Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe (2024)

If you have a sweet tooth and can’t stop craving something sweet, this recipe is for you!

Patti Labelle Candied Yams is a very popular dessert made of sweet potatoes.

Great desserts CAN be made of veggies, believe it or not.

But candied yams not only taste wonderful, they are an excellent and nutritious source of complex carbohydrates.

With only a handful of ingredients on hand, you can create a healthy sweet potato treat at home in less than 1 hour.

Follow along for the easiest step-by-step Patti Labelle Candied Yams recipe.

How to Make Patti Labelle Candied Yams

Pumpkin pie and candied yam dishes are always in demand during the holidays, especially if you prefer roasted sweet potato casserole.

The texture of the cooked yams gives a different texture which is hard to find in pumpkins.

However, there’s always a slight difference between the recipe where yams play the main role.

So, these candied yams will be a beautiful art presented by you to your family members.

They will be stunned.

If you’re as excited to get this party started, let’s go through the ingredients you’ll need for this savory dish.

Ingredients:

(10 servings)

  • 4 pounds of sweet potato
  • ½ cup of butter
  • 1 ¼ cups corn syrup
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • 2 tbsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup + 2 tsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe (1)

The oven-baked candied sweet potatoes can be prepared in a variety of different methods.

The core ingredients stay the same, but the spice and other flavors may see a change.

Nonetheless, this Patti Labelle candied yams recipe is not hard to makeat all.

It doesn’t require a tremendous amount of time to cook and serve.

However, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.

Try to find thinner and longer yams for this recipe as they are easier to cut in a uniform size.

Even sizing will get you even cooking. Keep that in mind.

Besides, keep an eye on the sugar-butter mixture so you don’t end up with a runny consistency.

It should form a syrup when mixed with yams and cover them completely.

This method ensures all yams will be equally tender and cooked.

Now let’s go through the process of cooking Patti Labelle candied sweet potatoes step by step.

Step 1:

Prepare the potatoes by washing them and setting them to boil.

Put sweet potatoes in a large pot without overcrowding and fill the pot with water.

Potatoes should be fully covered. Then cook until tender.

Your potatoes should be tender enough, but not mushy. They should keep their shape.

Step 2:

Prepare the baking dish.

While the potatoes are boiling you can prepare the candied sauce.

Melt the butter on low heat and add a cup of brown sugar.

Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves in the butter completely.

The result should be a thick paste.

Step 3:

Add the remaining ingredients: nutmeg, salt, honey, vanilla, light corn syrup, and cinnamon powder.

Continue stirring until you get a smooth texture with a medium-like consistency.

You should make enough candied sauce to coat the yams evenly.

Step 4:

Get back to the sweet potatoes. Remove them from heat and drain the excess water.

Alternatively, scoop them from the pot with a spoon.

Let the potatoes cool down in a bowl filled with cold water. It should take around 10-15 minutes.

In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350𐩑F.

Step 5:

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch thick circular shapes.

Or cut them in the size you prefer.

But remember that thinner sizes will absorb more sauce.

Transfer the cup of potatoes onto the baking sheet and top with the candied sauce.

Then sprinkle 2 garnishing tablespoons of brown sugar onto the potatoes.

Step 6:

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for around 45-60 minutes.

Monitor the progress every 10-15 minutes and give the potato mixture a mix for even cooking.

Continue baking until the candied yams are ready.

Step 7:

Remove the potatoes from the oven once ready and allow them to sit for a while.

Then drizzle some caramel sauce on top and serve!

Ingredient Substitution

Patti Labelle’s candied sweet potato recipe is very flexible if you want to twist the ingredients.

You can add something different to the existing basic elements or use an interesting alternative.

Don’t be afraid to experiment as long as you’re satisfied with the final result.

Maple syrup

Although maple syrup has a specific flavor and a bit thinner consistency, you can still use it instead of corn syrup for this candied potatoes recipe.

Just keep in mind that maple syrup has a quite strong earthy flavor.

You don’t want the recipe to be overwhelmed with a maple component.

Alternatively, you can simply increase the amount of honey, leaving the corn syrup out altogether.

Mace

Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe (2)

Did you know that nutmeg and mace are related?

Mace is the outer layer of the nutmeg seeds.

That’s why mace is the best option when you’re looking for a replacement for nutmeg.

They both offer a warm and sweet flavor and can be used in equal parts.

So substitute nutmeg with mace in a 1:1 ratio.

What to Serve with Patti Labelle Candied Yams

When it comes to hosting a family gathering on holidays we always break our hands over what to serve.

But fear not as this Patti Labelle Candied Yams will work great with anything: chicken, beef, fish, and veggies.

Bring everything you’ve got for the party, and these candied potatoes will complement all dishes on your menu.

Green beans casserole

Green beans casserole is a perfect side dish to serve as part of a meal inspired by the “soul food” traditions.

All you need is fresh beans and a handful of other ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Thick and creamy green beans casserole is typically served on Thanksgiving dinner.

But it will steal the spotlight on any family gathering.

Add Candies and yams on the side and you’re bound to wow your guests.

Meatloaf

You can never go wrong with a classic meatloaf on a holiday. It is super quick, easy and so delicious.

Don’t be intimidated by cooking it. Meatloaf just pretends to be fancy.

It’s just ground beef with all of your favorite seasonings.

And it has so much room for experimenting.

Hide some secret ingredients inside, spice things up with a hot sauce or go for a classic.

We’ve got just the meatloaf recipe you need to pair with the savory candied yams.

How to Store Patti Labelle Candied Yams

We doubt you’ll have any candied yams left once you serve them.

But in case you have some left, you need to store them properly.

Luckily, yams store pretty well.

Store Patti Labelle Candied Yams in the Fridge

When storing leftover candies and yams in the fridge, the best material to use is plastic.

So ideally you should use a plastic airtight container. But freezer bags work too.

Once the candied yams cool, you can transfer them into a container and keep them in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

If you see any signs of deterioration throw the yams away.

Store Patti Labelle Candied Yams in the Freezer

If you want to keep your Patti Labelle candied yams for longer than 5 days store them in the freezer.

Storing cooked yams in the freezer is a little different than storing them in the fridge.

You should wrap them in aluminum foil first.

Note: you can sprinkle your yams with a little lemon juice to prevent deterioration while in the freezer.

Then place your wrapped candied yams in the heavy-duty freezer bag and store them in the freezer for about 12 months.

Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe (3)

Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe

Patti Labelle candied yams are a perfect dessert for your next family get-together. Sweet, savory, and quite filling. You need just a handful of ingredients and under 1 hour of your time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Cooking pot

  • baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs Sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup Butter
  • 1 1/4 cups Corn syrup
  • 2 tbsp Vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
  • 1 cup + 2 tsp Light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

  • Prepare the potatoes by washing them and setting them to boil.

    Put sweet potatoes in a large pot without overcrowding and fill the pot with water.

  • Prepare the baking dish.

    Melt the butter on low heat and add a cup of brown sugar.

  • Add the remaining ingredients: nutmeg, salt, honey, vanilla, light corn syrup, and cinnamon powder.

    Continue stirring until you get a smooth texture with a medium-like consistency.

  • Get back to the sweet potatoes. Remove them from heat and drain the access water.

    Let the potatoes cool down in a bowl filled with cold water. It should take around 10-15 minutes.

    In the meantime, preheat the oven to 350𐩑F.

  • Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch thick circular shapes.

    Transfer the cup of potatoes onto the baking sheet and top with the candied sauce.

    Then sprinkle 2 garnishing tablespoons of brown sugar onto the potatoes.

  • Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for around 45-60 minutes.

    Monitor the progress every 10-15 minutes and give the potato mixture a mix for even cooking.

  • Remove the potatoes from the oven once ready and allow them to sit for a while.

    Then drizzle some caramel sauce on top and serve!

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 112gProtein: 5gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 628mgPotassium: 863mgFiber: 8gSugar: 74gVitamin A: 32905IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 4mg

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Patti Labelle Candied Yams Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied yams and candied sweet potatoes? ›

Yams and sweet potatoes differ in flavor and appearance, and they are not related. Sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family, while yams belong to the lily family. Yams aren't as sweet as sweet potatoes, and they are starchier and drier. Their texture and flavor are more similar to potatoes or yuca.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

Why are my candied sweet potatoes watery? ›

Drain the syrup: This is a key move so your candied yams don't turn out runny due to too much liquid in the baking dish. Place the drained yams into a medium baking dish. Dice the butter: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the yams.

What is the difference between sweet potatoes and sweet jewel yams? ›

They grow above ground and are longer, starchier and not nearly as sweet as sweet potatoes. Despite these significant differences, many grocery stores continue to market orange sweet potatoes as yams. So if you see "yams" in a U.S. market, they're likely just orange sweet potatoes like Beauregards, Jewels or Garnets.

Which is better for baking sweet potatoes or yams? ›

If you're able to find true yams in your supermarket, they can be prepared just like your favorite potato recipes—boiled, roasted, baked, or fried. But if sweet, candied recipes are what you're after, you probably want to stick to using sweet potatoes.

Which is healthier yams or sweet potatoes? ›

Although both veggies are very close in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and magnesium, sweet potatoes are the healthier option because they are lower in overall calories, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in beta carotene (vitamin A).

Should sweet potatoes be soaked in water before baking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

How long to soak sweet potatoes in water before cooking? ›

Give them a cold water bath: Once your fries are chopped, toss them into a large bowl. Then cover the fries completely with cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This will help to rinse off the excess starch and help the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Is it OK to soak sweet potatoes in water overnight? ›

Types of Potatoes to Soak

"Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours."

Why are my candied yams hard? ›

If you are starting out with fresh, uncooked yams/sweet potatoes, your syrup may be hardening because you are leaving the dish in the oven too long a time, in order for the yams to get done.

What is the juice coming out of my sweet potato? ›

The ooze is actually referred to as "sap." It is made up of sugar and starch combined with the moisture found in the vegetable, and it escapes out of the damage made from the knife. The sap really equals the sweetness. If it's pouring out of your potato, that means it's a sweet and delicious vegetable.

Which sweet potato is the healthiest? ›

Sweet Potatoes and Health

Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are richest in beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes with purple flesh are richer in anthocyanins. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant “phyto” chemicals that give vegetables their bright colors.

Are canned yams actually sweet potatoes? ›

No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. Yams have rough, dark brown skin that is often compared to tree bark, and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked), and a sweet flavor.

Are sweet potatoes good for diabetics? ›

Sweet potatoes are known to be high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, which results in a less immediate impact on blood glucose levels. This can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check. Sweet potatoes can be: Baked or microwaved.

Why are they called candied yams if they are sweet potatoes? ›

In the 1930s, a new orange version was cultivated, and to differentiate it from the white sweet potatoes, farmers borrowed the slang phrase "yams" that slaves from West Africa had used to describe them. Sweet potatoes reminded them of an African vegetable called nyami (watch Alton Brown's segment on this here).

Do yams and sweet potatoes taste the same? ›

Sweet potatoes tend to have a more tapered shape and may be firm or soft with thinner skin. Generally, sweet potatoes taste sweeter than yams. You will more readily encounter sweet potatoes during your regular grocery run, but if you spot a yam, which may be labeled "sweet potato," you'll know the truth.

Why are yams not called sweet potatoes? ›

True yams are part of an entirely different genus (Dioscorea; sweet potatoes belong to Ipomoea in the morning glory family) and are more akin to yuca in texture and flavor. Yams are commonly used in Caribbean and West African cooking and can grow as long and thick as an adult arm.

Can you tell me the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? ›

Yams are starchy and have a rough, brown exterior. They can grow up to 45 feet long and are eaten in parts of Latin America, West Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. Sweet potatoes are a New World root vegetable and have a softer, reddish skin and a creamier, often darker interior.

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