If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food to bring warmth and sweetness to your table, look no further than this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe. These tender, buttery sweet potatoes soaking in a rich, caramel sauce infused with warm spices are simply irresistible. Perfect for holiday feasts or any cozy meal, this dish combines simplicity and elegance in every bite, showcasing how straightforward ingredients can transform into a soul-satisfying treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward creating the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and spiced flavor in this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the softness of sweet potatoes to the luscious caramel coating and the crunch of pecans for texture.
- Sweet potatoes: Four medium, peeled and sliced into half-inch rounds for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted butter: Half a cup melted to create a rich, smooth base for the caramel sauce.
- Brown sugar: One cup packed, adding deep molasses notes that enhance sweetness and color.
- Granulated sugar: Half a cup for bright, pure sweetness that balances the brown sugar.
- Water: A quarter cup to help dissolve the sugars and thin the sauce just enough for even coating.
- Vanilla extract: One teaspoon to bring warmth and aromatic depth to the caramel.
- Ground cinnamon: Half a teaspoon to infuse gentle spiciness and warmth.
- Ground nutmeg: A quarter teaspoon for a subtle, nutty spice note.
- Salt: A quarter teaspoon to heighten all the flavors beautifully.
- Chopped pecans: Half a cup, adding a delightful crunchy contrast.
How to Make Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the yams evenly while allowing the caramel sauce to thicken beautifully. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make it easy to serve later.
Step 2: Arrange the Sliced Yams
Place your peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in a single, even layer in the baking dish. This ensures each piece cooks uniformly and gets enveloped by the caramel sauce without crowding or overlapping too much.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep the heat on medium and stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and all sugars dissolve, which takes about 5 minutes. This step is the heart of the Caramel Candied Yams Recipe, creating a smooth, fragrant sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Coat the Yams with Sauce
Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices. Take a moment to gently spread the sauce around so each slice is generously coated—this is where the magic happens, as the yams soak up the flavors and begin to shine.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake the yams for 30 minutes. This timing lets the potatoes soften perfectly while allowing the caramel sauce to thicken, creating that luscious glaze you crave in your Caramel Candied Yams Recipe.
How to Serve Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the baked yams with freshly chopped pecans right before serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor in the dish. You can also add a few toasted marshmallows on top for a classic touch that adds a playful, melty sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serving these yams alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a hearty vegetable stew makes for a well-rounded meal. The sweet and spiced notes of the yams complement savory mains beautifully, making them a natural star at festive dinners or comforting family meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, layer the yams in a clear glass casserole dish so the caramel glaze gleams from the sides. Or arrange individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of pecans and a miniature sprig of fresh rosemary to impress guests with both flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Caramel Candied Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen even more after resting, so they often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container and keeping them for up to 3 months. To maintain texture, make sure to freeze the yams separately from any crunchy toppings like pecans, which can be added fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your yams gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quicker option, but the oven method helps keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Absolutely! Regular sweet potatoes work beautifully in this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe. Just opt for firm, fresh sweet potatoes to ensure a soft yet sturdy bite after baking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Just make sure to check that your sugars and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
Can I prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the caramel sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it gently before pouring over the yams to help it coat evenly.
What other nuts can I use besides pecans?
Walnuts or sliced almonds are excellent substitutes that add their own unique crunch and flavor while complementing the caramel and spices wonderfully.
How do I prevent the yams from becoming too mushy?
Make sure to slice the yams evenly and avoid overlapping them too much in the baking dish. Also, baking them covered helps steam them gently so they stay tender but not overly soft.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe enough! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, blending buttery caramel sweetness with cozy spices and tender yams. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Caramel Candied Yams Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Candied Yams recipe offers tender sweet potato slices baked in a rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with warm spices and topped with crunchy pecans. It’s a classic Southern side dish perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Yams
- 4 medium sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Lay the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in a single layer within the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture boils and sugars dissolve, about 5 minutes, creating a smooth caramel sauce.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes with Sauce: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes, making sure each slice is coated generously for optimal flavor.
- Bake the Yams: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the yams are tender and infused with caramel flavors.
- Add Pecans and Finish (Optional): After baking, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. If desired, you can return to the oven uncovered for 5 minutes to toast the pecans, adding a crunchy texture.
Notes
- Using medium-sized sweet potatoes ensures even cooking; adjust baking time slightly for larger slices.
- Covering with foil traps steam, helping the yams cook thoroughly and stay moist.
- The pecan topping adds texture; you can substitute with walnuts or omit for nut-free options.
- To make this dish ahead, prepare the sauce and yams separately, then combine and bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
