Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Slow Cooker Candied Yams are more than just a side dish; they’re a delightful addition to any family gathering, especially during the holidays. Imagine tender yams glazed in a sweet, buttery sauce that makes your home smell like a warm hug. These yams have a glorious caramelized finish, with hints of cinnamon and molasses, making them a treat that everyone looks forward to. Each creamy bite transports you back to cherished moments spent with loved ones around the dinner table.

I first discovered this recipe during a Thanksgiving gathering at my aunt’s house. The aroma of slow-cooked sweet yams filled the air, and I found myself drawn to them. After one taste, I was hooked! The idea that I could recreate this magic in my own kitchen using a slow cooker was too tempting to resist. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s not just easy to make but also budget-friendly, ensuring that you can serve a crowd without breaking the bank. I invite you to experience the warm sweetness of these Slow Cooker Candied Yams yourself—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just a few minutes, and then the slow cooker does the rest!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and buttery goodness creates a mouthwatering taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant orange color of yams creates a beautiful presentation on your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as a comforting side dish any night of the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with alternatives for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 lbs. red garnet yams: These festive yams are sweeter and creamier than regular sweet potatoes. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with other varieties, but garnet yams are truly the star.
1 1/2 cups water: This helps create the perfect sauce consistency, ensuring that all your flavors meld beautifully.
2 Tbsp. cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully without clumping, giving you that luscious glaze.
1 tsp. ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that complements the sweetness of the yams.
1/4 tsp. ground cloves: This fragrant spice enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.
1/8 tsp. salt: This balances the sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
1/2 cup melted salted butter (1 stick): Butter infuses richness and a creamy texture into the yams. You can use unsalted if you prefer a bit more control over saltiness.
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth and rounds out the flavors.
1 Tbsp. molasses: This provides a unique, rich sweetness that elevates the candies yams from basic to extraordinary.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar (add at the end): The pièce de résistance, adding the ultimate sweetness and caramel notes that make these yams irresistible.

How to Make Slow Cooker Candied Yams

Prepare the Yams: Peel the yams and slice them into 1-inch rounds. They cook evenly this way and allow for maximum caramelization.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of water and cornstarch until fully combined. This is your thickening base.
Combine Ingredients: Add the yams to the slow cooker. Pour the water and cornstarch mixture over them. Then, add the melted butter, molasses, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Stir gently to combine, but don’t mash the yams.
Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. It’s essential not to lift the lid during this time, as it traps the steam and keeps everything cooking perfectly.
Finish with Brown Sugar: Once four hours have passed, open the lid and slowly stir in the 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Mix gently until all the yams are evenly coated in sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the brown sugar is well mixed in, serve your yams hot. They’re perfect on their own or as a side to traditional holiday dishes.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Slow Cooker Candied Yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place your yams in a saucepan on low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can refresh them with a little extra butter or water to restore their creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When peeling yams, a good peeler makes all the difference! Look for one that feels comfortable in your hand.
For a smoother texture, consider boiling the yams briefly before slicing them to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
If you’re short on time, it’s possible to prepare them the night before. Just combine everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
If you want extra caramelization, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking, giving a lovely glaze to the dish.
Don’t skip the molasses—it adds depth that brown sugar alone cannot achieve!
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; nutmeg or allspice also work wonderfully in this recipe.

One bite of these Slow Cooker Candied Yams will have you hooked! They’re as comforting as they are delicious. Experiment with them; toss in some chopped nuts for crunch or even toss in marshmallows for a fun twist on this classic dish. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this recipe as much as I do!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes in place of red garnet yams. While they may have a slightly different flavor and texture, they’ll still turn out delicious!

Can I prepare these yams ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can peel and slice the yams and mix everything in the slow cooker the night before. Just keep it in the fridge and then cook it the next day—super convenient!

What should I serve with candied yams?

These yams pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a nice grilled chicken. They’re also great alongside festive sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the butter for plant-based butter and the brown sugar for coconut sugar, ensuring that they’re both vegan-friendly options. It’ll still taste amazing!