied Sweet Potatoes are perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside American recipes like Country Skillet or Mom Rohrbach'S Banana Nut Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yum-Yum Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams) contains roughly 503 calories, with 5g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and sugar mixture a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and combine before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on a busy day.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can leave them out completely or substitute with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and added texture.
Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While traditional orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are commonly used, you can also try using purple or white sweet potatoes. Each variety will lend a unique flavor and color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
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).