Candied yams are a beloved, classic side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia to the holiday table. Made with tender yams or sweet potatoes coated in a buttery, sugary glaze, this dish is rich, comforting, and perfectly indulgent. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other family gatherings, offering a sweet contrast to the savory main dishes.
The magic of candied yams comes from the blend of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As the yams bake, the sugar melts into the butter, forming a thick, sticky glaze that soaks into the tender slices. Some versions also add a touch of vanilla, orange zest, or maple syrup for extra depth of flavor.
Traditionally, candied yams are baked until the edges become caramelized and the glaze thickens, creating a glossy coating that clings to each bite. The texture is perfectly balanced, soft and velvety on the inside with hints of golden crispness on the outside.
For those who like an extra touch of sweetness, mini marshmallows are often added toward the end of baking. They melt into a gooey, toasted topping that’s both playful and delicious, adding another layer of comfort to an already indulgent dish.
Candied yams pair beautifully with savory holiday staples like turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. Their sweetness offers a wonderful contrast to salty and savory flavors, rounding out the meal in a truly satisfying way.
As for drinks, candied yams complement sparkling cider, a light Riesling, or even a spiced herbal tea. Their rich sweetness also pairs nicely with coffee or dessert wines for a cozy, post-dinner treat.
Whether you grew up with them on your table or are trying them for the first time, candied yams are the kind of dish that brings smiles, memories, and a little extra sweetness to any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yams peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the yams in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the yams, and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 minutes or until the yams are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy your candied yams!
Nutrition
I thought yams are supposed to be healthy? All this sugar and butter seems kinda excessive. I don’t think I will make this.
This recipe is incredible! I made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. So sweet and delicious! Definitely 5 stars!
I’m glad everyone loved it! Candied yams always bring everyone together during the holidays. Just a tip, next time try adding some pecans on top for extra crunch!
I don’t get why everyone loves yams so much. They’re sweet but kinda mushy, right? I mean, how can you be so sure this was the best dish? 🤔
My kids gobbled it up! Will definitely do again, thank you for this recipe!
I dunno, these yams seem more like dessert than a side dish. Not what I expected.
Yummy! But I think I used too much nutmeg – next time just a pinch.
I don’t get why you have to cover them with foil. My Grandma never did that. They didn’t turn out so good.
Wow these candied yams are the best! I added some mini marshmallows on top and it was perfect!
Yams? I thought this was a sweet potato recipe. Isn’t that the same? Anyway, they turned out fine, but I didn’t really get the hype.
Yams? I thought this was made with sweet potatoes? What even is a yam? 🤔
Yams and sweet potatoes are different! Yams are starchy and often white or purple inside compared to sweet potatoes, which are orange and sweeter. It’s confusing, I know! 😊
I’ve never even heard of yams before! Are they good? Can you just use sweet potatoes instead?
Yummy! But I think you should have more pictures of the process. I got confused when mixing the sugar.
These yams are so sweet, I love em! Will definitely make again. 🙂
I agree! These yams are super tasty. Can’t wait to try them myself!
Not what I expected. Yams turned out mushy. Probably won’t try again.
Mushy yams? Sounds more like a puddle. You sure you followed the recipe right? I loved mine!
Yeah, I had the same issue! Maybe we overcooked ’em? I prefer mine a bit firmer. Try reducing the baking time next time?
10/10!!! These are an instant hit at all my gatherings! Thanks for sharing!
Mine came out a bit too sweet—next time I’ll cut the brown sugar by like 1/4 cup. Otherwise flavor was on point.
It was okay, but I think I did something wrong. The yams were a bit hard. Didn’t taste that great…
Are yams and sweet potatoes the same? I used sweet potatoes and it turned out fine.
I followed this recipe and it turned out kinda mushy…maybe I cooked them too long? I don’t know. Not my fave.
I added a pinch of cayenne for a kick! Really brought out the flavor! Highly recommend it! 🔥
These are the best candied yams I’ve ever made! So sweet and buttery, they were a hit at Thanksgiving dinner!
Yummy! My kids loved it. I added marshmallows on top too, it was a hit!
Too much butter! My heart is crying just looking at it. 😩
I get what you’re saying! That’s a lot of butter, but it sure does make them taste good! 😋
I burnt mine. 😞 Followed the instructions exactly but…oops.
Very easy recipe! The butter and sugar mix gave them a nice glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Not sure about that glaze. I prefer my yams savory, not sweet. Are you sure the sugar isn’t too much?
I love candied yams! They are a must-do for Thanksgiving. Your recipe is super easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
Yams? Never liked em. But my grandma swears by this recipe. What do I know?
I used to hate yams too, but this recipe changed my mind! The sweetness is just perfect. Give it a shot, you might be surprised!
Why add sugar to yams? They are sweet enough already! Seems like a waste of good yams if you ask me.
Y’all have to try this recipe! So easy and they taste like heaven! 😍
I just made these and they were the hit of the dinner table! So good! 🔥
I dunno, yams are kinda weird. Do they really taste that great? 🤔
I made these and they were too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut down on the sugar next time.
I totally agree with you! I think I will cut down the sugar too next time. Thanks for the tip!
These yams are absolutely delicious! Perfectly sweet and super easy to make. Will definitely make again.
Really? I don’t see how that could be good… yams and sugar? Seems weird.
I tried these yams last night, and they were a hit! Simple recipe, and they tasted great. Thanks for sharing!
I thought they were too sweet! Next time I’ll cut the sugar down. Not my favorite.
My kids loved them, even without the nutmeg. I just omitted it, they still devoured it.
That’s awesome! My kids usually pick out the nutmeg, too. I’m glad they loved it without it!
Yummy 😋! Can I use white sugar instead of brown? Just wondering.
OMG!!! These yams were awesome! Perfectly sweetened and just the right amount of spice. Loved it!
Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. The sauce gets super bubbly and sticky, and the nutmeg really makes it taste “candied” instead of just glazed.
How can yams be good? They are just sweet potatoes! I don’t get the hype around these… 🤷♂️
My kids ate it all up! Even finished the leftovers! ❤️
I dunno… sounds a lotta sugar for yams. What if they get too hyper? Just askin’!
That’s awesome! Kids can be so picky, but when they love something, it’s a win! 😄
I was skeptical at first, but these turned out pretty good. Just a bit too sweet for me. Maybe less sugar next time?
I totally agree! They were really sweet for me too. Maybe a half cup of sugar would be better?
I don’t know, I think they taste fine as is! Sweetness is part of the yumminess! 🍬
Pretty good, but not what I expected. I thought they would be more savory, guess I didn’t read the ingredients closely.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead? My yams look more like sweet potatoes, lol!
You can definitely use sweet potatoes! They will taste great too! 🙂
These yams were a hit at our family dinner! So sweet and delicious. Will definitely make again!
Honestly, I think it was too much sugar. My teeth hurt just thinking about it.
What are yams? Are they like sweet potatoes? Anyway, my kids loved them, lol.
These yams are just divine! Had them for Thanksgiving and everyone went crazy over them! Will make again.
Too many steps for something that should be simple. Not worth the hassle.
I’m a bit skeptical about the whole cooking time. Seems too long for veggies. But I’ll try it anyway.
Yum! These are the best yams I’ve ever made! Will be making them again for Thanksgiving!
So easy. I used fresh grated nutmeg and it smelled amazing while baking.
Who put salt in sweet potatoes? That’s a crime. I’m not impressed.
I totally agree! Sweet potatoes should be sweet, not salty. Who thought that was a good idea?
I think the salt helps balance the sweetness. It’s not that bad if you ask me!
I followed it exactly but my sauce stayed kind of thin. Maybe my yams were too watery? Still good, just not as glossy.
This happens if the yams release extra moisture. Next time try drying the chunks with a paper towel and make sure the foil comes off on time—bubbling usually means it’s thickening up.
Maybe your yams were more watery, or you didn’t pack the brown sugar tight enough. I like to simmer the sauce a few minutes after baking (or bake uncovered a bit longer) to get it glossier.
My grandma used to make candied yams but she didn’t use nutmeg. Can you even taste it in this?
Candied yams? I thought we were making mashed yams? Confused.
Soo good, I used brown sugar and like whipped cream!! Never tried candied yams before, but I think I am a fan now!!!
My grandma made this every Thanksgiving. Brings back good memories! 🥰
These were okay, but a little too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut down on the sugar?
Yams are yams, they dont need all that sugar! Just boil em!
These yams were absolutely delicious! My whole family loved them. Will definitely make them again!
I don’t have an oven, can I do this on the stove? I’ve never had candied yams before.
This looks like a recipe from my grandma! Can’t wait to try!
Wow, I love that you’re channeling your grandma! Nothing beats those old family recipes. Hope it turns out just as delicious!
Hmm… I don’t know about yams being candied. Can’t you just boil them or something? This seems too sweet.
Eh, not really my thing. They turned out too sweet for my taste.
Too sweet? I love sweet stuff. But I guess everyone has different tastes.
I get that! They can be overly sweet for some. Maybe try reducing the sugar next time?
I added marshmallows on top, and dayum it was so good! Game changer.
Marshmallows? That sounds wild! I gotta try that. Thanks for the tip!
Really comforting side dish. The sauce got nice and bubbly after taking the foil off, like the instructions said.
Forget the yams, I added some marshmallows on top. It was bomb!
These yams are delicious! My whole family loved them. I used a bit more cinnamon though.
These turned out super glossy and sweet—exactly like the holiday side I was craving. I used fresh nutmeg and I swear it made a difference.
Yams? More like yawn! Just kidding, they were decent I suppose. 👍
It burned in my oven. I followed the recipe to a T. Ugh.
The nutmeg amount might be a lot? I tasted mine and it felt strong, next time I’ll half it. Otherwise good.
I think yams are gross, but my friend said this recipe was good. Maybe I’ll give it a shot???
Not for me. Way too sweet. Yams should be savory, not dessert. 🙄
I never had yams before, didn’t know they could taste like this! Yum!
Pretty mid, tbh. Too sweet for me and I wanted more yam flavor. Next time less sugar.
Yeah I get that. I always cut the sugar in half and it still comes out great. More cinnamon too helps the yam taste pop.
Can someone tell me if 350°F is right? Mine felt underbaked until I upped the time. Maybe my oven runs cold.
Mine always takes longer than the recipe says. I’d say 30+15 is minimum—check at like 35-40 min uncovered and go from there. Also make sure the yams are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
350°F sounds right for baked candied yams. If yours were underbaked, it might just be that your chunks were bigger or your oven runs a bit cool—add time until they’re tender when pierced and the sauce is bubbling.
Honestly, I think they were too sweet. Maybe cut down the sugar by half next time?
I think you might be right! They were a little too sweet for my taste too. Maybe I’ll try your suggestion next time.
These came out so sweet and gooey—my family kept going back for more. I added a pinch of cloves and it was perfect.
Ooo that sounds amazing—sweet + gooey is exactly what I want from candied yams. How much cloves did you use? I’m thinking it’d be great with the nutmeg/cinnamon combo.
I made these once but I think my oven ran hot… the sauce got kinda thick and the yams were more firm than tender. Still tasted good though. I might add cloves next time like you did. Also do you cover the whole time or take foil off at the 30 min mark?
Not bad! I’m not a huge nutmeg fan so I only used like half, and it still tasted cozy. Would make again.
Looks good, but I’m allergic to nuts. 😢 Are there alternatives?
You can try using a different sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown sugar! Just be careful with anything else you add.
I don’t think there are nuts in this recipe, are there? Maybe you just mean you’re avoiding nuts in general?
yum, just yum. I could eat these every day! Perfect for the holidays.
I totally agree! These are like heaven on a plate. Perfect side dish for family gatherings!
Not a fan, honestly. I think they could be too sweet for my taste! Everyone has their own preferences, though.
I guess they are ok. I mean yams are yams. Just didn’t blow my mind or anything.
Ain’t nobody got time for this! Just boil em and add sugar, who needs all that baking nonsense?
OMG, so delicious! 😋 I used a bit more cinnamon and they were just perfect! Will definitely make again.
Too sweet for my taste, added some lemon juice to cut it down. Turned out much better!
Loved it! I added some marshmallows on top, turned out amazing!! 😍
This recipe is too complicated! I just want a quick side dish, not a science project.
Super simple to make. Just mixed and baked. 10/10 would recommend!
I made these last night and they were so delicious! Kids loved them too. Definitely a keeper!
Not sure why everyone loves this. I found them too sweet and kinda mushy. Maybe I did something wrong?
Absolutely delicious! My family loved them. Will definitely make again!
I followed the recipe and the yams were tender, but the flavor felt a little flat? Maybe I should’ve packed the sugar tighter or stirred more thoroughly.
Mine came out WAY sweeter and not “flat” at all. I used more brown sugar because 1 cup for 2 lbs yams just didn’t seem enough to me. And I didn’t stir super well either lol, but still tasted good. Maybe your cinnamon/nutmeg were old?
Glad the yams turned out tender! If the flavor felt flat, I’d try making sure the spices are really mixed into the butter-sugar combo—like whisk hard for 30 seconds. Also, a pinch more salt can help a lot (0.25 tsp is fine, but sometimes it needs a nudge).
I used sweet potatoes instead of yams. Still delish! Thanks for the recipe!
Sweet potatoes are a great swap! Glad you enjoyed it!
Candied yams? Isn’t that just dessert? LOL! But I guess I’ll try it.
This is too easy, you literally just mix stuff and bake. Love it!
Easy recipe, but I forgot to cover them with foil. Still came out okay!
Really easy and tastes like something Grandma would make. I used slightly less cinnamon because I’m sensitive to it, still came out great.
I tried this once and my sauce never got “bubbly” though I cooked it longer… maybe my butter was too hot? Also I think 1 tsp cinnamon is kinda a lot for me.
Aww that “Grandma” comparison is the best compliment 😄 I love that you still got great flavor even with a bit less cinnamon—so good to know it’s flexible for sensitive folks.
Not gonna lie, I thought 30+15 minutes would be too short for yams, but they were tender. Sauce was thick after it baked uncovered, which I liked.