Quick Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe

The warm aroma of cinnamon and bubbling brown sugar always takes me back to my grandmother’s cozy holiday kitchen.

Advertisements

This Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze captures that nostalgic magic right on your stovetop without taking up precious oven space.

What Makes This Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze a Keeper for Years to Come

Advertisements
What Makes This Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze a Keeper for Years to Come

 

The addition of frozen orange juice concentrate adds a bright citrus note that balances the rich sweetness beautifully.

Cooking these slowly on the stove allows the Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze to become incredibly tender and flavorful.

You can easily make this dish ahead of time since the deep spice flavors actually improve after sitting for a day.

If you enjoyed this citrus-infused treat, you will love my Cozy Clementine Cake Recipe for dessert, and the Ultimate Rosemary Orange Spatchcock Chicken Recipe makes a fantastic main course pairing.

Gathering Your Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Ingredients

Advertisements
Gathering Your Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Ingredients

 

Here is what you need to prepare this comforting side dish:

  • Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich, creamy base for the syrup.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, slender potatoes that are easy to peel and slice.
  • Granulated White Sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps create the syrup.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: brings a deep molasses flavor that pairs well with the spices.
  • Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate: The secret ingredient for a zesty, bright flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warmth of the dish.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic autumn spice flavor.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth to the glaze.
  • Ground Ginger: Provides a tiny kick of heat to cut through the sugar.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Instructions

Advertisements
Step-by-Step Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Instructions

 

Let’s get cooking with this simple stovetop method:

  1. Begin by thoroughly scrubbing and peeling your sweet potatoes to remove all skin and blemishes. Slice them into uniform rounds that are approximately one-half inch thick to ensure they cook evenly.
  2. Place a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and combine the sliced sweet potatoes with the butter, both sugars, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and all the spices. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the potatoes are well coated in the mixture and the butter begins to melt into a bubbling syrup.
  3. Once the liquid is bubbling actively, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the yams to cook undisturbed for about 50 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
  4. Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to medium to encourage the liquid to boil gently. Let the sauce reduce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and carefully, until it thickens into a rich glaze that clings beautifully to the Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze.

My Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Secrets

Choose longer and thinner sweet potatoes because they are much easier to peel and slice into uniform rounds.

Do not skip the frozen orange juice concentrate in this Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze as it provides essential acidity.

I often add an extra splash of vanilla extract right at the end of cooking to really make the warm flavors pop.

Best Ways to Enjoy Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze

These sweet potatoes taste best when served warm so the buttery glaze stays silky and smooth.

You can spoon extra sauce over the Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze just before bringing them to the table for a beautiful presentation.

Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy recipe inspiration.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze

Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze Recipe


  • Author: Amelia Bryan
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tender sweet potatoes slow-cooked on the stovetop in a rich buttery syrup infused with warm spices and zesty orange.


Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 lbs fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick

Instructions

  1. Scrub and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine the sweet potato slices, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, orange juice concentrate, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla.
  3. Stir gently to coat the potatoes. Once the mixture is bubbling, cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 55 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  4. Uncover the pot and increase heat to medium. Let the liquid boil gently for about 12 minutes to reduce into a thick syrup, stirring occasionally to coat the yams.

Notes

For a thicker glaze, remove the yams with a slotted spoon after cooking and reduce the syrup on high heat for an extra 2-3 minutes before pouring back over.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Resting Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 5 min
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Candied Yams with Spiced Orange Glaze, stovetop sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, glazed yams

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating