There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from a classic Southern side dish, especially when it involves sweet potatoes or candied yams. These beloved roots, simmered slowly with a rich blend of butter, sugars, and aromatic spices, transform into a glossy, tender masterpiece that graces holiday tables and family gatherings alike. Growing up, I cherished watching this magical process unfold, as humble sweet potatoes became an irresistible, comforting delicacy.
Now, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker, achieving that same deep flavor and tender texture is easier than ever. The Crockpot takes away the need for constant supervision, freeing up your oven (a precious commodity during the holidays!) while still delivering that mouthwatering, slow-cooked goodness. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for those bustling festive seasons when every minute counts.
My Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe has been a long-standing favorite, and I’m thrilled to share this equally delicious slow cooker version. This particular recipe focuses on a rich, buttery glaze without marshmallows, though many enjoy them in my Sweet Potato Casserole. Feel free to add a topping of toasted marshmallows during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra touch of sweetness and gooey texture if you prefer!
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Southern Comfort in a Crockpot: The Allure of Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes, often affectionately referred to as candied yams, are a staple in Southern cuisine, particularly during the autumn and winter holidays. This dish embodies comfort, tradition, and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves a lasting impression. The beauty of preparing them in a slow cooker lies in its ability to tenderize the sweet potatoes and allow them to absorb all the rich, buttery, spiced syrup without needing constant attention. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts or anyone looking to enjoy this classic dish with minimal fuss.
The slow cooking process ensures that each slice of sweet potato is thoroughly infused with the sweet glaze, becoming incredibly soft and flavorful. The result is a vibrant, aromatic side dish that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing, with a beautiful glossy finish that truly sparkles on your table. Whether you’re planning a lavish Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or simply craving a taste of Southern hospitality, these slow cooker candied sweet potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Irresistible Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
Creating the perfect slow cooker candied sweet potatoes starts with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and achieving that signature tender, glossy finish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of our dish! Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. We’ll discuss varieties and preparation in more detail.
- Unsalted Butter: This provides richness and helps create that luxurious, smooth glaze. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Brown Sugar & White Sugar (or Sweetener): A combination of both sugars creates a complex sweetness and a deeper caramel flavor. Brown sugar adds a molasses note, while white sugar ensures a bright sweetness. Feel free to adjust the ratios or use your preferred sugar substitutes to match your desired sweetness level.
- Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These aromatic spices are the heart of Southern candied sweet potatoes, adding warmth, depth, and an irresistible fragrance. Ground cinnamon is classic, nutmeg offers a sweet, earthy note, and cloves bring a subtle, pungent warmth.
- Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient for thickening the glaze. It helps create that beautiful, clingy syrup that coats every piece of sweet potato. We’ll use it to create a slurry.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors, adding a comforting, familiar aroma. Always opt for pure vanilla over imitation for the best taste.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and bring out the full spectrum of flavors, preventing the dish from being overly saccharine.
- Water: Used in combination with cornstarch to form a slurry, which is then added to the sweet potatoes to help form the thick glaze.
Mastering the Slice: How to Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
The way you slice your sweet potatoes can impact both their cooking time and final texture. Before you begin slicing, ensure your sweet potatoes are thoroughly scrubbed clean and peeled. Peeling is crucial for candied sweet potatoes as it allows the glaze to fully penetrate and tenderize the flesh.
Here are a few popular slicing methods, allowing you to choose the shape that best suits your preference:
- Rounds: This is a classic and highly recommended method. Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, about half an inch to one inch thick. This thickness ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape well while absorbing the delicious glaze. For perfectly consistent slices, a mandolin slicer can be incredibly helpful and save you time.
- Bite-Sized Chunks/Cubes: If you prefer smaller, fork-friendly pieces, cut your sweet potatoes into one-inch cubes. This method allows for maximum surface area to absorb the glaze, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
- Large Ovals: For a more rustic presentation, you can cut larger sweet potatoes lengthwise into thick ovals or even half-moons. Just ensure they are of similar size to promote even cooking.
Regardless of the shape you choose, consistency is key to prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others are still firm. Aim for uniformity in thickness and size for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Southern Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
Achieving perfectly candied sweet potatoes in your slow cooker is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and the minimal effort required. While detailed measurements and full instructions are provided in the recipe card below, here’s a simplified overview to guide you:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing, peeling, and then slicing your sweet potatoes into your desired uniform shapes – typically thick rounds or cubes. Place these prepared sweet potatoes directly into your slow cooker.
- Craft the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, both brown and white sugars (or sweeteners), the medley of warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce. This step is vital for ensuring all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Thickening Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms. This mixture will be added to the sauce to help it thicken into that luscious, glossy glaze.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker. Gently toss the sweet potatoes to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the rich, sweet mixture. This ensures consistent flavor and prevents any dry spots.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook the sweet potatoes on a low setting for 6-8 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the sweet potatoes to become fork-tender and beautifully coated in a thick, candied sauce. Remember to give them a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and glaze distribution.
- Serve with Care: Once cooked, give the sweet potatoes another gentle stir to re-coat them with the now-thickened, glossy sauce before serving. Allow them to cool slightly, as the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools, reaching its ideal consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired before presenting this delightful side dish.
For a visual guide, you can find step-by-step videos on how to make this recipe on Youtube and Tiktok.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
By Brandi Crawford
In the South, candied sweet potatoes (or yams!) are a cherished tradition. I grew up watching them lovingly simmered with butter, sugar, and warm spices until they became irresistibly glossy and tender. The slow cooker simplifies this process, allowing you to achieve all that deep flavor and comforting texture without hovering over the stove. It’s my go-to method, especially during the busy holiday season when oven space is always at a premium!
15 mins
4 hrs
4 hrs 15 mins
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Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Mandolin Slicer (optional, for even slices)
Detailed Ingredients List
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (washed, peeled, and sliced/cubed. Approximately 2 large sweet potatoes. Weigh for accuracy.)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dark brown sugar or sweetener
- ¾ cup white sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (not imitation)
Cooking Instructions
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds or cubes, about ½ to 1 inch thick. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking. Place them directly into the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the water and cornstarch. Whisk until a smooth slurry forms, ensuring no lumps remain.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, salt, dark brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the sugar and spice mixture, whisking until thoroughly incorporated.
- Pour the entire sauce mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker. Gently toss the sweet potatoes to ensure every piece is coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours. Stir the sweet potatoes gently halfway through the cooking process. Since this recipe uses minimal water to create a thick glaze, stirring is important to prevent the bottom layers from cooking faster or sticking.
- Once cooked, allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before serving. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste the glaze and sweet potatoes, adding more sugar/sweetener or spices if needed to suit your taste preference.
Pro Tips and Notes
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you’re new to making candied sweet potatoes or have a particular sweetness preference, start with half the recommended sugar amounts. You can gradually add more to the sauce during the cooking process until it perfectly suits your palate.
- Spice Customization: The spice blend is flexible! Feel free to omit any spices you don’t prefer or add others like ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Slow cookers vary in their heating capabilities. Keep a close eye on your sweet potatoes, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy. They should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.
- Thickening the Glaze: If, after cooking and cooling slightly, your sauce is thinner than desired, you can easily thicken it. Transfer the sauce from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk ½ tablespoon of cornstarch with ½ tablespoon of water to create an additional slurry. Gradually whisk this into the simmering sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly, until it reaches your preferred consistency. Repeat if needed.
- Adding Marshmallows: For a classic sweet potato casserole feel, consider adding a layer of mini marshmallows to the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If your slow cooker lid allows, you can broil them briefly in the oven for a golden-brown, toasted finish.
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 209 kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 19g
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for any given recipe, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes
Preventing mushy sweet potatoes is crucial for a delicious outcome. Here are some key tips:
- Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: This is perhaps the most important tip. Slice or cube your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures that all pieces cook at roughly the same rate, preventing smaller bits from overcooking and turning to mush while larger ones are still firm.
- Avoid Overcooking: Sweet potatoes become tender relatively quickly. Start checking for tenderness before the full cooking time is up. Once they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, they are done. Cooking them for too long will cause them to break down and lose their structural integrity.
- Layer Properly: Arrange the sweet potatoes in an even layer in your slow cooker without overcrowding. Too much overlapping can create excess steam, leading to a mushier texture. If you have a very large batch, consider cooking in two smaller batches or using a larger slow cooker.
- Cook on Low Heat: Whenever possible, opt for the “low” setting on your slow cooker. This allows the sweet potatoes to cook more gently and slowly, resulting in a more even texture and preventing them from becoming too soft too quickly. The longer, slower cooking also allows flavors to meld beautifully.
The recipe incorporates a cornstarch slurry from the start, which is your primary thickening agent. You combine cornstarch with water before adding it to the sweet potatoes and other sauce ingredients. This helps create a beautifully thick, glossy glaze as it cooks.
If, however, your glaze is still too thin after the sweet potatoes are cooked, you can easily thicken it further:
- Transfer to Stovetop: Carefully transfer the glaze from the slow cooker to a small saucepan.
- Create More Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together ½ tablespoon of cornstarch with ½ tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
- Simmer and Thicken: Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering glaze. Stir constantly until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Be patient, as it may take a few minutes. Repeat with additional slurry if needed, but add sparingly to avoid an overly thick or gummy sauce.
Cooking times can vary depending on your specific slow cooker model, the size and thickness of your sweet potato slices, and your desired tenderness. Generally, plan for these approximate times:
- On High: Sweet potatoes typically take 3-4 hours to cook until tender.
- On Low: For a slower, more even cook, allow 6-8 hours.
It’s always recommended to check for tenderness before the maximum suggested time, especially if your slow cooker tends to run hot. You want the sweet potatoes to be easily pierced with a fork but still largely intact.
Yes, candied sweet potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish, which adds to their appeal for holiday meals. Once prepared and cooled, the dish will last for 3-4 days when properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and meld even further overnight, making them arguably even better the next day!
Reheating candied sweet potatoes is simple and can be done using a few methods:
- In the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sweet potatoes back into your slow cooker. Set it to the “Warm” or “Low” setting. Reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and to redistribute the glaze. This is ideal for keeping them warm for serving.
- In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Stir halfway through for even heating.
- On the Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or butter if the glaze seems too thick.
- In the Microwave: For individual servings, microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your preference.
Candied sweet potatoes freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prepping or extending their shelf life. Here’s how to freeze them effectively:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the sweet potatoes are completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Portioning: Divide the sweet potatoes into individual or family-sized portions for easier thawing and reheating.
- Packaging: Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Storage Time: They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using any of the methods above.
This is a common point of confusion, especially in the US! In most American grocery stores, what are labeled as “yams” are actually varieties of sweet potatoes. The terms are often used interchangeably, particularly in the South, which is why you’ll frequently hear this recipe referred to as “candied yams.”
True yams are botanically distinct. They are starchy, drier root vegetables with a rough, brown, bark-like skin and a white or purple flesh. They are primarily grown in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean and are rarely found in typical US supermarkets. If you encounter them, they would likely be in international markets.
The sweet potatoes we commonly eat in the US (with orange flesh and smooth skin) are scientifically Ipomoea batatas. The confusion began years ago when producers started labeling orange-fleshed sweet potatoes as “yams” to distinguish them from paler-fleshed varieties. Since this is a Southern recipe rooted in tradition, the name “candied yams” stuck, even though we’re almost always using sweet potatoes.
You can read more about The Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes for a deeper dive.
While this recipe is designed for fresh sweet potatoes, you can adapt it for canned sweet potatoes for a quicker preparation. If using canned, drain them thoroughly and rinse off any syrup. Reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe, as canned sweet potatoes are often already quite sweet. Adjust cooking time significantly; they will only need to heat through and absorb the glaze, likely 1-2 hours on low, just until warmed and coated.
Any standard 6-quart or larger slow cooker will work beautifully for this recipe. If you have a larger family or are cooking for a crowd, an 8-quart slow cooker might be preferable to accommodate more sweet potatoes without overcrowding. Ensure your slow cooker has a tight-fitting lid to retain moisture and heat for optimal cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These slow cooker candied sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide array of meals, particularly during the holiday season. They are a natural fit alongside:
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: The sweet and savory contrast is divine.
- Baked Ham: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Pork Loin: The rich glaze balances perfectly with pork.
- Collard Greens: A traditional Southern feast isn’t complete without this duo.
- Cornbread: A piece of cornbread dipped in the sweet glaze is pure bliss.
Don’t limit them to holidays; they make a fantastic side for any Sunday dinner or special occasion. Beyond the classic recipe, consider these delicious variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in toasted pecans or walnuts during the last hour of cooking, or sprinkle them on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Brightness: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce for a bright, tangy note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Ginger Twist: A quarter teaspoon of ground ginger can add an extra layer of warmth and a subtle zing.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a hint of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be a surprisingly delightful addition, enhancing the other spices without making the dish overtly spicy.
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
If you love the ease and delicious results of slow cooking, you’ll want to explore these other fantastic Crockpot recipes:
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Bone In Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Spiral Ham
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtail
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Explore More Sweet Potato Delights
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and nutritious, making them a wonderful ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes. Dive into more delicious sweet potato recipes:
- Sweet Potato Oatmeal
- Sugar Free Sweet Potato Pie
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
- Sweet Potato Cornbread