Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the show at my family’s holiday table, it’s Candied Sweet Potatoes. This recipe takes simple sweet potatoes and transforms them into a dazzling, syrupy delight that bridges nostalgic comfort and modern indulgence. Every forkful is soft, buttery, and just luscious enough, with maple, brown sugar, and spice bringing it all together in a caramelized embrace. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or craving a spot of cozy sweetness, these Candied Sweet Potatoes always deliver a scrumptious bite of tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that you only need a small collection of pantry staples, yet each one plays an essential role in flavor, texture, or even color. You’ll find that fresh, vibrant sweet potatoes, real maple syrup, and a pinch of aromatic spices can make simple magic when baked together.

• Sweet potatoes: Go for large, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—peeled and sliced into even 1/2-inch rounds for uniform cooking and the best texture.
• Unsalted butter: This gives the dish its signature richness and helps marry all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Brown sugar: Opt for light or dark brown sugar, which melts into a dreamy, caramel-like sauce.
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for deep, earthy sweetness that’s unbeatable in Candied Sweet Potatoes.
• Ground cinnamon: Just the right amount of warm spice to make the whole kitchen smell amazing.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity and enhances the holiday vibe in every bite.
• Salt: A little bit balances out the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
• Vanilla extract: For a finishing touch that brings cozy, dessert-like notes to your sweet potatoes.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/2-inch rounds—this helps them bake evenly and look beautiful when served. Arrange the slices in a single, even layer or slightly overlapping rows in the baking dish, so every slice gets coated in that luscious syrup later.

Step 2: Make the Candied Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. As soon as it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep stirring and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Melt everything together until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup is glossy—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract for that final layer of cozy aroma.

Step 3: Assemble and First Bake

Pour the warm, fragrant syrup evenly over your carefully arranged sweet potatoes. Make sure every piece gets some sweet attention. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap in steam, which helps tenderize the sweet potatoes while they soak up the syrup. Bake for 30 minutes in your preheated oven.

Step 4: Baste and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the sweet potatoes with the bubbling syrup at the bottom of the dish. Pop them back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and delightfully caramelized on top, with a thickened, maple-rich sauce bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let your Candied Sweet Potatoes cool for about 5 minutes to allow the syrup to thicken slightly before serving. The results are sweet, buttery rounds shimmering in their spiced glaze—just begging for a spot at any holiday feast (or even a weeknight dinner!).

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted pecans, a flurry of fresh orange zest, or a handful of mini marshmallows (toast them in the oven during the last 10 minutes) can add festive flair and extra flavor to your Candied Sweet Potatoes. Feel free to dust with a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with a touch more maple syrup before serving for that irresistible, glossy finish.

Side Dishes

Candied Sweet Potatoes truly shine alongside classic main dishes like roast turkey, baked ham, or prime rib, but don’t overlook pairing them with savory sides like garlicky green beans, tangy cranberry sauce, or fluffy herbed stuffing. Their sweetness adds a beautiful balance to any traditional holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Candied Sweet Potatoes in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party, or pile them high on a rustic platter surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and pomegranate seeds for a pop of holiday color. If you want to get really playful, layer them in a casserole with a crunchy oat topping for a sweet-and-savory twist that doubles as dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Candied Sweet Potatoes can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the baking dish is completely cool, then pop it in the fridge—these flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully overnight!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Candied Sweet Potatoes! After baking and cooling, transfer portions to an airtight container or freeze directly in the baking dish wrapped well in plastic and foil. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Candied Sweet Potatoes in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 15–20 minutes. This brings back their glossy, caramelized exterior and creamy center. A quick microwave zap works if you’re in a hurry, but the oven is worth it for unbeatable texture!

FAQs

Can I make Candied Sweet Potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping up to a day ahead. Just bake as directed, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving and enjoy that stress-free holiday meal.

Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?

Yes, you can use honey if that’s what you have on hand, though it will give the Candied Sweet Potatoes a different (and delicious) flavor profile—slightly floral and less earthy than maple syrup.

What if I don’t have nutmeg?

No problem! Simply omit it, or substitute with a pinch of ground allspice or cloves for a bit of extra warmth.

Are Candied Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?

They sure are! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so this crowd-pleasing side is perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

In the U.S., yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but traditional orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are the best pick for this recipe. True yams have a different texture and won’t become as tender or flavorful when candied.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Candied Sweet Potatoes a spot on your table—whether it’s for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner. There’s just something magical about their rich, aromatic syrup and golden, melt-in-your-mouth slices that brings everyone together. Happy cooking and even happier sharing!

Print