There’s something truly magical about a dish that whispers of home, family gatherings, and the comforting flavors of tradition, and these slow cooker candied yams fit that description perfectly. Imagine tender, sweet potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery, spiced syrup, crowned with toasted marshmallows and pecans. It’s a classic that brings warmth to any table, especially during the holidays.
My fondest memories often lead back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was always thick with the scent of cinnamon and baking. I remember her patient hands showing me how to peel sweet potatoes for our holiday candied yams, a tradition that filled our home with so much joy and anticipation. Every spoonful was a taste of pure, unadulterated happiness.
This recipe for effortless slow cooker candied yams offers all that heartwarming goodness with incredible ease, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations or simply when you crave a sweet, comforting side dish. It’s wonderfully family-friendly, frees up oven space, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. My top tip? Don’t rush the low and slow cooking; that’s where the magic truly happens!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful candied yams starts with a handful of simple ingredients. Sweet potatoes, of course, are the star, alongside unsalted butter, rich brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and a hint of orange juice for brightness. I always ensure I have good quality ground cinnamon and nutmeg, as they really deepen the flavor of these slow cooker candied yams. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and their exact measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make slow cooker candied yams
Creating these gorgeous slow cooker candied yams is wonderfully straightforward, letting your slow cooker do most of the work! First, you’ll prepare your sweet potatoes, then whisk together a luscious candied sauce that infuses every bite with incredible flavor. Everything comes together in the slow cooker, simmering gently until the yams are perfectly tender and bathed in their sweet glaze. A final optional flourish of toasted marshmallows and pecans adds that irresistible holiday touch.
Effortless Slow Cooker Candied Yams
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the sweet potatoes (yams) and slice them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, pure maple syrup, orange juice (if using), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve into the liquid. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Lightly grease the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Arrange about half of the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour about half of the prepared candied sauce over the first layer of sweet potatoes, ensuring good coverage.
- Add the remaining sweet potatoes on top, spreading them out as evenly as possible.
- Pour the rest of the candied sauce over the top layer of sweet potatoes, making sure every piece is coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the yams are completely fork-tender and the sauce is thick, bubbly, and caramelized. If possible, gently stir the yams halfway through the cooking time to ensure even coating and caramelization, being careful not to break them.
- If desired, during the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and/or chopped pecans over the top of the yams. Re-cover the slow cooker and continue cooking until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden, or the pecans are warmed through and fragrant.
- Serve warm and enjoy your decadent slow cooker candied yams!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This slow cooker candied yams
To ensure your slow cooker candied yams turn out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve gathered a few cherished tips from my years in the kitchen.
- Prep Ahead: You can peel and slice your sweet potatoes a day in advance! Store them in a bowl covered with cold water in the fridge to prevent browning. Just drain them well before assembling your dish. This little trick saves so much time on a busy holiday morning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t packed too full. The sweet potatoes need a little room to cook evenly and absorb all that delicious candied sauce. If you’re making a huge batch, consider using two slow cookers.
- My Secret Trick: I always add a splash of vanilla extract after the cooking time, right before serving. The heat can sometimes diminish vanilla’s delicate flavor, so adding it at the end ensures its fragrant warmth truly shines through in these irresistible candied yams.
- For Extra Thick Sauce: If your sauce seems a bit thin after cooking, you can carefully transfer it to a saucepan on the stovetop and simmer it gently for 5-10 minutes, or until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.
Fun Variations for slow cooker candied yams
One of the joys of baking is playing with flavors and making a recipe truly your own! These slow cooker candied yams are wonderfully adaptable, and I love experimenting with different twists.
Spiced-Up Swaps
If you’re a fan of deeper, richer spices, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or a tiny dash of allspice to the sauce. My friend, who adores chai lattes, loves when I include a touch of cardamom – it gives the yams a wonderfully exotic warmth! You can also swirl in a tablespoon of orange zest for an even brighter citrus note.
Nutty Toppings
While pecans are classic, feel free to swap them for chopped walnuts or even a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a different crunch. For a nut-free option, toasted shredded coconut adds a lovely texture and tropical hint. My nephew always asks for extra mini marshmallows and a drizzle of caramel sauce over his serving!
Maple & Bourbon Bliss
For an adult-friendly twist, consider adding a tablespoon of good quality bourbon to the candied sauce. The rich, smoky notes of the bourbon beautifully complement the sweetness of the maple syrup and yams. Just be sure to add it with the other wet ingredients so the alcohol cooks off, leaving only the delicious flavor.
What to Serve With slow cooker candied yams
These comforting slow cooker candied yams are practically a meal in themselves, but they truly shine as a star side dish, especially during festive gatherings. They’re the perfect sweet counterpoint to savory main courses.
I love serving them alongside a succulent roasted turkey or a glazed ham during the holidays; the sweet and savory combination is simply divine. For a more casual meal, they pair beautifully with roasted chicken or even a hearty pork loin. And of course, a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream turns these yams into an incredible dessert all on their own! My mom always says they’re best with a hot cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness.
How to Store slow cooker candied yams
After all the love you’ve poured into making these delicious slow cooker candied yams, it’s good to know how to keep any leftovers tasting just as wonderful. It’s all about proper storage to maintain that delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge Storage
Once your candied yams have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container; it helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out.
Freezer Tips
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the cooled candied yams in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can gently warm them in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or place them in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. If they seem a little dry, add a splash of orange juice or water before reheating. A fresh sprinkle of chopped pecans or a few new mini marshmallows toasted under the broiler brings them back to life beautifully!
Nutritional Benefits
While these slow cooker candied yams are undeniably a sweet treat, they also bring some goodness to the table! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin A, and offer a good source of fiber, while the pecans contribute healthy fats and protein. It’s a wonderful example of how desserts can be both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining wholesome ingredients with pure indulgence.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for slow cooker candied yams?
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned yams. Drain them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time down, as they are already cooked.
Faq 2
How can I prevent my slow cooker candied yams from becoming watery?
Ensure your sweet potatoes are peeled and sliced to an even thickness. Don’t add extra liquid unless the recipe specifies, as sweet potatoes release moisture. The “low and slow” method helps prevent excess water.
Faq 3
Can I make slow cooker candied yams ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat it in the slow cooker or oven before serving.
Faq 4
What can I do if my candied sauce isn’t thick enough?
If your sauce is too thin, carefully transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan. Simmer it on the stovetop over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to your liking.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bringing a homemade dish to the table that everyone adores, especially when it carries a touch of nostalgia and warmth. These slow cooker candied yams embody everything I love about baking: they’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and they bring smiles and comfort to everyone gathered around. I truly hope you’ll try this recipe and let the sweet aroma and flavors create beautiful new memories in your own kitchen. Happy baking, my friends!
