Dessert

Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Name: Southern Candied Yams Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lb sweet potatoes; 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar); 1 cup white sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ginger; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 stick butter (1/2 cup); 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

ByClara Bennett January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

Southern Candied Yams are a classic comfort dish that bring warmth and sweetness to any meal. Made with tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, buttery syrup, they are perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy family gathering.

A white bowl filled with glossy, cooked carrot slices, each piece coated in a shiny glaze that reflects the light, giving them a rich orange color and a slightly sticky look. The carrots are cut into thick, round pieces piled up high inside the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. In the soft background, an out-of-focus orange juice carton and blurred orange objects add warm hues without overpowering the main dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2lb sweet potatoes
3/4 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
1 cup white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 stick butter
4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)

Instructions

Step 1: Scrub, peel, and slice the yams into ½-inch rounds. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add the sliced yams, butter, sugars, orange juice concentrate, and spices. Stir until the yams are well coated in the buttery sugar mixture.
Step 2: Once the butter and sugars melt and start bubbling into a thick syrup, cover the pot and let the yams simmer gently for about 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still firm, continue cooking a bit longer.
Step 3: Remove the lid and set the stove to medium heat. Let the syrup come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it thickens and coats the yams. Remove from heat and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of maple syrup to the syrup.
If fresh yams are not available, frozen sliced yams can be used but reduce cooking time accordingly.
Use light brown sugar if you prefer a milder molasses flavor over dark brown sugar.

Storage

Store leftover yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the oven, stirring occasionally to keep the syrup smooth and the yams tender.