How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes

How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe shows you how to oven-bake the best, old-fashioned, southern candied maple sweet potatoes on the planet!

Thanksgiving was fast approaching and, as I pondered that special family meal, it began to snow. It came in like a lamb and fell gracefully onto my grass that was still surprisingly green. I greeted this white wonder with open arms knowing that by February, I would be wishing it was gone.

What was Thanksgiving dinner going to look like this year? One of the first "must make" items that came to mind was candied sweet potatoes.

Unquestionably, this is the best candied sweet potato recipe around and I can almost guarantee it!

A holiday meal wouldn't be the same without these quick and easy candied sweet potatoes. Thanksgiving or not, this dish is such a family favorite, it's on the table often.

Baked candied sweet potatoes gives you the best of two worlds. Oven candied sweet potatoes not only make a delightful side, they also feel like you're eating dessert.  If dessert isn't part of dinner, it kind of feels like you had it anyway. You definitely won't feel deprived.

When I'm a bit down, the mere thought of making these quick and easy candied sweet potatoes cheers me up. Strange but true.

Old Fashioned Sweet Potatoes

Old fashioned sweet potatoes also brings back cheery memories of days gone by. Grandma first introduced me to these oven candied sweet potatoes and my mom and I carried on the tradition.

Even though it's a side to what is an already fabulous supper, candied sweet potatoes stand out because their taste is exceptional. Satisfies both the carb and sweet lover in you.

Baked Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

My husband and son readily agree. There's dispute here.

Maybe it's the maple syrup that makes southern candied sweet potatoes so unapologetically good.

When it comes to maple syrup, I can't say enough good things about it. Pure maple syrup is a powerhouse of fiber, beta carotene and contains vitamins and minerals.

The first Europeans who had the pleasure of sampling maple syrup were those on Christopher Columbus' expeditions in the 1400s.

During World War II, sugar was rationed in the northeastern part of the States and so housewives were encouraged to use maple syrup in their recipes instead.

There are a lot of imitations out there. Don't let them fool you for one second. Pure maple syrup is the only way to go. Especially when making these baked candied sweet potatoes.

That being said, if the taste of maple syrup doesn't grab you, molasses or brown sugar are great alternatives if you need them.

Ingredients for making Quick Easy Candied Sweet Potatoes

Make this quick and easy candied sweet potatoes recipe and sweet potatoes never looked so good! You're going to need about 3 pounds of them which roughly translates into 10 medium size.

• Vegetable oil
• Maple syrup
• Water
• Butter, unsalted
• Cornstarch
• Salt and pepper

Additional Flavors to Consider:

• All spice
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Pumpkin
• Chili flakes if you like a bit of heat
• Vanilla

Some of the spices mentioned have strong flavors, so use your judgment. Start with ½ to 1 or teaspoon depending on how much you love the spice.

If you're nuts about nuts, crown this dish with any of these, chopped, raw, toasted or roasted:

• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Cashews
• Pine nuts

Consider layering the top with streusel which consists of a crumbly flour, butter and sugar mixture.

How to make candied sweet potatoes

Make no bones about it, this is the best candied sweet potatoes recipe ever! This is what you need and how to make it.

• sweet potatoes
• vegetable oil
• salt and pepper
• maple syrup
• water
• unsalted butter
• cornstarch

Directions

1. Toss potatoes, oil, and salt together in bowl. Evenly space potatoes in a single layer on rimmed baking sheet.
2. Bake until potatoes are tender and a nice dark brown color on the bottom.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine water, maple syrup, butter, cornstarch, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook until thickened and reduced.
4. Place potatoes browned side up in a 13 by 9-inch baking pan, shingling or layering as necessary. Pour syrup mixture over potatoes and bake until bubbly around edges of pan.
5. Transfer pan to wire rack and allow to cool. Season with pepper to taste and serve.

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup

I have to mention this. My husband LOVES these potatoes so much darker than pictured. Almost burnt. He wants to make sure that you know that you need to try these sweet potatoes darker, at least once.

You see, I look at the pictures below and think they look too dark too to put on the website even though they taste amazing. I am always nervous that people won't try an incredible recipe just because the pictures look too well done for them.

If you have a moment, I would love to hear what you think. Are the candied sweet potatoes pictured below too dark to be appealing?

Now, while I am asking, please try the quick easy candied sweet potatoes recipe and let me know which way you prefer to eat these terrific sweet potatoes. Dark or not.

Candied Sweet Potatoes in Oven

There is just something about how these candied sweet potatoes with maple syrup taste that will have you making this recipe over and over again. Just like we do.

Every holiday. Especially when there is other family or friends around, this dish is always a huge hit. Amazing candied sweet potato recipes are definitely hard to find and when you do. You never let go of them.

I know you know what I mean.

This is an old fashioned candied sweet potatoes recipe made right inside your oven. You'll even love the way your house smells while these bake.

That sweet, maple, unmistakeable smell. I can almost smell them right now! 😉

This quick easy candied sweet potatoes recipe is a definite keeper.

How to Store Candied Sweet Potatoes

This baked candied sweet potatoes dish can be kept in the fridge up to one week if stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Candied Sweet Potatoes?

Place in a freezer safe container and wrap it with plastic wrap. Cover the entire container in tin foil. They can be stored for a week.

The day before, thaw in the fridge overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 25 minutes or so.

What to Serve with Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup?

Leftover Ideas

There are some really good recipes out there for leftover candied sweet potatoes. Here are a few thoughts:

• Sweet potato muffins topped with cooked crumbled bacon. Top with an egg and bake.
• Mash sweet potatoes in oatmeal
• Cut sweet potatoes in a your favorite salad and top with feta cheese, chopped nuts or chick peas.
• Sweet potato pancakes or waffles
• Sweet potato soup

There are countless ways of using these scrumptious candied sweet potatoes. They'll never go to waste. I can promise you that!

Pretty sure it will never come to leftovers. Oven baked candied sweet potatoes will be gobbled up so fast, you won't know what hit you.

Thanks for visiting. See you soon!

Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Ever - 2 ways

Easy Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Sheet Pan