Easy Candied Yams with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
These tender candied yams are cooked low and slow in a rich brown sugar glaze with warm spices. The sweet potatoes become fork-tender while absorbing the buttery cinnamon-nutmeg sauce, creating a classic comfort side dish perfect for holiday meals or family dinners. A splash of bourbon adds depth, while the gentle cooking method ensures the yams hold their shape without becoming mushy.
Ingredients
- 6 large yams, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubessweet potatoes1:1
They're often used interchangeably in recipes
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ tablespoon bourbon(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Peel the yams and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 2
Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat and add the yams
- 3
Whisk the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl
- 4
Pour the sugar mixture over the yams and stir to coat
- 5
Cover the saucepan and turn the heat to low
- 6
Cook for 1 hour or until the yams are fork tender, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching
- 7
Toss the yams to coat with the sauce
- 8
Stir in the vanilla and bourbon if using
- 9
Serve immediately
Tips
Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the brown sugar from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan.
Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent hot spots.
Test doneness with a fork - yams should be tender but not falling apart when properly cooked.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave.
Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and reheated before serving. Add vanilla and bourbon just before serving for best flavor.
Serve hot as a side dish alongside roasted meats, particularly during holiday meals or Sunday dinners.
Common Mistakes
Keep heat on low to avoid burning the sugar mixture on the bottom of the pan.
Don't skip the heavy-bottomed pan as thin pans will create hot spots and uneven cooking.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, sweet potatoes work perfectly in this recipe and are often what's actually sold as 'yams' in most grocery stores. The cooking time and method remain the same.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Candied yams will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid breaking up the tender pieces.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! The bourbon is optional and adds depth but isn't essential. You can substitute with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or simply omit it entirely.