Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes Everyone Will Rave About

Slow cooker candied yams recipes are more than just a holiday side—they’re a heartfelt tradition in my kitchen. Inspired by my grandmother’s Southern-style cooking, this crockpot version delivers the same sweet, buttery flavor with warm spices and a rich brown sugar glaze, all without using oven space. At Yumi Meals, I believe in simple, soulful recipes that bring people together. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, offering ease, tradition, and unforgettable flavor.

slow cooker candied yams recipes with brown sugar glaze
Sweet and buttery slow cooker candied yams fresh from the crockpot
Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why Slow Cooker Candied Yams Are a Holiday Essential

What Makes Candied Yams a Southern Tradition

In the South, food is love—and candied yams are a perfect example of that sentiment on a plate. For generations, families have gathered around tables filled with warm, comforting dishes, and candied yams always have a place of honor. While many associate yams with marshmallows on top, Southern kitchens often skip that step, focusing instead on the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes enhanced with butter, sugar, and spices.

Candied yams symbolize more than a dish—they represent heritage, warmth, and celebration. Passed down from grandmothers and perfected over time, these recipes are rooted in family history. The glossy, caramelized glaze, soft tender texture, and hint of nutmeg and cinnamon turn a simple root vegetable into something deeply nostalgic and delicious.

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slow cooker candied yams recipes with brown sugar glaze

Unbelievably Easy Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes Everyone Will Rave About

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  • Author: Yumi
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Slowcooker
  • Cuisine: African American

Description

If you’re looking to save oven space and have the perfect thanksgiving side dish, make these amazing slow cooker candied yams recipes. A blend of warm spices, brown sugar, and butter coat the tender sweet potatoes in a sweet glaze, it’s one of my favorite recipes for the holiday season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 tablespoon butter salted or unsalted

Instructions

  • Put all of the ingredients into your slow cooker.
  • Set the slow cooker on ‘high’ for 3-4 hours, and cover with its lid.
  • Stir all the ingredients after 2 hours and put the lid back on.
  • At 3 hours, check the candied yams for tenderness. If not soft, keep cooking for another hour.
  • Serve the candied yams hot.

Notes

Storing and Reheating Instructions, Great to Make Ahead

Store the crockpot sweet potatoes and their syrup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place the candied yams into a casserole dish and warm them in a 325 degree F oven for 10 minutes, until warmed through.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 side servings
  • Calories: 199 kcal
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 31mg

In my own journey at Yumi Meals, I’ve come to appreciate how one slow cooker can preserve this tradition without compromising flavor. If you’ve ever watched your oven overflowing on Thanksgiving Day, you know why an alternative like this is a game-changer.

Don’t miss our Spring Slow Cooker Recipes for more seasonally-inspired comfort food.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Holiday Meals

During the holidays, oven space is prime real estate. Turkey, casseroles, baked rolls—everything competes for room and time. This is where slow cooker candied yams recipes really shine. By transferring this dish to the crockpot, you free up your oven and still get that same rich, caramelized finish.

Slow cooking also ensures consistent heat and moisture. It prevents the yams from drying out, eliminates the need for constant stirring, and infuses every bite with deep flavor. Plus, it’s virtually hands-off—just toss in your ingredients, stir once halfway through, and return hours later to a side dish that tastes like it simmered all day on grandma’s stove.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy Sunday dinner, this slow cooker version is not just convenient—it’s brilliant.

Discover great ideas like Lentil Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker) to add variety to your slow-cooked meals.

Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes (Not True Yams!)

Before you toss anything into the crockpot, let’s get one thing straight: most “candied yams” recipes in the U.S. are actually made with sweet potatoes. And that’s exactly what you should be using. True yams, native to Africa and Asia, are starchy and dry—not the sweet, creamy stars we want here.

For the best slow cooker candied yams recipes, look for Beauregard or Garnet sweet potatoes. These varieties are rich in flavor, slightly moist, and perfect for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with smooth brownish-orange skin. Avoid anything soft, wrinkled, or with dark spots—they won’t hold up well during the long cooking time.

ingredients for slow cooker candied yams recipes
Fresh ingredients laid out for the perfect crockpot candied yams

Peel and chop them into even, bite-sized chunks so they cook uniformly in your slow cooker.

Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for another classic holiday side that’s easy to prep and full of flavor.

Essential Pantry Staples: Brown Sugar, Spices & Butter

Simple ingredients make the best dishes—and candied yams are a perfect example. Here’s what you’ll need to create that rich, glossy glaze:

IngredientWhy It’s Important
Dark Brown SugarAdds sweetness and molasses depth
ButterGives richness and helps glaze cling to the yams
Cinnamon & NutmegProvide that warm holiday spice everyone loves
Cloves (optional)A tiny pinch goes a long way in boosting flavor
Kosher SaltBalances sweetness and enhances overall taste

You can also experiment with a dash of pumpkin pie spice if you’re short on the individual spices. Just make sure you’re not skimping on the butter or sugar—those are what transform these yams into the candied variety we all crave.

Need a lighter twist? Sub out half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a slightly different take.

Looking for inspiration? Try this BBQ Corned Beef Brisket Recipe—a savory main that pairs beautifully with sweet holiday sides.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Candied Yams

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes Like a Pro

Making slow cooker candied yams recipes doesn’t require fancy tools—just a little prep work and patience. Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Even though you’ll peel them, it’s always a good idea to clean off any dirt first.

Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the skins, then slice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces—about 1½-inch chunks work best. Uniform cuts ensure everything cooks at the same rate, which is key for that fork-tender finish.

Place the sweet potatoes directly into your crockpot insert. This will act as the flavor base for everything that follows.

Check out more seasonal comfort foods like our Spring Slow Cooker Recipes for creative inspiration year-round.

Cooking Times and Tips for the Perfect Texture

Once your sweet potatoes are in the pot, it’s time to layer on the flavor:

  1. Add brown sugar – sprinkle evenly to coat all sides.
  2. Drop in butter – slice into cubes and scatter over the top.
  3. Sprinkle spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, and kosher salt.
  4. Optional: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy punch or a drizzle of maple syrup for a richer sweetness.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Stir everything once around the 2 to 2½-hour mark. This helps the butter and sugar melt into a thick, glossy glaze that coats each piece.

You’ll know the yams are done when they’re soft enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape. If they’re not quite ready by the 3-hour mark, let them cook another 30–45 minutes. Just don’t overcook, or they may turn mushy.

Here’s a quick visual reference:

SettingTimeTexture Check
High3–4 hoursFork-tender, holds shape
Stir TimeAt 2–2½ hoursHelps thicken the glaze
Final CheckAt 3 hoursAdd more time if needed

Looking for sweet snacks too? Discover our Air Fryer Banana Chips for a crispy treat that balances your menu.

When ready, serve your crockpot candied yams hot right from the slow cooker or transfer them to a casserole dish for presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Candied Yams

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes Like a Pro

When you’re working with slow cooker candied yams recipes, the magic really starts in the prep. First, choose high-quality sweet potatoes—look for medium-sized ones with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots. They’re ideal for slow cooking, staying intact while becoming perfectly tender.

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes with a reliable vegetable peeler, then chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Consistent sizing helps ensure they cook evenly and soak up every drop of that buttery, spiced glaze.

Place the chopped sweet potatoes directly into your crockpot. This base is the beginning of a classic, no-fuss slow cooker candied yams recipe that’s ideal for any holiday or special meal.

slow cooker candied yams recipes mid-cooking process
Candied yams developing their thick, sweet glaze in the crockpot

Don’t miss our Spring Slow Cooker Recipes for more festive and seasonal ideas!

Cooking Times and Tips for the Perfect Texture

Here’s where the flavor comes alive. Layer your ingredients like this:

  1. Evenly coat the sweet potatoes with dark brown sugar for that molasses-rich sweetness.
  2. Dot the surface with cubed butter, which will melt and create a rich, glossy glaze.
  3. Add a warm, cozy spice mix—a full tablespoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground clove to deepen the flavor profile.
  4. Finish with kosher salt to balance all that sweetness.
  5. Want to elevate it? Pour in a splash (about ¼ cup) of orange juice or maple syrup for extra holiday flavor.

Set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 3 to 4 hours. At the 2-hour mark, give everything a gentle stir to help distribute the melted sugar and butter evenly. This is a key trick that separates average slow cooker candied yams recipes from the truly unforgettable ones.

You’ll know the dish is ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking can cause them to fall apart and lose that classic “candied” texture, so start checking at 3 hours.

Use this quick guide:

Crockpot SettingCooking TimeWhat to Check For
HIGH3–4 hoursSweet potatoes are soft but intact
StirringAfter 2 hoursEven glaze coverage
Final Texture CheckAt 3–3.5 hoursAdjust in 15-minute intervals if needed

Discover great ideas like our Lentil Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker)—another cozy dish to keep your crockpot busy all year long.

This method of slow cooking creates a luscious brown sugar glaze that clings to every bite, delivering all the comfort and flavor of a traditional baked version—without taking up precious oven space.

Looking for inspiration? Try Air Fryer Banana Chips for a sweet-and-salty snack that’s both quick and delicious.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Candied Yams in the Slow Cooker

How to Keep Your Yams from Being Watery or Mushy

One of the biggest challenges with slow cooker candied yams recipes is achieving the perfect consistency. You want yams that are tender and coated in a luscious glaze—not soggy or falling apart. With the wrong steps, even the best recipe can turn watery and disappointing.

To avoid this, follow these trusted techniques used in my most reliable slow cooker candied yams recipes:

  • Never add extra liquid. Sweet potatoes naturally release water as they cook. Crockpots trap moisture, so adding more will only create a runny mess.
  • Layer your ingredients smartly. Start with chopped sweet potatoes on the bottom, followed by your brown sugar, butter, and spices layered evenly on top.
  • Don’t skip the mid-cook stir. After about 2 hours, gently mix everything. This allows the butter and sugar to form that classic thick, candied coating across all pieces.
  • Time it right. Plan for about 3 to 4 hours on high heat for most slow cooker candied yams recipes. Go longer, and you risk a mushy texture that no one wants on their holiday plate.

Consistency is key, and with a few adjustments, your slow cooker becomes your best friend for making foolproof, glossy, and flavorful yams every time.

Discover great ideas like our Cinco de Mayo Slow Cooker Recipes for more low-maintenance, high-flavor dishes.

Why Stirring Midway Enhances Flavor and Texture

The slow cooker might be hands-off, but when it comes to slow cooker candied yams recipes, one simple step makes all the difference: stirring halfway through. This isn’t just about avoiding burnt edges—it’s about unlocking flavor.

Here’s why that halfway stir matters:

  • Even glaze distribution: The butter and brown sugar melt as the yams cook. Stirring ensures every piece is coated evenly with the spiced glaze.
  • Prevents sticking and overcooking: Especially in hotter slow cookers, the lower layer can overcook first. A quick stir balances the heat.
  • Boosts the aroma and flavor: Re-mixing the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove spreads those rich, warm notes throughout the entire dish.

Every time I make slow cooker candied yams recipes, I notice a huge difference when I stir. The texture is silkier, the glaze is more developed, and the flavor is even from top to bottom.

Check out our BBQ Corned Beef Brisket Recipe for a bold main dish that pairs beautifully with sweet and spiced sides like this one.

When done right, these slow cooker candied yams recipes become the highlight of your table—glossy, golden, and glazed to perfection.

Variations and Creative Twists on Classic Recipes

Elevate Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes with Simple Add-Ins

One of the beautiful things about slow cooker candied yams recipes is how easy it is to take the traditional and give it a little twist without losing the essence. The classic version—sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices—is perfect on its own. But if you’re craving something a bit more unique, a few simple additions can create magic.

For a bright citrusy lift, try adding ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. The acidity brings out the natural sweetness of the yams while adding depth to the glaze. It’s a subtle change that makes your dish taste restaurant-worthy with very little effort.

Another fantastic upgrade for your slow cooker candied yams recipes is swapping out half the brown sugar for real maple syrup. It adds a deep, caramel flavor and silky texture that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. The slow cooker helps the maple notes really soak into the sweet potatoes, making each bite rich and flavorful.

These additions don’t require extra cooking time or complex steps—just pour them in, set your slow cooker, and enjoy the aroma of something special simmering away.

Looking for more cozy, slow-cooked favorites? Don’t miss our Lentil Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker)—a hearty, comforting dish that belongs in every meal plan.

Lighter, Healthier, and Vegan-Friendly Options

Just because you’re enjoying comfort food doesn’t mean you can’t lighten it up a bit. The best slow cooker candied yams recipes are flexible enough to accommodate various dietary needs without compromising on flavor.

Here are some smart, delicious swaps:

  • Go vegan by using plant-based butter. Choose one with a neutral flavor and a creamy texture to keep that velvety glaze intact.
  • Cut the sugar by replacing some of the brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce or using a smaller portion of maple syrup. You’ll still get sweetness with less refined sugar.
  • Reduce sodium by using less or no added salt—especially if you’re pairing this dish with a salty main course like ham or roasted meat.

You can also play with spices. A pinch of ginger, a splash of vanilla, or even some allspice can take your slow cooker candied yams recipes in a whole new direction.

Discover more make-ahead crowd-pleasers like our Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe—perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weekends.

From traditional flavors to creative twists, slow cooker candied yams recipes let you adapt with ease. It’s all about finding that sweet spot—literally and figuratively—that your family and guests will love.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes

Perfect Pairings: Turkey, Ham, and More

When it comes to building the perfect holiday plate, slow cooker candied yams recipes are the MVP. These sweet, buttery yams bring warmth, color, and flavor that complement a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re planning a big Thanksgiving spread or a simple Sunday supper, they work with just about everything.

The most iconic pairing? Roast turkey. The savory seasoning and crispy skin of a well-brined bird play beautifully against the rich glaze of slow cooker candied yams recipes, creating that comforting balance between sweet and salty.

If you want something with deeper flavor, try honey-glazed ham. The smoky, salty meat is a natural match for the syrupy sweetness of candied yams, and both hold their own on the same plate. The result? A meal that feels both festive and deeply satisfying.

Other great protein pairings include:

  • Garlic-roasted pork tenderloin
  • Southern fried chicken (perfect for Sunday dinners)
  • Herb-roasted chicken with lemon and thyme

These mains allow slow cooker candied yams recipes to shine without overpowering the dish.

Check out our BBQ Corned Beef Brisket Recipe for a bold, flavorful entrée that’s a great companion to candied yams.

Great Complementary Sides: Mac & Cheese, Rolls, and Greens

The best part of any holiday meal isn’t just the main dish—it’s the side dishes. And when you’ve already got a batch of slow cooker candied yams recipes on the table, you want sides that complement that rich, sweet flavor while adding variety.

Start with Southern baked mac and cheese. Its creamy, cheesy base balances the glaze from your candied yams and creates that irresistible combination of salty and sweet.

Next, you need fluffy dinner rolls—fresh from the oven or slow-warmed. They’re perfect for soaking up the buttery syrup that makes slow cooker candied yams recipes so comforting and craveable.

Round things out with greens. Whether it’s collard greens, sautéed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts, that touch of bitterness adds balance and rounds out your holiday spread.

If you’re feeding a crowd, think of your slow cooker candied yams recipes as the heart of your table. They’re bold, nostalgic, and completely irresistible—and they pair well with nearly anything.

Don’t miss our Air Fryer Banana Chips if you want to add a crispy, fun side that doubles as a pre-meal snack.

No matter what you’re serving alongside them, slow cooker candied yams recipes deserve to be the dish everyone talks about. Make them shine by pairing them with dishes that enhance—never compete—with their sweet, spiced richness.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

How to Store Candied Yams for Freshness

After preparing one of your favorite slow cooker candied yams recipes, it’s important to store the leftovers properly to preserve flavor and texture. Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving holiday extras, these sweet and spiced yams hold up surprisingly well.

Let your yams cool to room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to keep them safe and fresh. Properly stored, most slow cooker candied yams recipes will last up to four days in the fridge.

For best results, use a shallow container to keep the sweet glaze evenly distributed and prevent the potatoes from becoming overly soft or waterlogged.

Looking for other sides that reheat well? Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes Recipe—perfect for prepping ahead.

Best Reheating Methods Without Losing Flavor or Texture

When it comes to reheating slow cooker candied yams recipes, you want to preserve their soft texture and thick brown sugar glaze. The wrong method can ruin all that slow-cooked magic. Here are three reliable ways to warm them back up:

1. Oven Method (Best Overall):
Preheat your oven to 325°F, place the yams and glaze in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Reheat gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through to maintain even warmth. This method keeps the texture intact and reawakens the rich glaze beautifully.

2. Microwave Method (Quickest):
For small portions, microwave your slow cooker candied yams in 30-second intervals on medium heat. Stir gently between rounds and watch closely to avoid overcooking or drying them out.

3. Stovetop Method (Hands-On):
Use a skillet over low heat and gently reheat the yams, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of orange juice or water if the glaze thickens too much during storage.

Want another reheat-friendly favorite? Try our Lentil Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker)—it’s just as good the next day.

Can You Freeze Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes?

Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your slow cooker candied yams recipes—especially when prepping in advance for big holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Allow the dish to cool fully.
  • Spoon the yams and glaze into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
  • Press out extra air to avoid freezer burn.
  • Add a date label and freeze for no more than 2 months.

When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using one of the methods above. While the texture may soften slightly, most slow cooker candied yams recipes retain their flavor beautifully after freezing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Candied Yams

Overcooking and Mushy Texture

One of the most frequent issues people run into when trying slow cooker candied yams recipes is overcooking. While slow cookers are known for their convenience, sweet potatoes can become overly soft or mushy if left in the heat too long. This not only ruins the texture but also affects how the glaze adheres.

The ideal cooking time for most slow cooker candied yams recipes is around 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, but that isn’t a hard rule. Some slow cookers run hotter than others, and if your potato pieces are cut smaller, they’ll soften faster. Start checking at the 2.5-hour mark to make sure they’re fork-tender but still holding their shape.

When sweet potatoes are overcooked, they absorb the glaze instead of letting it coat them—which changes both flavor and presentation. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste with mushy results.

Need a bold main to go with your yams? Try our BBQ Corned Beef Brisket Recipe—it pairs beautifully with sweet sides.

Using the Wrong Type of Yam

Many first-time cooks misread slow cooker candied yams recipes and grab real yams instead of sweet potatoes. In the U.S., what we call “yams” are usually just orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. True yams are dry, starchy, and bland—not what you want for this sweet and buttery dish.

Stick with varieties like Garnet or Beauregard sweet potatoes, which offer vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a creamy texture when cooked. They’re the gold standard for authentic slow cooker candied yams recipes.

Also, avoid substituting brown sugar with white sugar or low-calorie sweeteners. Brown sugar gives the glaze depth, color, and richness—key traits in any successful batch of candied yams.

Forgetting the Mid-Cook Stir

A mistake that’s easy to make but totally avoidable is skipping the stir halfway through cooking. In most slow cooker candied yams recipes, you’ll find a recommendation to gently mix the ingredients around the 2-hour mark. This ensures that all pieces are coated evenly and prevents sugar from settling at the bottom.

Not stirring can result in uneven flavor, scorched glaze, and some dry or under-seasoned pieces. Take a moment to stir—it’s worth it.

Explore our Air Fryer Banana Chips if you’re into sweet sides with a twist.

Not Adding Salt

In sweet recipes, salt acts as a subtle enhancer, bringing depth and balance. Many people forget it, but slow cooker candied yams recipes benefit greatly from a pinch of kosher salt. It cuts through the sweetness and brings out the richness of the butter and spice.

Salt is that final touch that makes your glaze taste balanced and restaurant-quality.

Conclusion: Bring Comfort and Flavor to the Table with Slow Cooker Candied Yams Recipes

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both effortless and unforgettable, slow cooker candied yams recipes are exactly what your holiday table needs. These yams bring together warm spices, brown sugar, and rich butter to create a sweet glaze that coats every bite in pure Southern comfort.

What makes slow cooker candied yams recipes so special is their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a dish that rivals any oven-baked version—without using precious oven space. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Sunday dinner.

Beyond their convenience, slow cooker candied yams recipes are rich with tradition and flavor. Whether you’re making them for the first time or carrying on a family recipe, they’re sure to become a holiday staple your guests ask for every year.

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Don’t overlook how versatile they are either. You can personalize these recipes with citrus, maple syrup, or vegan ingredients and still capture that nostalgic, buttery sweetness everyone loves.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cinco de Mayo Slow Cooker Recipes to explore more slow-cooked comfort dishes perfect for any season.

FAQs – Answering Your Most Pressing Questions

How do you cook candied sweet potatoes in a slow cooker?

To make candied sweet potatoes using slow cooker candied yams recipes, start by peeling and chopping orange-fleshed sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in your crockpot, then top with brown sugar, butter, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring gently at the 2-hour mark. The glaze thickens as it cooks, creating that signature candied coating. Once fork-tender, they’re ready to serve!

Can yams be in a crockpot?

Absolutely! In fact, that’s the foundation of all slow cooker candied yams recipes. While most U.S. recipes actually use sweet potatoes (commonly mislabeled as yams), the crockpot is an ideal cooking method. It gently breaks down the potatoes, allowing the butter and sugar to form a smooth glaze while keeping your oven free for other dishes.

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

In the U.S., slow cooker candied yams recipes are usually made with sweet potatoes, not true yams. True yams are a different species—starchy, dry, and white-fleshed. Sweet potatoes (especially Garnet or Beauregard varieties) are moist, orange, and naturally sweet, making them perfect for candied recipes. The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, you’re making candied sweet potatoes.

How do you keep candied yams from being runny?

To avoid runny results in your slow cooker candied yams recipes, never add water or broth—sweet potatoes release plenty of moisture as they cook. Use the correct ratio of brown sugar and butter, and always stir mid-cook to help the glaze develop. If needed, cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to thicken the syrup naturally.

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