This recipe for old fashioned candied sweet potatoes with make any southern grandma proud. Sweetened with sugar and molasses and oven baked.
A classic soul food side dish, served for Sunday dinners and the holidays like Thanksgiving.
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How To Make Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes
Although yams and sweet potatoes are two different varieties of root vegetables, for this recipe the terminology “candied yams” is pretty traditionally used.
Oven baking fresh sliced sweet potatoes in a dark sugary spiced syrup really makes this side dish extra special. That delicious candied syrup is perfect for drizzling over cornbread.
Check out these delicious recipes - Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Crumble Casserole, and Sweet Potato Cobbler with Cake Mix.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes - Fresh sweet potatoes are used.
Molasses - Choose your favorite brand.
Butter - Salted or unsalted will be delicious.
Sugar - White or cane sugar is preferred, the molasses adds that dark look and great flavor. You can also remove the molasses and substitute dark brown sugar.
Spices- Choose your favorite warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. You can also use pumpkin pie spice or mixed spice.
Try this easy mixed spice recipe, perfect during the holidays.
Extract- For a boost of flavor add a touch of pure or imitation vanilla extract.
Additions and Toppings
Let’s add extra flavors and toppings to this traditional sweet potato side dish.
- Fresh orange zest or touch of pineapple juice.
- Toasted Pecans
- Mini Marshmallows or Fluff
- Maple Syrup or Honey
- Bourbon or Whisky
- Extracts- Orange, Lemon, or Almond
- Sweetened Condensed Milk or Heavy Cream
- Whipped Cream or Topping
Serving
After the candied sweet potatoes has baked, golden and bubbly, it’s best served warm right out of the baking pan or at room temperature.
Take it right to the table, grab a large spoon and scoop it out onto your dinner plate.
Check out these delicious side dishes - Fried Biscuits, TikTok Frozen Green Beans, and TikTok Viral Mac and Cheese.
Make Ahead and Leftovers
This recipe can be easily made ahead or prepped up to 3 days before baking and baked the day before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Leftover candied sweet potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven.
Step by Step Photos and Directions
- Grab all the ingredients and prep them.
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
3. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1 inch thick slices.
4. Place them in a 9x13 baking dish, single layer (will cook evenly). Set aside.
5. In a saucepan add butter, molasses, sugar, and spices.
6. Let boil and simmer until thickened. Mix well.
7. Remove from the heat and add in the vanilla extract. Mix.
8. Pour or drizzle about ¾ of the spiced sugar syrup glaze over the sweet potatoes. Set aside the remaining glaze.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil. Place into the oven.
10. Bake covered for 40-45 minutes. Carefully remove cover to check doneness, fork tender.
11. Raise the oven temperature to broil or 475℉.
12. Spread the remaining spiced sugar glaze onto the sweet potatoes and return the dish to the oven.
13. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until its brown and bubbly.
14. Remove the candied sweet potatoes from the oven and allow it to cool. Enjoy.
Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Pan
- Saucepan
- Vegetable Peeler and Knife
- Cooking Spoon
- Silicone Pastry Brush
- Measuring Tools
Ingredients
- 2 ½-3 lbs. Sweet Potatoes
- ½ cup Butter
- 1 tablespoon Molasses
- 1-1 ½ cup White Sugar
- 1-2 teaspoon Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1 inch thick slices and place them in a 9x13 baking dish, single layer (will cook evenly). Set aside.
- In a saucepan add butter, molasses, sugar, and spices. Let boil and simmer until thickened. Mix well.
- Remove from the heat and add in the vanilla extract. Mix.
- Pour or drizzle about ¾ of the spiced sugar syrup glaze over the sweet potatoes. Set aside the remaining glaze.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. Place into the oven.
- Bake covered for 40-45 minutes. Carefully remove cover to check doneness, fork tender.
- Raise the oven temperature to broil or 475℉.
- Spread the remaining spiced sugar glaze onto the sweet potatoes and return the dish to the oven.
- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until its brown and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Enjoy.
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