Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce

A Holiday Side Dish That Defines Comfort Food

When it comes to irresistible Southern comfort food, Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce hold a special place at the table. Tender sweet potatoes slowly baked in rich, buttery caramel with warm spices are a timeless tradition—especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Sunday family dinners. Every serving brings melt-in-your-mouth texture, deep sweetness, and just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg.

This decadent dish is more than just a side; it’s a nostalgic classic that transforms simple sweet potatoes into a memorable, crowd-pleasing experience. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or crafting a cozy comfort meal, candied yams offer everything we crave—silky softness, sticky caramelized sauce, and a scent that fills the kitchen with joy.

In this post, you’ll find:

• A detailed recipe for the best Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce

• Step-by-step baking instructions

• Why dark brown sugar creates the perfect caramel glaze

• Variations and add-ins

• Storage and reheating tips

• Frequently asked questions

• And of course, a deliciously helpful recipe card

Let’s dive into the sweetness.

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Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce Recipe

• Uses real butter + real vanilla for premium richness

• Cinnamon + nutmeg give classic holiday warmth

• No stovetop caramel-making stress—the caramel forms naturally in the oven

• Perfect texture: silky soft yams coated in glossy caramel

• Make-ahead friendly for easy holiday prep

• Feeds a crowd (up to 15 servings!)

• Truly irresistible—even yam skeptics become believers

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What Makes These Candied Yams Extra Special?

Dark brown sugar plays the hero here. Unlike light brown sugar, it has more molasses, which means:

• A deeper caramel flavor

• Thicker and stickier sauce

• A darker, richer color

• Enhanced moisture in the final bake

During baking, the sugars thicken into a beautifully silky caramel sauce that clings to every slice.

This recipe leans into tradition—no shortcuts, no cheap syrups, and no lack of love.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Course: Dinner recipe, Holiday Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 278 kcal per serving

Produce

• 6 sweet potatoes (medium sized, 1–1.5 lbs each), peeled and sliced
  Red yams recommended for sweetness and color

Caramel Sauce

• 3/4 cup salted butter
  (can sub unsalted if preferred)

• 2 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2/3 cup granulated white sugar

• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

• 1.5 tablespoons real vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Medium saucepan

• Aluminum foil

Simplicity at its finest.

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How to Make Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce

Step 1 — Prep the Yams

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, wash, and slice the yams into 1/4–1/2-inch rounds.
Arrange them evenly in your 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2 — Make the Caramel Glaze

In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in white sugar, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Simmer 5–8 minutes until dissolved and thickened but not caramelized.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3 — Coat and Bake

Pour the warm glaze over the yams, coating as evenly as possible.
Cover baking dish tightly with foil.
Cut 1-inch vent slits in each corner to release steam.
Bake 30 minutes.

Step 4 — Flip for Even Coating

Remove from oven and gently turn yams to re-coat.
Re-cover with foil and bake another 30 minutes.

Step 5 — Caramelize

Remove foil and bake 10–12 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into caramel.

Step 6 — Rest and Serve

Let cool 10 minutes so the sauce sets beautifully.
Then serve warm and enjoy the ultimate comfort-food experience.

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Tips for the Best Candied Yams Ever

• Slice evenly for uniform cooking

• Use fresh sweet potatoes—canned yams dissolve too quickly

• Don’t rush the bake—low and slow creates the best texture

• When flipping halfway, gently lift from bottom so every slice gets coated

• Add vanilla after simmering to avoid burning off flavor

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Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

You can easily customize this dish to match your preferences.

Sweetness Levels

• Slightly sweet: reduce white sugar by ¼ cup

• Extra caramelized: add ½ cup more dark brown sugar

Flavor Twists

• Add orange zest or juice for citrus brightness

• Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon/nutmeg for a fall-forward flavor

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for salted-caramel vibes

Toppings

• Toasted pecans

• Mini marshmallows (broil last 2 min)

• Crushed candied walnuts

Dairy-Free Option

Swap:

• Vegan butter

• Coconut cream for flavor depth

Still delicious.

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Pairing Suggestions

Candied yams are a versatile side that balances both savory and sweet plates. Pair them with:

• Thanksgiving turkey and gravy

• Holiday ham with honey glaze

• Smoked brisket or ribs

• Fried or roasted chicken

• Green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts

• Buttery cornbread

Whether you’re serving a potluck spread or a holiday masterpiece, they always shine.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4–5 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat Options

• Oven: 325°F for 15–20 min (best texture)

• Microwave: 1–2 min, but sauce may thin slightly

If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm water before reheating.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

Perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.

• Prep casserole + sauce

• Assemble in dish

• Cover tightly with foil

• Refrigerate up to 48 hours

• Bake as directed when ready

You can also fully bake ahead and reheat later—this recipe is very forgiving.

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Troubleshooting FAQs

Can I use canned yams?

Not recommended. They are already soft and sugary, and they won’t hold shape.

Why is my sauce runny?

Add 10–15 extra uncovered baking minutes to thicken.

Can I cut the recipe in half?

Absolutely. Use an 8×8 baking dish.

Are sweet potatoes the same as yams?

In U.S. markets, red/yellow sweet potatoes are sold as yams.
They work perfectly here.

Can I add marshmallows like traditional sweet potato casserole?

Yes—add during the last 5 minutes and broil for golden topping.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 278

• Fat: 11g

• Carbs: 45g

• Sugar: 34g

• Fiber: 4g

• Protein: 2g

Treat yourself—it’s worth every bite.

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Printable Recipe Card

Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce

A silky-soft, caramel-coated sweet potato side dish made to impress on any holiday table.

Why This Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce Recipe Will Become a Family Tradition

This recipe checks every box:

• Easy: No need to make stovetop caramel

• Comforting: The warm spices and buttery caramel feel like home

• Celebration-worthy: Every serving tastes like a holiday

• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for gatherings big and small

It’s the kind of dish Grandma would approve of—simple, pure, and deliciously unforgettable. Once you’ve made candied yams this way, they’ll forever have a place in your holiday rotation.

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Final Thoughts

These Oven Baked Candied Yams with Caramel Sauce are a celebration of everything we love about holiday food—comforting, nostalgic, and made to share. The caramel sauce brings unmatched sweetness and richness, coating every tender slice in golden perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or making candied yams for the first time, this recipe delivers flawless results every time.

So this year, treat your table to a dish that feels like home. One spoonful, and your guests will be begging for seconds—and the recipe.