Few dishes spark nostalgia quite like a warm, syrupy candied yams recipe fresh from the oven. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, candied yams are one of those comfort foods that feel like home. Sweet, tender yams coated in buttery brown sugar glaze are hard to resist.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything from a southern candied yams recipe made from scratch to an easy candied yams recipe from can, plus tips inspired by grandma’s candied yams recipe that make all the difference.
What Are Candied Yams, Really?
Despite the name, most candied yams are actually made with sweet potatoes. In the U.S., the terms are often used interchangeably.
What Makes Them “Candied”
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Cooked in butter and sugar
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Infused with warm spices
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Baked until tender and glossy
The result is a rich, caramelized side dish with deep flavor and soft texture.
Best Candied Yams Recipe (From Scratch)
This version balances sweetness, spice, and buttery richness—everything you want in the best candied yam recipe.
Candied Yams Recipe – Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled & sliced | 3 lbs |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| White sugar | ½ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Water or orange juice | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Arrange sliced yams in a greased baking dish.
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Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in sugars, spices, salt, and liquid.
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Pour syrup evenly over yams.
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Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
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Uncover and bake another 20–30 minutes, basting occasionally.
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Bake until yams are fork-tender and glazed.
Southern Candied Yams Recipe Tips
A true southern candied yam recipe focuses on flavor over shortcuts.
Southern Secrets
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Slice yams thick so they don’t fall apart
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Use real butter (no substitutes)
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Don’t rush the baking process
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Taste and adjust sweetness
Southern-style candied yams are rich, unapologetically sweet, and deeply comforting.
Candied Yams Recipe From Can (Quick & Easy)
Short on time? A candied yams recipe from can still delivers great flavor.
How to Make It Better
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Drain canned yams well
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Reduce sugar by half (they’re already sweet)
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Add fresh butter and spices
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Bake uncovered to thicken syrup
This method is perfect for busy holidays or last-minute meals.
Grandma’s Candied Yams Recipe: Old-School Wisdom
What sets grandma’s candied yam recipe apart isn’t fancy ingredients—it’s intuition.
Classic Grandma Touches
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A splash of vanilla or orange juice
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Extra cinnamon “until it smells right”
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Occasional basting instead of stirring
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Letting it rest before serving
Those little habits create that unforgettable homemade taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcrowding the pan
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Too much liquid (leads to soupiness)
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Overbaking until mushy
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Skipping seasoning balance
Candied yams should be tender, not falling apart.
Read also <<< Cucumber Kimchi Recipe
FAQs About Candied Yams Recipe
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days, then reheat gently in the oven.
Should I boil yams before baking?
Not necessary. Baking them raw gives better texture and flavor.
Why are my candied yams watery?
Too much liquid or underbaking prevents proper caramelization.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can cut sugar by up to ⅓ without losing flavor.
Can I add marshmallows?
Absolutely—add them during the last 10 minutes if desired.
Conclusion: A Dish That Never Goes Out of Style
A great candied yams recipe is all about balance—sweet but not overwhelming, tender but not mushy, rich but comforting. Whether you choose a southern candied yams recipe, a quick canned version, or lean into grandma’s candied yams recipe, this dish always delivers warmth and tradition.
