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Home » Recipes » Vegetarian and Vegan

How to make Candied Sweet Potatoes

Published: Apr 8, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 33 Comments

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This is a delicious recipe and easy to make on the stove top! Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic holiday dish and MUST HAVE on every dinner table! This is a simple recipe with only 4 ingredients and tastes 100 times better than what you get in a can!

Next time try this recipe for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples - it's delicious and these little candied apples take just minutes to make!

Here you'll find the BEST collection of Thanksgiving Side Dishes for your holiday meal.

Candied sweet potatoes in a white serving dish.
Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Storage
  • Make ahead
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

Why you'll love this recipe   

Did I mention this family recipe is over 100 years old? This southern staple is a must for every holiday dinner. It's the tried and true, favorite way to make candied yams! Candied sweet potatoes are a must have! They are....

  • easy to make
  • only needs a handful of ingredients
  • the candied sweet potatoes turn out tender, sweet and buttery every time!

Move aside sweet potato casserole! This classic Thanksgiving side dish will be your new favorite! It is the perfect side dish for Sunday Supper and one of my favorites Thanksgiving recipes!

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make this recipe.
Here are the ingredients for the southern candied yams recipe.

For the exact measurements for southern candied sweet potatoes, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe.

  • large sweet potatoes, light skinned or dark (I prefer the dark only because of the dark orange color of the flesh).
  • real butter, not margarine - you can use salted or unsalted butter.
  • sweet brown sugar - light or dark brown sugar can be used.
  • Karo syrup - you can use dark or light syrup.

Instructions 

Photo Instructions showing how to peel, slice, boil and drain potatoes.
Step by step instructions for the candied sweet potatoes recipe

This is an overview for the complete instructions for this easy sweet potato recipe just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Start by peeling the sweet potatoes.
  2. Next slice them into rounds. Make thick slices.
  3. Place in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and boil until fork tender.
  4. Drain off all the water.
Photos showing how easy it is to make candied sweet potatoes.
  1. Now add them to a skillet and top with butter.
  2. Drizzle in the Karo Syrup.
  3. Stir in the brown sugar.
  4. Baste with the sugar mixture and simmer until the potatoes are golden brown and glazed.

Equipment

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Electric Skillet - perfect when all the burners are busy on the stove.

FAQ's

What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?

When you're at the store you'll find two different types of sweet potatoes. Golden-skinned potatoes; these will have white/golden flesh on the inside. The other choice will be dark skinned orange potatoes. The flesh is bright orange inside.

Both are actually sweet potatoes and they taste about the same and will work for this recipe. It's more about what your grocery store or market carries.

Does it make a difference which potato you choose - light or dark-skinned?

Not at all! I choose the darker colored potatoes just because when they cook up and caramelize, they look so amazing!

Can candied sweet potatoes be made in advance?

Yes! This recipe can be made three days in advance.

What is the best way to reheat them?

To reheat, remove from the refrigerator, place in an oven proof
dish, cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

I don't have an electric skillet. Can I still make them?

Absolutely! You can make on the stovetop. Place them in a skillet with high sides to avoid drips or a large pot or stovetop casserole dish.

Can you substitute white sugar for the brown sugar?

I don't recommend it. If you did you would also need to add molasses or possible maple syrup. Just use brown sugar for the best results.

Can you use either light or dark brown sugar for sweet potatoes?

Absolutely, you can use either light and dark brown sugar in this recipe.

That's a lot of sugar, can you substitute with a Splenda sweetener?

I've never tried to use a sugar substitute. I question whether it would caramelize and candy the potatoes.

Candied yams in white bowl
You'll love everything about this sweet potato side dish!

Tips

  • When you boil the potatoes, make sure they are just fork tender as they will continue to cook during the caramelization process.
  • You can use light or dark Karo Syrup and light or dark brown sugar. Both are interchangeable.
  • A squeeze of fresh orange juice and/or orange zest as it simmers really compliments this dish!

Expert Tip: You can't rush the process to candy the yams. It takes at least an hour and a half to 1 hour 45 minutes. Continue basting the sweet potatoes every 10-15 minutes. Soon the candied yams will begin to glisten and caramelize!

Storage

  • Serve – hot and bubbly. Pour the brown sugar glaze over the potatoes in the serve dish. Your guests can spoon the sweet "gravy" on top of their serving!
  • Store – allow to cool completely and refrigerate up to three days.
  • Freeze – Although most potato dishes don't freeze well, this one does! You can make it several days/weeks in advance. Sealed well, it can be frozen for up to three months, thawed and reheated.

Make ahead

This classic dish is a terrific make ahead side dish. It can be made up to 3 days in advance. It also can be made ahead and frozen! I do this every year so the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner preparations aren't so hectic.

Related recipes

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole is a simple, satisfying dish. Filled with sweet mashed potatoes and topped with crunchy pecans, it's another option for your Thanksgiving table!

If you want to enjoy sweet potatoes without the glaze, next time try sheet pan pork tenderloin with Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.

I love this recipe for candied sweet potatoes! If you want more of my recipes for holiday side dish recipes click here! Additionally if you're a fan of the Instant Pot, this links has 40+ pressure cooker recipes for side dishes!

If you're serving a crowd, triple this recipe for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples trust me, it will be the first thing to go!

I would be amiss if I didn't share my favorite side dish which is sweet buttered rutabagas. It's so easy to make and super yummy! Although this recipe for stovetop roasted vegetables is really a fan favorite!!

If you love of Brussels sprouts I have several outstanding recipes on the blog - steamed, roasted or pan fried, what's your favorite?

Cranberry Apple Orange Sauce is a must on every holiday table!

No Bake Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust or classic Pumpkin Pie Recipe will be the star of the table! Top with a dollop of whipped cream or homemade marshmallow whipped cream!

I think I'm as much of a fan of the sides as I am the star of the meal like turkey or ham (usually is!) ! It brings back comforting memories of meals shared with loved ones!

Serve with

Of course this recipe is AMAZING at Thanksgiving dinner with this holiday turkey recipe - it's my very favorite combination. Or if you're planning a small gather make this crockpot stuffed turkey breast, it's the perfect side for a smaller crowd.

It's also super delicious with glazed ham!

Homemade cranberry sauce is a traditional side for your holiday meal.

Mashed potatoes as well - this recipe is a mash of cauliflower and potatoes. This recipe is your traditional type mashed potatoes - these are ready in a snap using the pressure cooker.

Buttered Rutabagas are always on our Thanksgiving table.

And of course every meal needs easy dinner rolls. These are super simple to make AND you still get the smell of fresh baked bread - YUM!

I think the misnomer is sweet potatoes are only eaten during the holidays, but this is a great Sunday side dish year round. I hope you enjoy it often!

Candied Sweet Potatoes on white plate served with a side of green beans.

When you try these candied yams, be sure and leave a five-star rating below! It’s one of our very favorites and I know you’ll love it too!

Also if you snap a picture, be sure and tag me on Instagram at @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover – I’d love to see photos of your tasty eats!

Cooked yams with a sweet glaze in white bowl, ready to serve.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

No oven space? No problem! This sweet yams recipe has been handed down for generations and is always served on special occasions and holiday meals!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs
Course: Vegetables and Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 432kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 ½ cups Karo Syrup

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes and slice into 1 inch rounds or large chunks.
  • Add to a large pot and boil the sweet potatoes until just fork tender - about 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and immediately drain really well.
  • Transfer the tender sweet potatoes to a large skillet or electric skillet.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, brown sugar, butter & syrup. Place on medium heat until the butter and brown sugar melts and the mixture is thick and bubbly.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 ½ hours, basting every 10-15 minutes.

Notes

When you boil the potatoes, make sure they are just fork tender as they will continue to cook during the caramelization process.
You can't rush the process to candy the yams. It takes at least an 1 ½ hours to 1 ¾ hours. Be patient and continue basting the sweet potatoes every 10-15 minutes. Soon the candied yams will begin to glisten and caramelize!
Serve the glazed sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Pour syrup overtop and place a large spoon in the serving dish so guests can ladle sweet syrup over their potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 110g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 609mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 82g | Vitamin A: 24130IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1.2mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grace Mestas

    November 19, 2022 at 8:25 am

    This recipe looks delicious..but my husband likes marshmallows on them ..can I add the marshmallows or would that ruin them

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 19, 2022 at 11:55 am

      It certainly wouldn't ruin them Grace! After they are candied, top with marshmallows and put in the oven or for just a minute or two under the broiler for the marshmallows to brown. Enjoy!! This is a great make-ahead side dish.

      Reply
  2. Heather

    December 26, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Thank you so much for this recipe Debra! My great aunt used to make candied yams every Thanksgiving & Christmas. They were so good, but she never shared the recipe. She has since passed, so I was so happy to find your recipe, as your recipe is just like how I remember her making them; in a skillet w/ butter, brown sugar, & King’s corn syrup & constantly tending to them. I made them for Christmas dinner yesterday & they tasted just like hers! Thank you again for your recipe so that I can carry on this food tradition w/ my family! I’ll be sure to pass this recipe on to my kids.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 27, 2020 at 11:58 am

      That's so cool Heather! Candied yams are so simple, but classic. This recipe has been in our family over a 100 years. I'm so glad to share it with yours and that you enjoyed it so much. You made my day, thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
  3. Julie Menghini

    December 10, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! We are sweet potato fans and we made this recipe and loved the way all that gooey goodness clung to the recipe!

    Reply
  4. MICHAELA KENKEL

    December 09, 2020 at 5:59 am

    5 stars
    We had these over the weekend with your glazed pork loin! OMG! SO GOOD! Your recipe site is like a one stop shop for all things we love! Thank you, and keep the recipes coming!

    Reply
  5. Lois

    November 24, 2020 at 10:01 am

    5 stars
    We just love these sweet potatoes. They are so good and look forward to having them for the holiday season. So tasty. Yum!!!!!

    Reply
  6. Marilyn

    November 21, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    My mom always made this recipe ,but since she passed ,I didn't know.I the measurements..Then I found this and I said "yea".It's cooking right now, but it is n' t thickening. I followed the recipe exactly. What could I have done wrong? I'm definitely not remaking them,For next time ,can you reply. TY.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 22, 2018 at 6:38 am

      Good morning Marilyn, Happy Thanksgiving! The sugars will thicken as it cools, just keep spooning the sugary sauce over the sweet potatoes and they will glaze and become sweet and sugary, it will take an hour to an hour and a half. Be patient! They will reheat beautifully.

      Reply
  7. Liza

    November 13, 2018 at 10:11 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, I'm definitely making it for the Thanksgiving potluck! It's SO easy - finally a recipe that's such a no-brainer for busy women! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 15, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      You'll love them Liza - these are Dan's favorite side dish!! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Susan White

        April 11, 2022 at 6:45 am

        Is there possibly a substitute for the corn syrup, because of a corn allergy? Could I use more brown sugar or v m honey or? TIA!!

        Reply
        • Bowl Me Over

          April 11, 2022 at 12:29 pm

          Hey Susan, thanks for checking! Yes you can substitute pure maple syrup or molasses (that would be delicious!) The molasses would add a smokey flavor, yum! I would also try a favorite pancake syrup if you have one you'd prefer. Would that work for you? If not, I would use more brown sugar and a combination of light brown and dark brown sugar + butter.

          Reply
  8. Debi @ Life Currents

    December 22, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    These look great! And can I just say that I'm really glad you didn't put marshmallows on this. This way it looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 22, 2018 at 7:10 am

      Never been a fan of marshmallows on my sweet potatoes, I think this is better too!

      Reply
  9. Platter Talk

    December 22, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    5 stars
    These looks so simple to make and wonderful to enjoy! Thanks for this great recipe!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 22, 2015 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks guys I hope you give this recipe a try! I love these easy sweet potatoes - so delicious!

      Reply
    • Kim

      November 25, 2020 at 11:32 am

      I think I “candied” them too much...almost like Carmel as they cool....can I thin out with water? Plan on reheating tomorrow. Otherwise...this is exactly my mom in laws recipe!!!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over

        November 25, 2020 at 1:33 pm

        Kim thin them out with a little butter and Karo Syrup. I think water will make the sugar seize. They reheat beautifully - you have one side dish done!

        Reply
  10. Tara

    December 21, 2015 at 10:07 am

    5 stars
    This looks like a fantastic recipe, thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 21, 2015 at 2:13 pm

      Family favorite Tara - hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  11. peter @feedyoursoultoo

    December 21, 2015 at 9:29 am

    The recipe looks tasty and how fun to have the family (your parents) in the kitchen with you.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 21, 2015 at 2:12 pm

      Love spending time with my folks - family is the best! Thanks for stopping by Peter

      Reply
  12. Patty Haxton Anderson

    December 21, 2015 at 8:57 am

    So easy and so delicious looking.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 21, 2015 at 2:11 pm

      Loving those easy recipes!

      Reply
  13. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

    December 09, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    These would be such a great addition to any holiday menu! Just shared them on my Facebook page and sending some other foodie love your way! They look delicious!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 20, 2015 at 1:42 pm

      Awesome, thank you so much for sharing Michelle!

      Reply
  14. swathi

    December 07, 2015 at 11:52 am

    That is delicious recipe, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 08, 2015 at 8:47 am

      You are very welcome - thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  15. Tracy

    November 25, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    The Clark household is yamming it up with Mom and Dad -Yay!
    You're a natural on camera and the recipes look super easy and delish- perfect combo for guests.
    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 20, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      We be yammin' no doubt! :D. Good to hear from you my friend, you are too kind!

      Reply
  16. Michelle

    November 25, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    Ohh ohh, Ken's got the microphone. Recipe looks amazing. Can't wait to try it tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving, Bowl-me-Over and family.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 20, 2015 at 1:42 pm

      Gosh your comment slipped right by me! Thanks for stopping by Michelle - and yes, Dad definitely enjoyed the morning and I hope you did give these a try - so easy and delicious!

      Reply

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