Sweet Candied Yams

Candied yams may be enjoyed year-round, but they're most beloved during three major holidays: Thanksgiving leading the charge, followed by Christmas and Easter in second and third place.

If you're preparing candied yams, chances are it's for a holiday gathering. With all the effort that goes into holiday cooking, it's no wonder that home cooks turn to this simple, four-ingredient recipe as a quick and easy addition to their festive meals.

How to Prepare Candied Yams

This highly-rated candied yams recipe uses just four simple ingredients: canned sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and mini marshmallows. With only 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have this dish ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish.

1. Drain the syrup: Make sure to drain the yams well to avoid excess liquid in the dish. Transfer the drained yams to a medium-sized baking dish.
2. Cut the butter: Slice the cold butter into small chunks and distribute them evenly over the yams.
3. Add the brown sugar: Firmly pack the brown sugar into a measuring cup, then transfer it to a bowl to break it up and make it easier to sprinkle. This is also a great time to crush any lumps in the sugar.
4. Top with mini marshmallows: Feel free to add more marshmallows than the recipe calls for if you want a thicker layer. Arrange them closely together for that delicious golden, toasted topping.
5. Bake: The yams are already cooked, so you’re really just reheating them while toasting the marshmallows until they’re golden and gooey.

Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same Thing?

Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused, but they’re not the same. What’s commonly called ‘yams’ in the U.S. are actually sweet potatoes. True yams are more similar to yucca, with a dry, starchy texture, and are rare in typical grocery stores. So when a recipe calls for ‘yams,’ you’re most likely using sweet potatoes instead, and the label will usually say ‘sweet potatoes in syrup.’

Learn more: What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

How to Swap Fresh Sweet Potatoes for Canned Yams

To replace a 29-ounce can of yams, use about three to four medium-sized sweet potatoes. Make sure to peel, chop, and cook the sweet potatoes before continuing with the recipe. You can boil, microwave, or bake them until they’re tender but not overly soft.

Dinogo Community Tips and Feedback

"Absolutely delicious!" says Angela Oschefski. "I used fresh yams and parboiled them instead of the canned version, and it turned out to be so easy and tasty! I served it for Thanksgiving last weekend, and it was a huge hit!"

"This is a fantastic base recipe," says Lisa D. "It’s great for customizing to your own preferences. I added a teaspoon of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon to the sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. I mixed it all together and baked it in a glass Pyrex dish."

"I decided to use a 29-ounce can of yams, thinking it would make just a small dish since I’m not particularly fond of yams," says aph52. "I added some chopped walnuts along with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon to the brown sugar. The dish was gone in no time, and almost everyone asked for seconds!"

You may also be interested in:

• Our Favorite Southern Sweet Potato Recipes
• Try These Can't-Miss Candied Yam and Sweet Potato Recipes
• How to Bake Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Editorial input by Vanessa Greaves

Ingredients List

• 1 (29 ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained

• ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Prepare all your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the drained sweet potatoes in a medium-sized baking dish. Evenly scatter the butter pieces on top of the sweet potatoes.

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the sweet potatoes. Top with a layer of mini marshmallows.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the marshmallows are melted and golden.

Serve and enjoy!

Chef's Tip

Nutritional Information (per serving)