Candied Yams in a Can: How to Make Them Delicious!

Candied yams are a popular American dish that has been around for generations. They are especially loved during holiday meals and family gatherings. The dish is made by boiling sweet potatoes until they are tender, then drenching them in a sweet syrup made of brown sugar, butter, and spices. The end result is a delicious, sweet, and buttery dish that is perfect for any occasion.

If you enjoy this delectable dish and want to make it yourself, you are in luck. Canned candied yams are now available in most grocery stores and are very easy to prepare. All you need to do is open the can, heat it up, and add any additional flavors that you prefer. In this article, we will show you how to make canned candied yams in a few simple steps, so you can enjoy this sweet treat in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients for making Candied Yams

Candied yams are a classic Thanksgiving dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This sweet and savory side dish is easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Before we dive into the recipe, let’s start by making sure we have all the necessary ingredients.

Yams or Sweet Potatoes

You’ll need 3-4 large yams or sweet potatoes. It’s important to use fresh produce for the best results. Choose yams that are firm and have smooth skin.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is what gives candied yams their sweet and caramelized flavor. Use 1 cup of packed brown sugar for this recipe.

Butter

Butter adds richness and helps to create a creamy texture. You’ll need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a key ingredient in this dish, providing a warm and cozy flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another warm spice that complements the sweet flavor of the yams. Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the dish. Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

Orange Juice

Orange juice adds a bright and citrusy flavor that pairs well with the sweet yams. Use 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Orange Zest

Orange zest is the outermost layer of the orange peel and is packed with flavor. Use 1 tablespoon of finely grated orange zest.

Pecans (Optional)

If you want to add some texture and nuttiness to the dish, pecans are a great addition. Use 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.

Now that we have all of our ingredients, let’s get started on making some delicious candied yams!

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Making canned candied yams is a relatively simple process that requires few ingredients and minimal equipment. Before embarking on this culinary endeavor, gather the following supplies:

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium-sized yams
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup water

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish or casserole dish
• Foil or plastic wrap

Preparing the Yams

The first step in making canned candied yams is to prepare the yams. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and Peel the Yams

Start by washing your yams under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Once the yams are clean, take a peeler and remove the skin, making sure to remove any brown spots or blemishes.

Step 2: Cut the Yams into Chunks

Once the yams are peeled, cut them into bite-sized chunks. Make sure that the pieces are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.

Cooking the Yams

After you’ve prepared the yams, it’s time to cook them. Follow these steps to make sure your candied yams turn out sweet and delicious:

Step 1: Boil the Yams

Place your yam chunks in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the yams cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft and tender.

Step 2: Drain and Cool the Yams

Once the yams are done cooking, use a colander to drain them and let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a baking dish.

Making the Candied Sauce

The next step in making canned candied yams is to make the sweet, syrupy sauce that gives them their signature flavor and texture. Follow these instructions to make the perfect candied sauce for your yams:

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In the same pot or Dutch oven that you used to boil the yams, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar and Spices

Once the butter has melted, add 2 cups of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Stir the ingredients together until they form a thick, syrupy sauce.

Step 3: Add the Water

Gradually pour in 1/4 cup of water, stirring constantly to make sure the sauce stays smooth and well-combined.

Bringing It All Together

Now that you’ve cooked your yams and made your sauce, it’s time to combine the two and create the perfect canned candied yams. Here are the final steps:

Step 1: Add the Yams to the Sauce

Pour the cooled, drained yams into the pot or Dutch oven with the candied sauce, making sure that all of the yams get coated evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Yams

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the pot or Dutch oven with foil or plastic wrap and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the yams are fully cooked and the sauce has caramelized.

Step 3: Let the Yams Cool

Once the yams are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the candied yams to a serving dish and dig in! These delicious, sweet yams make the perfect side dish for holiday meals or any time you’re in the mood for something indulgent. Enjoy!

Ingredients You Will Need to Make Canned Candied Yams

To make canned candied yams, you need a few ingredients that are easily found in any grocery store. The following are the essential ingredients you need to make this recipe:

Let’s dive into the process of making canned candied yams using these ingredients.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Get your canned sweet potatoes or yams and drain the syrup completely. Empty the contents of the cans into a baking dish and use a fork to mash them lightly. Make sure all large chunks of sweet potatoes are broken down.

2. Melt the Butter

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt your 1/2 cup of butter. You don’t want your butter to be too hot; you just need it softened. Once melted, add 1 cup of brown sugar into the saucepan and mix well. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Add Your Spices

Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mixture in the saucepan. Mix all the ingredients together, and continue stirring over low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour the Mixture Over the Yams

Take the saucepan off the heat and pour the mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly around all of the yams.

5. Add the Marshmallows (Optional)

If you enjoy having marshmallows in your canned candied yams, sprinkle about 1 cup of miniature marshmallows on top of the mixture spread over the yams.

Conclusion

There you have it! You now know the essential ingredients you need and the steps to make delicious canned candied yams. This recipe is perfect for any holiday or gathering and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out for you!

Enjoy Your Homemade Candied Yams in a Can

Thanks for taking the time to read this article! Making your own candied yams in a can may seem like a daunting task, but it’s much easier than you think. All you need is some patience, a few ingredients, and some canning jars. Once you try this recipe, you won’t want to go back to store-bought canned yams again. Don’t forget to share your homemade yams with your friends and family. Thanks for visiting and come back soon for more easy and delicious recipes!