If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent, let me introduce you to the ultimate holiday favorite: the Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Nuts Recipe. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a luscious treat with a caramel-like sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth, while crunchy nuts add a delightful texture contrast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and a perfect side to elevate any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together these candied sweet potatoes is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the beautiful harmony of flavors, textures, and inviting amber colors that make this dish so memorable.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, their natural sweetness and soft texture form the perfect foundation.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create that velvety syrupy coating.
- Brown sugar: Deep molasses notes that enhance the warmth of the dish and contribute to its sticky glaze.
- Granulated sugar: Provides extra sweetness and crispness once baked.
- Maple syrup (or honey): Brings a natural, earthy sweetness and a touch of complexity to the glaze.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds that irresistible hint of warmth and holiday cheer.
- Nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness while enhancing the flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the syrup with a delicate fragrance and richness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender potatoes.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your sweet potatoes are coated and nestled inside. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to add a little extra richness to the base of your dish.
Step 2: Make the luscious candied sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter gently over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let this magical mix simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly to a luscious consistency—sweet, sticky, and fragrant. Just before removing it from heat, stir in the vanilla extract for that final warm note.
Step 3: Arrange the sweet potatoes
Lay those peeled and sliced rounds of sweet potato evenly in your prepared baking dish. The even layer ensures every slice gets a perfect coating of that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Coat and sprinkle
Pour your warm, fragrant sauce over the sweet potatoes, making sure every piece gets bathed in that caramel goodness. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle your choice of chopped pecans or walnuts right on top for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the potatoes soften gently in that syrup. After the initial bake, remove the foil and give everything a gentle stir so the sauce can coat evenly. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce bubbles enticingly around the edges.
Step 6: Let it rest
Allow the candied sweet potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief pause lets the sauce set slightly, making every bite perfectly sticky and satisfying.
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up your presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of cinnamon on top. A few whole pecans scattered over the potatoes can add a rustic, inviting look that also offers extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roast chicken. Alongside green beans, cranberry sauce, or a crisp salad, these candied sweet potatoes bring a sweet and savory balance that makes any meal feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the candied sweet potatoes in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra nuts and a delicate drizzle of warmed maple syrup. You can also layer them in a clear baking dish for a casual family-style meal, showing off the syrupy layers and nutty topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying the next day or as a ready-to-go side during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze these candied sweet potatoes by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious. For best results, consume frozen leftovers within 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and keeps that glaze beautiful and sticky. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use regular white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
The magic of this recipe comes from the natural sweetness and soft texture of sweet potatoes, which white potatoes just can’t duplicate. For best results, stick with sweet potatoes for that perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts are ideal because their buttery, slightly sweet flavor complements the syrupy glaze wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with almonds or pistachios if you prefer a different crunch.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. The texture and flavor remain just as delightful with these substitutions.
How do I make the candied sweet potatoes less sweet?
You can reduce the brown and granulated sugar quantities slightly or opt for just maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Adjusting the amount of syrup and sugar allows you to tailor sweetness to your preference.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the sweet potatoes and sauce, then refrigerate the dish covered overnight. Bake it the next day, just adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the chilled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Nuts Recipe is a total game-changer for elevating any meal with its syrupy sweetness and delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, it’s bound to become one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Trust me, once you try it, this side dish will have a permanent home on your recipe list!
Print
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes offers a deliciously sweet and spiced side dish perfect for holiday meals or any comforting dinner. Sweet potato rounds are coated in a rich, buttery glaze made with brown and granulated sugars, maple syrup or honey, and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with optional crunchy pecans or walnuts, these candied sweet potatoes are baked until tender and caramelized to perfection.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and sliced sweet potato rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out to allow even cooking and coating.
- Coat with Glaze and Add Nuts: Pour the warm spiced glaze over the sweet potato slices, making sure all pieces are well coated. If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to soften the sweet potatoes and allow the glaze to seep in.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, gently stir the sweet potatoes to mix the glaze and nuts, then bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Let the candied sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set slightly for an ideal texture.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunchy contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste preference.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
