Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

A white plate of candied sweet potatoes glazed on a white background with a spoon and sweet potatoes as well.

4.53 from 38 votes

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Tender, perfectly baked sweet potatoes are cooked away in a buttery and sweet glaze filled with spices and deliciousness making the best Candied yams dish ever!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: soul food, south, Southern

Servings: people

Calories: 376kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Ingredients

2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled, and thinly sliced on the vertical to ⅛-¼ inch thickness (very thin)
1/4 cup salted butter
1 3/4-2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

Add sliced potatoes to a large 5 quart pot.
Fill with 6 cups of lukewarm water, butter, sugar, vanilla extract and nutmeg and give a slight stir.
Push the potatoes down with a large spoon to make sure the potatoes are covered with water. If not, add more water, starting with ½ cup at a time until potatoes are completely covered. Turn heat on the stove to high to bring the mixture to a rolling (slight) boil.
After it comes to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Test how tender they are by sticking the potatoes with a fork.
Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes on medium high heat OR until water has evaporated leaving JUST a sweet syrup over the potatoes. That syrup should be thickened so don't stop if it is still thin and super watery. It still needs to be reduced more.

Video

Notes

Tip: Before stopping your potatoes from cooking, make sure you test them with a fork to ensure that they are completely melt in your mouth tender. If they even have a hint of toughness, continue to cook them and add additional water if you need to.

Tip: if you start to see the water evaporating and almost done, check your potatoes first for doneness. If they are ready, check your glaze.

Do NOT OVERCOOK YOUR GLAZE! Watch carefully as you get to the end of your water evaporating.

How to Store and Reheat Old-Fashioned Candy Sweet Potatoes

Before you tuck them away, let your candied sweet potatoes cool to room temperature then add to an airtight container and pop in the fridge.

When you want to reheat, I suggest the oven since they will be super tender. Bake in a preheated oven of 350°F (175°C) in a baking dish covered with foil for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also quickly zap them in the microwave at 30 second intervals until they are heated through.

How long will this Southern candied sweet potato recipe last in the fridge?

They should last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely boos! My mama does this all the time. She adds leftovers to a freezer bag releasing any extra air. They can stay in the freezer for up to a month. When you want to reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. They're worth the wait, promise.

Nutrition