The Best Easy Vegan Candied Yams: Sweet, Sticky, and Plant-Based Southern Perfection
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and entirely plant-based recipe for candied yams. A true staple of Southern cuisine, these yams are transformed into a decadent side dish, glistening with a sweet, sticky glaze and bursting with rich, warm flavors. Forget the traditional butter-laden versions; our vegan candied yams prove that plant-based can be just as, if not more, mouth-watering and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast, a special weekend dinner, or simply looking for a delightful addition to your weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a taste of pure bliss.
Candied yams have always held a special place in my heart as one of my absolute favorite side dishes. Their irresistible combination of sweetness, a hint of salt, and luxurious texture makes them truly decadent. However, traditional recipes often rely heavily on butter, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. But fear not! This plant-based rendition of candied yams is not only just as delicious as its conventional counterpart but also incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, eager to recreate that perfect balance of juicy, sticky, and sweet flavors.
This simple vegan candied yams recipe captures the essence of Southern comfort food, bringing a touch of home-style warmth to any table. Their versatility is unmatched; they pair beautifully with a grand holiday spread, elevate a meat substitute for a celebratory weekend dinner, or even add a special touch to almost any weekday meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to execute, and completely cruelty-free.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Candied Yams Recipe
There are countless reasons why these plant-based candied yams are about to become your new favorite side dish. Beyond being incredibly delicious, they offer a perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:
- Perfectly Plant-Based: Enjoy all the rich, sweet flavors of classic candied yams without any dairy, making them ideal for vegan diets and those with lactose intolerance. We use readily available vegan butter and pure maple syrup for that authentic sticky sweetness.
- Effortlessly Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is designed for cooks of all skill levels. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find these candied yams a breeze to prepare.
- Sweet, Sticky & Irresistible: The secret lies in our carefully crafted sauce, which caramelizes beautifully around the yams, creating a luscious, golden-brown glaze that’s both sweet and slightly tangy from the orange zest. Each bite offers a delightful burst of flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- A Versatile Side Dish: While a star on holiday tables like Thanksgiving and Christmas, these yams are also perfect for everyday dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a comforting and impressive side.
- Nutrient-Rich: Yams and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, adding a healthy boost to your meal while still tasting wonderfully indulgent.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these candied yams in advance, making them an excellent choice for busy hosts. They store and reheat beautifully, retaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Candied Yams
Crafting the perfect batch of candied yams starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. While the full quantities are detailed in the recipe card at the bottom of the page, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Yams or Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! While true yams are slightly starchier and less sweet, the “yams” sold in most US grocery stores are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Either will work beautifully for this recipe, with yams lending a slightly firmer texture and sweet potatoes offering more natural sweetness. Choose firm, unblemished tubers.
- Vegan Unsalted Butter: This forms the rich, creamy base of our luscious sauce. Using unsalted vegan butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the dish. There are many excellent plant-based butter brands available today that melt and brown just like dairy butter.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only provides sweetness but also adds a depth of molasses flavor and helps create that desirable sticky texture. Its fine granules dissolve easily into the sauce.
- Maple Syrup: Opt for 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid artificial syrups, as they lack the complex, natural sweetness and caramel notes that real maple syrup brings to the dish, enhancing the “candied” effect.
- Orange Zest: A touch of orange zest brightens the entire dish, adding a fragrant, citrusy note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the yams and spices. It’s a subtle but impactful addition.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: This trio of warm spices is essential for that classic Southern candied yam flavor. They infuse the dish with aromatic depth, making it incredibly comforting and inviting. Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum potency.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors without making the dish taste salty. It truly brings everything together.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Like maple syrup, pure vanilla extract makes a significant difference. Its rich, aromatic notes deepen the overall flavor profile of the sauce, adding a gourmet touch. Avoid artificial vanilla if possible.
- Pecans (optional): For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, toasted pecans make a wonderful garnish. They provide a delightful crunch against the soft, tender yams.
Decoding the Difference: Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes
It’s a common misconception, especially in North America, that yams and sweet potatoes are interchangeable. However, botanically, they are entirely different vegetables! What are often marketed as “yams” in many U.S. grocery stores are actually soft, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas). True yams (Dioscorea species) are native to Africa and Asia, have a rough, bark-like skin, and a drier, starchier flesh that can range in color from white to purple.
For this recipe, you can certainly use either. If you find true yams, their slightly less sweet and starchier profile will absorb the rich sauce beautifully, offering a nuanced flavor. However, the more commonly available orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled “yams”) are also an excellent choice, bringing a natural sweetness that works perfectly with the candied glaze. The key is their tender texture once cooked, which both varieties achieve. Ultimately, use what is most accessible to you, but if you have a choice, the “yam” varieties (which are typically jewel or garnet sweet potatoes) with their deeper orange hue tend to create the most vibrant and satisfying results for candied yams.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Vegan Candied Yams
Making these sweet and sticky vegan candied yams is a simple process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for baking once your yams are prepped.
Step 2: Prepare the Yams. Carefully peel the yams or sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, slice them into uniform ½-inch rounds. Consistency in size is key here, as it promotes even cooking. Arrange the sliced yams in a single layer (or as close to a single layer as possible) in a 9”x13” baking dish. This wide dish allows the yams to bake evenly and absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Melt the Vegan Butter. Place the vegan unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely. Watch for it to begin to sputter gently; this indicates it’s perfectly melted and ready for the next ingredients.
Step 4: Create the Candied Sauce. To the melted vegan butter, add the light brown sugar, orange zest, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and pure maple syrup. Stir these ingredients thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Once smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, giving it another good mix. This creates your aromatic, sweet, and sticky candied sauce.
Step 5: Coat the Yams. Pour the warm candied sauce evenly over the sliced yams in the baking dish. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the yam rounds until each piece is thoroughly coated in the rich, sweet sauce. Ensure no yam is left un-coated to guarantee maximum flavor absorption and caramelization.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the yams, ensuring they become wonderfully tender without drying out. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the yams are easily pierced with a fork (fork-tender). Once tender, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Spoon any accumulated sauce over the yams to re-coat them. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. During this phase, the sauce will thicken and caramelize, transforming into a rich, sticky glaze. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning due to the high sugar content. The yams are ready when the sauce is glossy and thick. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired for added crunch and flavor, and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy the sweet, sticky goodness!
Mastering Your Vegan Candied Yams: Expert Tips
Achieving perfectly tender, sticky, and flavorful candied yams is simple with these helpful tips. Follow these guidelines, and your plant-based candied yams will be a showstopper every single time:
- Ensure Evenly Sized Yam Slices: This is a crucial step for consistent cooking. Try your best to cut all the yam slices to a uniform ½-inch thickness. If some pieces are thicker than others, they will take longer to cook, resulting in some undercooked sections while thinner pieces may become mushy or overcooked. Uniform slices guarantee that every single piece of yam becomes wonderfully tender at the same rate.
- Do Not Undercook the Yams: While you want tender yams, you also want the sauce to caramelize and thicken properly. Undercooking will leave your yams firm and the sauce watery. Bake until the yams are truly fork-tender and the sauce has reduced and become beautifully sticky and glossy. This caramelization is what develops the complex, rich flavors that define candied yams. Don’t be afraid to let them bake a little longer uncovered to achieve that perfect glaze.
- Be Mindful of Overbaking the Sauce: Conversely, due to the high sugar content in the sauce (brown sugar and maple syrup), it can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt and bitter if left in the oven for too long, especially during the uncovered baking phase. Keep a close eye on the dish, particularly in the last 10 minutes. The sauce should be bubbly, thick, and amber-colored, not dark brown or smoking. If you notice the sauce getting too dark, you can lightly tent the dish with foil again.
- Use Quality Ingredients: As mentioned in the ingredient notes, opting for pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the depth and authenticity of the flavor. These natural ingredients provide a much richer and more nuanced taste than artificial alternatives.
- Don’t Skimp on the Zest: The orange zest adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the sweetness. Ensure you get only the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Candied Yams
Candied yams are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes, from festive holiday meals to simple weeknight dinners. Their sweet and savory profile makes them an excellent companion. Here are a few fantastic pairing ideas, including some plant-based options:
- Vegan Chicken Nuggets: A surprisingly delightful contrast between the savory, crispy nuggets and the sweet, soft yams.
- Vegan Pot Pies: The richness of a creamy pot pie is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of candied yams.
- Jamaican Jerk Tofu: The spicy, aromatic flavors of jerk seasoning pair wonderfully with the sweet notes of the yams, creating an exciting flavor combination.
- Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food duo! The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese is perfectly complemented by the sugary yams.
- Holiday Roasts: Pair these yams with a vegan holiday roast, like a lentil loaf or a seitan roast, for a complete and festive meal.
- Grilled or Baked Plant-Based Proteins: Serve alongside grilled tofu, tempeh, or a hearty veggie burger for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
- Southern-Style Greens: Complement the sweetness with savory collard greens or mustard greens for a traditional Southern plate.
- Hearty Grain Bowls: Add a scoop of candied yams to a grain bowl with quinoa or wild rice, roasted vegetables, and your favorite plant-based protein for a balanced and delicious meal.
Storing and Reheating Your Candied Yams
One of the great advantages of these vegan candied yams is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures they remain delicious for days.
To Store: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover candied yams into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the yams from drying out and to maintain their optimal flavor and texture.
To Reheat:
- Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover yams in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. The foil helps to prevent them from drying out. For a slightly re-caramelized sauce, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
- Microwave Method (Quick & Easy): For a faster option, place a single serving of yams on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your desired temperature. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them mushy.
Can I Freeze Candied Yams?
Absolutely! Candied yams freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal dish for preparing ahead of time or for extending their shelf life. This is particularly useful during holiday seasons when you might want to get some cooking out of the way.
To Freeze: Allow the cooked candied yams to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If using a bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date. For best quality, store towards the back of the freezer where the temperature is most consistent. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To Reheat from Frozen: You do not need to thaw the candied yams before reheating. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen yams in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until completely heated through and tender. If you prefer a stickier sauce, you can remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Stir gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Candied Yams
Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious plant-based candied yams:
Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can! Dark brown sugar contains more molasses, which will result in a deeper, richer caramel flavor and a slightly darker sauce. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more intense sweetness and robust flavor profile.
Q: Can I make these candied yams ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare the yams a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven as instructed for leftovers. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight!
Q: What kind of vegan butter do you recommend?
A: Look for stick-form vegan butters that are designed for baking and cooking. Brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen, Earth Balance (sticks), or Melt Organic are excellent choices as they behave very similarly to dairy butter, melting smoothly and contributing a rich flavor.
Q: Can I add other spices or flavorings?
A: Yes, feel free to customize! A pinch of allspice or a touch of ground cloves can enhance the warmth. A splash of bourbon or rum added to the sauce before baking can also introduce a sophisticated layer of flavor. Just be mindful of proportions to keep the balance.
Q: How do I know when the yams are fork-tender?
A: To check for fork-tenderness, gently insert a fork into one of the yam slices. If it slides in easily with minimal resistance, they are done. If you have to push hard, they need more time. This is usually checked during the covered baking stage.
Q: My sauce isn’t thickening. What can I do?
A: The sauce needs to reduce and caramelize to thicken. If it’s still too thin after the recommended uncovered baking time, continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it to prevent burning. The sauce will also thicken slightly as it cools.
Enjoy, friends! If you make this delightful vegan candied yam recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Thanks so much!
Vegan Candied Yams
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Ingredients
- 4 medium yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup vegan unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 large orange, zested (about 1 heaping teaspoon)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- chopped pecans for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cut the yams into ½-inch rounds. Place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter until it begins to sputter. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and stir again.
- Pour the sauce over the yams in the baking dish and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the yams are fork-tender.
- Remove the foil, spoon the liquid over the yams, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until tender and the syrup is thickened and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally sprinkled with chopped pecans.
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.