Description
A soulful twist on the classic Southern side, these lemon candied yams are glazed in maple, brown sugar, and fresh citrus, creating a comforting dish that’s bright, sweet, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss sweet potato slices with lemon juice, zest, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange sweet potatoes in an even layer.
- Dot with butter and drizzle maple syrup over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, basting occasionally, until yams are tender and the glaze is thickened.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor.
- Slice yams evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- For a thicker glaze, bake uncovered a bit longer at the end.
- Great for make-ahead and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lemon candied yams, southern yams, Alexander Smalls, sweet potato side dish, holiday sweet potatoes