© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🍠✨ Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food 🍬
1. Introduction
If you’re dreaming of a warm, sweet, and perfectly caramelized side dish, look no further than oven-baked candied yams. This classic Southern treat combines tender, creamy sweet potatoes with a luscious caramel sauce that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving a cozy, indulgent snack, this baked yams recipe will delight your senses with its aromatic spices and sticky sweetness. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and leaves your kitchen smelling divine.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 45 minutes: Quick enough for a weeknight dinner or holiday side.
- Flavorful and comforting: Rich caramel paired with tender sweet potatoes creates irresistible sweetness.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy — only pantry staples and fresh yams.
- Versatile: Perfect for celebrations or an easy, cozy dinner at home.
3. Ingredient Notes
High-quality sweet potatoes are essential for vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Look for firm, blemish-free yams—ideally organic and fresh—because their natural sweetness intensifies during baking. For the caramel sauce, use good-quality brown sugar and real butter to achieve a rich, velvety consistency. A splash of vanilla adds aromatic complexity, while a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg provides warmth. For an extra decadent touch, top with chopped pecans or toasted marshmallows.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To make this dish seamlessly, consider investing in some reliable kitchen tools. For example, this Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer helps prepare yams quickly if you prefer roasting or baking with less oven time. Additionally, a sturdy T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even cooking and easy cleanup when simmering your caramel sauce. Proper kitchen equipment makes cooking more enjoyable and consistent.
5. How to Make Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce
Prepare the Yams
Start by peeling the yams and slicing them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. This ensures even cooking and caramelization. Toss the slices with a little melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon if desired. Arrange them in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
Bake the Yams
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the yams uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, until they’re tender and just starting to brown on the edges. The aroma during baking is intoxicating — sweet, buttery, and warm.
Make the Caramel Sauce
While the yams bake, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter and stir in 1 cup of brown sugar. Let it bubble gently, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick, golden-brown consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Combine and Finish
Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the baked yams. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. During this time, the yams absorb the caramel, turning glossy and mouth-wateringly sticky. Serve warm, garnished with chopped pecans or marshmallows for an extra special touch.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Uniform slices: Cutting yams into uniform thickness ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- Control the heat: Keep the caramel bubbling gently; high heat can cause it to burn or seize.
- Add spices: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger elevates the flavor profile, making it more aromatic.
- Use fresh yams: Old or floppy yams won’t cook evenly or develop that luscious texture.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut sugar for caramel. For a healthier twist, drizzle honey or maple syrup instead of caramel sauce. To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving. You can also experiment with marshmallows—add them during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet topping.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture. For best results, reheat in a covered dish to prevent them from drying out.
9. FAQ
Can I make candied yams ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the yams and caramel sauce separately, assemble, and reheat just before serving. This ensures they stay fresh and saucy.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes. Substituting vegan ingredients makes it vegan-friendly, and using less sugar can reduce overall sweetness. For gluten-free options, ensure all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Maintain medium heat and stir constantly during caramel preparation. Remove from heat immediately once it reaches a smooth, golden-brown stage.
10. Conclusion
Oven-baked candied yams with caramel sauce are a delightful combination of natural sweetness, rich caramel, and tender, flavorful yams. This comforting dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or as an indulgent treat. Once you master the simple steps, you’ll find yourself making this recipe time and again. For even more kitchen inspiration, check out our collection of sweet treats and savory recipes. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!
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Oven-Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce
Sweet, tender baked yams coated in caramel sauce, topped with nuts for added crunch.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange yams in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour caramel sauce over yams, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Bake and simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg