If you are searching for a comforting, sweet, and warmly spiced side dish that truly elevates any meal, this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious, buttery caramel sauce speckled with cinnamon and nutmeg, then topped with crunchy pecans for that irresistible contrast. This dish beautifully balances rich sweetness with subtle earthiness, making it a standout on holiday tables or any day you crave a little cozy indulgence.

Caramel Candied Yams Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, this recipe comes together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating that decadent caramel sauce, adding warm aromatics, or bringing a delightful crunch to the final dish.

Sweet potatoes or yams: The star of the dish, peeled and sliced for perfect caramel absorption and tenderness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the glossy caramel sauce.
Brown sugar: Brings deep molasses flavor and beautiful color.
Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce smoothly.
Water: Balances the sugars and prevents burning while simmering the sauce.
Vanilla extract: Introduces a lovely warm complexity and rounds out the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds comforting spice and depth.
Ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle warmth and nuttiness.
Salt: Essential to balance sweetness and intensify flavors.
Chopped pecans: Provide a crunchy, toasty topping that contrasts the soft yams.

How to Make Caramel Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want your baking dish well-greased with butter or a good non-stick spray so those sweet potatoes don’t stick and the caramel can bubble up beautifully around them. A 9 by 13-inch dish works perfectly for an even cooking surface.

Step 2: Arrange the Sweet Potatoes

Peeling and slicing your sweet potatoes into half-inch rounds ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the caramel goodness. Lay them out in one single layer inside your prepared dish; this helps each slice get coated and caramelized without overcrowding or steaming.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine your melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars, the water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Warm it over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This step melds all the flavors and creates that signature sticky-sweet caramel that clings wonderfully to the yams.

Step 4: Coat the Yams in Caramel

Pour that irresistible caramel sauce evenly over your arranged sweet potatoes. Make sure every slice gets a generous drizzle—you want every bite to have that perfect glaze that’s sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. This gentle baking allows the yams to soften just right while soaking up the syrupy caramel sauce for that melt-in-your-mouth texture you adore.

How to Serve Caramel Candied Yams Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional chopped pecans or even a dash of freshly ground cinnamon on top for extra visual appeal and flavor pops. A small pat of butter on warm servings makes it decadently glossy, too.

Side Dishes

Caramel candied yams pair wonderfully with roasted turkey or glazed ham, making them a staple at festive dinners. They also complement savory mains like baked chicken or pork tenderloin, adding a sweet counterbalance that brightens the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with toasted marshmallows broiled to golden perfection or spooned over creamy mashed potatoes for a fun twist on classic comfort food flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the yams cool to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for 3 to 4 days, making them a convenient dish to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover caramel candied yams by placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain their best quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the yams in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works for quick meals but may sacrifice some of that lovely glaze.

FAQs

Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Absolutely! While yams have a slightly different texture and flavor, regular sweet potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and will still soak up that wonderful caramel sauce beautifully.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds can be excellent alternatives if pecans are unavailable or if you prefer a different nutty crunch.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine and double-check the sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

Why do some recipes cover the yams while baking?

Covering the dish traps steam, keeping the yams moist and tender while allowing the caramel sauce to thicken gently without burning on top.

How can I make the caramel sauce thicker?

Reducing the sauce a bit longer on the stovetop before pouring over the yams will help it thicken. Just be careful not to overcook, or it may harden.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Caramel Candied Yams Recipe that keeps me coming back year after year. It’s simple enough for a weeknight side but elegant enough for holiday feasts. I warmly encourage you to try this recipe and let its rich sweetness and comforting spices bring extra joy to your table.

Caramel Candied Yams Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 232 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Caramel Candied Yams are a classic, comforting side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce infused with warm spices and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals, this recipe delivers sweet and savory flavors baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

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

Toppings

1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare 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: Place the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and sugars dissolve, about 5 minutes.
Pour Caramel Over Yams: Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly so all slices are coated with the flavorful mixture.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the yams to steam and become tender while absorbing the caramel flavors.
Add Pecans and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the yams, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and pecans are toasted.
Serve: Let the candied yams cool slightly before serving to allow the caramel to set and flavors to meld. Enjoy warm as a delightful side dish.