If you are looking for a comforting, sweet, and buttery side dish to brighten up any meal or holiday spread, this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a total winner. Imagine tender sweet potato slices bathed in a luscious caramel-like sauce that’s infused with warm spices and a hint of vanilla. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but the rich syrupy coating and the cozy spice blend make every bite absolutely irresistible. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, delivering a dish that feels like a big loving hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six peeled sweet potatoes stacked in two vertical rows on a white marbled surface on the left side, their smooth orange skin visible with natural texture and pointed ends. On the right side, there is a close-up of a silver pot containing several brown sugars forming uneven piles with light and dark tan shades, a square of pale yellow butter sitting on top, and a drizzle of golden syrup over the butter. A sprig of fresh green rosemary lies beside the pot on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, familiar, and essential for creating that perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness with a delightful hint of warmth from the spices. Each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and making those sweet potatoes shine.

5–6 medium sweet potatoes (3–4 lbs): The star of the dish, they provide natural sweetness and creamy texture when baked.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the luscious sauce.
1 Tablespoon (15ml) water: Helps to gently thin the sauce while cooking and prevents it from burning.
1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup: Brings depth and a natural sweet complexity beyond just sugar.
1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor for a caramelized finish.
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and a touch of spice.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle earthy depth that complements the other spices beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Lends just enough zing to brighten the flavors.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the sauce with a lovely fragrant note.
Optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus brightness to cut through the sweetness if you want to get fancy.
Optional for garnish: chopped fresh or dried rosemary, flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a herbal contrast and a bit of texture.

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they cook evenly and soak up that delicious sauce. Place all the slices into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the salt over them and toss gently. Using nonstick spray to grease the dish is a quick and effective way to keep the potatoes from sticking without adding extra butter or oil.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready at 375°F (191°C). Having it preheated early allows the dish to go straight into an evenly heated environment, which is key for the sweet potatoes to bake perfectly tender and caramelized right through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Cut your stick of butter in half for easier melting, then combine the butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium saucepan. Melt everything together over medium heat, stirring until fully combined. Once the butter melts, stop stirring and let the sauce gently boil for about 2 minutes; this step thickens it up beautifully. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and optional orange zest to boost the flavor profile.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Pour your luscious sauce over the sweet potatoes and toss everything gently so each slice is coated with that magical glaze. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, but be sure to stop every 20 minutes to stir and redistribute the sauce so the potatoes cook evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning while ensuring the potatoes soften thoroughly.

Step 5: Finish and Rest

Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with your optional rosemary and flaky sea salt if you’re aiming for a savory contrast. Let the dish cool uncovered for about 10 minutes; this pause allows the sauce to thicken up from a thin syrup into that perfect sticky glaze you expect from a great Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe.

How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

The image shows several thick round slices of sweet potatoes covered in a shiny, sticky brown sauce, filling the frame closely. Each slice has a smooth texture and is coated evenly with the sauce, which has small bubbles and specks of spices scattered on it. Thin green sprigs of rosemary are placed among the sweet potato slices, adding a touch of color and contrast. A silver spoon holds two slices, one on top of the other, with a small bite taken from the top slice, highlighting the soft inside of the sweet potato. The background is a white marbled surface, and the overall lighting highlights the glossiness and richness of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh or dried rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note that pairs amazingly with the sweet and buttery flavors. Flaky sea salt adds a little crunch and balances the sweetness, making each bite utterly delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with savory mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. Its sweetness complements savory flavors perfectly, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try topping the candied sweet potatoes with lightly toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra flavor. You can also spoon some of the thickened sauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that still highlights the heart of this classic Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator where they will keep nicely for up to one week. The sauce thickens as it cools but easily softens again when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze candied sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, ideally dividing into portions for easy thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat candied sweet potatoes is to microwave individual servings until warmed through. The sauce will loosen and become glossy again. Alternatively, warm them gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh sweet potatoes are best for texture and flavor in this recipe. Canned sweet potatoes tend to be softer and might turn mushy when baked, so they are not recommended.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly.

How spicy is this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe?

It’s mildly spiced with warm, cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – perfect if you enjoy a subtle hint of spice without any heat.

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! You can slice the sweet potatoes and even prepare the sauce a day ahead, then assemble and bake when you are ready.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or even light corn syrup, but the distinctive maple flavor adds a wonderful depth, so it’s worth using if possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making this Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe, whether it’s a special holiday or a cozy family dinner. It’s simple, nostalgic, and wildly delicious—each bite bursting with buttery sweetness and warm spices that feel like a little celebration on your plate. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a treasured go-to dish for years to come. Give it a whirl and watch the smiles all around your table grow!