Candied yams aka candied sweet potatoes make a sweet and simple side dish. Perfect for holidays or enjoying year-round, your family will love how butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon pair with the potatoes.
Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Place sweet potato chunks into a 9”x9” or 11”x7” baking dish. Set aside.
2 lb sweet potatoes
In a small saucepan over medium/low heat, combine all other ingredients except vanilla and cook until butter is melted.
1 cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons water, ¼ cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Once butter is melted, bring to a boil and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour mixture over sweet potato pieces. Gently stir so that all pieces are coated. Transfer to 375F (190C) oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Pieces should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Sauce will thicken as it cools.