Black Folks Soul Food Candied Yams Recipe

*A beloved soul food staple, stovetop candied yams continue to shine as a signature comfort dish in many Black households.

This recipe via thesoulfoodpot.com draws on classic flavors—warm spices, buttery sweetness, and smooth sweet potatoes—to create a rich, syrupy side perfect for holidays or everyday cravings. Below, all ingredients and steps are preserved precisely as provided, offering a faithful representation of the traditional method.

Ingredients

The full ingredient list appears exactly as given:

• Sweet potatoes – Use Jewel, Beauregard, or Garnet sweet potatoes for smooth candied yams with a silky texture.
  

• Unsalted butter (or vegan butter) – Adds a rich flavor that complements the natural sweet potatoes.
  

• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness with caramel-like flavor.
  

• Granulated sugar – For variation in sweetness to create the perfect candied syrup.
  

• Ground cinnamon – Adds a comforting warmth and heat with an earthy flavor.
  

• Nutmeg – Adds a warm, nutty, and earthy balance to the dish’s sweetness.
  

• Maple syrup – Necessary to create the candied sweet syrupy flavor and smooth, silky texture.
  

• Ground ginger (or minced) – Adds a hint of spiciness and a subtle warm kick.
  

• Ground cloves – Contribute to the syrup’s overall soulful spiciness.
  

• Vanilla extract – Creates a warm and comforting balance in the flavor profile.
  

• Miniature marshmallows (optional topping) – Add a soft, sticky texture on top with a lightly sweet taste and texture variation.
  

Sweet Potatoes or Yams?

The recipe uses “sweet potatoes” and “yams” interchangeably, though it’s noted they are not the same in taste or texture and shouldn’t be swapped. Many African American cooks refer to the dish as candied yams, even when sweet potatoes are used.

How to Make Soul Food Candied Yams on the Stovetop

The following steps are presented exactly as they appear on The Soulfood Pot:

• Wash the sweet potatoes.
  

• Peel and then cut the sweet potatoes into thick round wedges.
  

• Soak in a bowl of cool water (6 quarts) to prevent browning.
  

• Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl in the microwave.
  

• Add the seasonings and sugar to the melted butter.
  

• Stir to mix the ingredients to make the syrup glaze.
  

• Drain the sweet potato rounds and add them to a large pot on the stove.
  

• Pour the syrup glaze over the sweet potatoes.
  

• Cook over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  

• Optionally, add miniature marshmallows over the top of the dish when finished.
  

Various Toppings for Stovetop Candied Yams

• Miniature marshmallows – The traditional soul food way for topping a candied yams recipe.
  

• Walnuts or pecans – Another Southern variation for topping yams with an earthy taste and bite.
  

• Pecan praline – A gourmet-style, fancy addition for topping a Southern candied yams recipe.
  

How to Avoid Runny Candied Yams

A thin syrup can occur when too much liquid enters the mixture. The instructions note that adding a few tablespoons of cornstarch could thicken it up.

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