Easy Candied Yams Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a sweet, comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Candied Yams Recipe is the answer. Bursting with buttery richness, cozy spices, and that irresistible marshmallow topping, it’s a classic that elevates any meal. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday spread or a simple weeknight treat, these yams bring that perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture that everyone will adore. Let me show you how to whip up this crowd-pleaser with ease and a whole lot of love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the flavors just right in this Easy Candied Yams Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—bringing buttery smoothness, warm spice, or that perfect sweet shimmer that coats every bite.

• 29 oz canned yams: The foundation of the dish, canned yams save prep time and offer soft, tender sweetness right out of the can.
• 1/4 cup butter: Using salted butter gives a rich creaminess and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep molasses flavor and forms the luscious glaze.
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, earthy spice that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle nutty kick for complexity without overpowering.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows: The crowning glory, melting into a gooey, golden top that everyone loves.

How to Make Easy Candied Yams Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Yams

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F. This ensures the yams cook evenly and the marshmallows toast just right. Drain the canned yams to remove excess liquid, then place them in the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish. Next, slice your cold butter into eight equal pieces—around half a tablespoon each—and distribute them across the yams for that rich, buttery infusion.

Step 2: Add the Spice and Sugar Blend

Whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. This spice and sugar combo is what transforms simple yams into a dish full of warmth and depth. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the yams and butter, letting the sugar cling to every nook and cranny for that signature sweetness with a hint of spice.

Step 3: Bake and Top with Marshmallows

Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, giving time for the butter to melt and flavors to meld. Then, sprinkle the miniature marshmallows generously across the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake another 8-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are perfectly melted and lightly browned, creating that gooey, golden topping that everyone looks forward to.

How to Serve Easy Candied Yams Recipe

Garnishes

To add a little extra visual appeal and flair, try sprinkling some chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of fresh chopped parsley on top after baking. The nuts bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft yams, while parsley adds a pop of color to brighten the dish.

Side Dishes

This Easy Candied Yams Recipe pairs beautifully with classic savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simply grilled chicken breast. The natural sweetness makes it a perfect complement to heartier, richer proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve the yams in individual ramekins topped with marshmallows and a dusting of freshly grated cinnamon. You can also try layering the yams and marshmallows in a clear casserole dish for a stunning, inviting display that showcases every delicious layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, simply cover any leftovers with airtight wrap or store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The yams will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that sweet goodness again without compromising flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead for a busy day, you can freeze the cooked yams without marshmallows for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, then add fresh marshmallows on top and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in an oven-safe dish at 350° F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add more marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes to recreate that freshly baked, melty topping everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use fresh yams instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh yams can be peeled, boiled until tender, and then diced before layering. Just be sure to adjust baking times slightly as fresh yams may take longer to soften fully.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can swap it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses for that rich flavor. Maple syrup is another tasty alternative if you want to experiment.

Are marshmallows necessary?

They add that classic gooey sweetness and beautiful presentation, but if you prefer to skip them, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of honey and cinnamon glaze on top works wonderfully too.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and choose vegan marshmallows to keep things dairy-free and still deliciously sweet.

How spicy is this dish?

This Easy Candied Yams Recipe is only mildly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, which lend warmth without heat. There’s no spicy pepper, so it’s perfect for all ages and palates.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make this delicious and comforting Easy Candied Yams Recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try and savor the sweet, buttery magic it brings to your table. It’s a timeless favorite that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table. Once you make it, it might just become your go-to side dish whenever you crave that perfect mix of cozy and sweet.

Easy Candied Yams Recipe

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This Easy Candied Yams recipe is a classic Southern side dish featuring tender canned yams baked with a buttery, spiced brown sugar glaze and topped with gooey miniature marshmallows. Perfectly sweet and comforting, it’s an effortless recipe that comes together quickly for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Yams

• 29 oz canned yams (preferably Bruce’s)

Glaze

• 1/4 cup butter (salted preferred)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the yams.
2. Prepare yams and butter: Drain the canned yams and place them evenly in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish. Slice the butter into eight half-tablespoon pieces and distribute them evenly over the yams.
3. Make glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. Sprinkle this spice sugar mixture evenly over the yams and butter.
4. Bake initial yams: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and the glaze to soak into the yams.
5. Add marshmallows: Remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the miniature marshmallows on top of the yams.
6. Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted, golden, and slightly toasted on top as per your preference.

Notes

• If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the quantity of brown sugar slightly.
• You can substitute unsalted butter, adjusting salt to taste.
• For a nut-free version, omit the nutmeg.
• Use fresh yams or sweet potatoes if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
• Keep a close eye on the marshmallows during the final bake to avoid burning.