If you’re searching for a show-stopping side that captures cozy fall flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, Caramel Candied Yams are an absolute must for your table. This recipe transforms simple yams into deeply rich, buttery rounds, glazed with a silky homemade caramel sauce that hugs every slice. A gentle hint of cinnamon and nutmeg makes each bite warm and nostalgic, while the caramelized edges turn irresistibly sticky and golden. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or craving a comforting treat on a chilly night, these Caramel Candied Yams are sure to win everyone over.

Caramel Candied Yams Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few basic yet essential ingredients, you’ll discover how each one brings out the best in every bite of these Caramel Candied Yams. The secret is in the way these pantry staples come together—the yams add natural sweetness, while the blend of spices, butter, and a touch of cream creates a caramel sauce worth swooning over.

Yams or Sweet Potatoes: Choose large, firm yams for the perfect texture and naturally sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: This is the backbone of the caramel, giving the sauce its dreamy richness and helping it cling to every piece.
Brown Sugar: Go for the packed cup—the molasses notes create that deep, toasty sweetness that makes candied yams iconic.
Heavy Cream: Just a splash makes the caramel luxuriously smooth and adds a creamy mouthfeel you’ll crave.
Water: A little water loosens up the caramel and ensures even coating without burning.
Cinnamon: This classic spice weaves in warmth and coziness, enhancing the yams’ natural sweetness.
Nutmeg: Use freshly grated if you can for a slightly nutty, aromatic kick.
Salt: Don’t skip this—it wakes up all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash added at the end gives the caramel irresistible aroma and extra depth.

How to Make Caramel Candied Yams

Step 1: Prepare the Yams

Start by peeling your yams and slicing them into thick, uniform rounds—about half an inch is perfect for that tender, candy-like finish. Arrange these slices in a single, even layer in a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. This setup lets the caramel soak through every layer and ensures they bake evenly, with no bite left behind.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

Set a saucepan over medium heat and let the butter melt until it’s foamy and fragrant. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir continuously as the mixture comes together; the sugar will dissolve and your kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of melting butter and spice. Once the sauce begins to bubble—this takes about four to five minutes—take it off the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract for a last burst of flavor.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the yams, making sure every slice glistens with sticky sweetness. Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 40 minutes to let the yams start their transformation—softening and soaking up flavor—then carefully remove the foil.

Step 4: Baste and Finish

With the foil off, baste the yams with the caramel bubbling in the pan, making sure they’re glistening and well-coated. Return to the oven uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes. This final bake thickens the caramel, reducing it to a luscious sauce that clings to the yams while the edges turn delightfully golden and sticky.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the yams are deliciously fork-tender and the sauce is thick and bubbling, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This pause lets the caramel set just a bit, allowing each piece to hold its shape while staying gorgeously saucy for serving.

How to Serve Caramel Candied Yams

Garnishes

You can elevate your Caramel Candied Yams with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, or a dusting of extra cinnamon for a warm touch. For even more beautiful color and a hint of freshness, try scattering finely grated orange zest over the top just before serving. The combination creates both visual appeal and a burst of aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your Caramel Candied Yams with classic holiday mainstays like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf. Their sweetness and rich caramel notes shine next to savory dishes like green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple salad dressed in vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving these yams individually in small ramekins makes for a charming dinner party starter or side. You can also nestle the slices onto a platter and drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, garnished with your favorite chopped nuts or fresh herbs. For a fun twist, layer the yams in a shallow wide bowl and spoon the caramel over at the table for a dramatic finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Caramel Candied Yams cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

These yams can be frozen for longer storage. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly. Label and freeze for up to two months; just keep in mind that the sauce may thicken and the texture may soften slightly after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the yams with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water or cream before reheating to bring back that glossy, pourable texture.

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Candied Yams the day before serving?

Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead lets the flavors meld and the caramel seep even deeper into the yams. Assemble and bake as instructed, then cool and refrigerate. Simply reheat before serving and they’ll taste freshly made.

What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Either can be used, though true yams are starchier and less sweet than their orange-fleshed sweet potato cousins. Both work well, absorbing the caramel beautifully, so choose what’s available or what you love most.

Can I add other spices or flavors?

Definitely! Try a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for holiday flair, or substitute a splash of maple syrup for the water for extra depth. Orange zest or a twirl of bourbon in the caramel sauce also adds a tempting variation.

How do I know when the yams are done baking?

The yams should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the caramel on top will be thick, bubbly, and coating the slices with a gorgeous golden sheen. If in doubt, bake a few minutes longer—just watch so the caramel doesn’t burn.

Are Caramel Candied Yams gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free as written! It’s a fantastic celebratory side for any guests with gluten sensitivities or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

So grab your yams, a bit of butter, and make room at the table—Caramel Candied Yams are the cozy, crowd-pleasing side you didn’t know you needed. Sweet, spiced, and dripping with luscious caramel, they just might become a cherished family favorite. Give them a try and let every bite warm your heart!

Caramel Candied Yams Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich, sweet, and comforting flavors of Caramel Candied Yams. This classic holiday side dish features tender yams coated in a decadent caramel sauce that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Yams:

4 large yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Prepare yams: Arrange the sliced yams in a single layer in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make caramel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture bubbles, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Coat yams: Pour the caramel sauce over the yams, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, baste yams with sauce, and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until yams are tender and sauce is thick.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or orange zest to the caramel sauce.
This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American