• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2024 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Jump to Recipe
Pin image with text of Southern candied sweet potatoes.

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a traditional holiday side dish that kids and adults love because it almost tastes like dessert. The sweet potatoes are cooked until delectably tender in a sweet cinnamon and nutmeg syrup that is hard to resist. This classic recipe will surely make its way onto your list of holiday traditions.

Serve with Thanksgiving turkey, squash mirliton, or easy microwave acorn squash and pecan pie.

Square image of Southern candied sweet potatoes.
Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
  • 🥗🥘🍲 Best Served With
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

This old-fashioned sweet potato recipe is a Southern classic, particularly around the holidays. It involves slowly cooking sweet potatoes on the stovetop with a cinnamon sugar blend until a sweet, sticky syrup forms.

If you've never tried Southern candied sweet potatoes, you're in for a real treat. If you have, this fool-proof recipe tastes just like grandma used to make.

🥘 Ingredients

Tall mage showing Southern candied sweet potatoes ingredients measured out with labels.
  • Sweet Potatoes - Peeled and sliced into thick half-moons.
  • Butter - Butter is the base of the sweet, sticky sauce.
  • Sugar - There's plenty of sugar in these sweet potatoes, that's why they taste like candy.
  • Cinnamon - Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give these sweet potatoes their signature fall flavor profile.
  • Nutmeg - You can use ground or freshly grated nutmeg, but be sure to use less if using fresh.
  • Salt - A pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract - I highly recommend you use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor because it is added just before serving.

Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!

🔪 How To Make Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

There is very little prep to this recipe other than slicing the sweet potatoes. You'll need a sharp knife, a skillet, and your measuring utensils to get started.

One batch of these Southern candied sweet potatoes makes about 12 servings. They are great for feeding a crowd for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 1 showing butter in a Dutch oven.
Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 2 showing peeled and sliced sweet potatoes.

Step 1: Peel and slice. Peel 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms) of sweet potatoes, then cut them in half. Slice each sweet potato half into ¼-inch thick half-moons.

Step 2: Melt the butter. In a skillet over medium heat, melt ½ a cup of butter (photo 1). Once melted, add the potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat with ½ cup (113.5 grams) of melted butter (photo 2).

Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 3 showing a bowl of combined sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 4 showing the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the sliced sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Add sugar blend. In a small to medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together 2 cups (400 grams) of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until evenly distributed (photo 3). Pour the mixture over the potatoes (photo 4) and reduce the heat to low.

Note: Be sure to pour the sugar mixture over all the potatoes so you don't have some turn out sweet and others not so much.

Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 5 showing the cooked candied sweet potatoes just after stirring in the pure vanilla extract.
Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 6 showing the finished sticky and tender candied sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Cook. Cover and cook on low, stirring every 5-10 minutes, for about 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender (photo 5) or 'candied' and the sauce has darkened.

Step 5: Add vanilla and serve. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ tablespoons of pure vanilla extract just before serving (photo 6).

🥗🥘🍲 Best Served With

Candied sweet potatoes make a fabulous addition to any holiday spread. For more menu ideas, check out my post on what to serve with sweet potatoes.

Wide image of Southern candied sweet potatoes.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • Measuring Sweet Potatoes: For this recipe, 4 pounds of sweet potatoes typically equates to about 5-6 large sweet potatoes. This should give you the right amount for the dish.
  • Butter Measurement: When the recipe calls for ½ a cup of butter, this is equivalent to 1 stick or 8 tablespoons. This measurement is helpful for accurate preparation.
  • Using Vanilla Extract: Since vanilla extract is added towards the end of the cooking process, opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for a richer and more authentic flavor.
  • Final Stir: Before serving, gently stir the sweet potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. This step helps distribute flavors and textures uniformly.
  • Preventing Burning: Although 2 tablespoons of water are added to prevent the sweet potatoes from potentially burning, most sweet potatoes release enough moisture naturally. Adjust the water addition based on the moisture content of your sweet potatoes.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Place leftovers in an airtight container once they have cooled. Pop them in the fridge and enjoy them within 5 days.

You may also freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.

Tall image of Southern candied sweet potatoes.

Reheating

Thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight. To reheat a large amount, put them in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4)  until heated through (15-25 minutes depending on how much you are reheating). Individual portions can be microwaved.

  • Square image of Cracker Barrel mac and cheese on a white plate.
    Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
  • Best homemade Cracker Barrel chocolate pecan pie recipe baked and sliced, served on a white plate with a bite cut away.
    Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Scrumptious slice of Paula Deen's Southern peach cobbler on a blue floral dessert plate.
    Paula Deen's Southern Peach Cobbler
  • Square image of Bisquick blueberry cobbler with ice cream.
    Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler
See more Southern →

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Square image of Southern candied sweet potatoes.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 17 reviews

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern candied sweet potatoes are a traditional holiday side dish that kids and adults love because it almost tastes like dessert! The sweet potatoes are cooked until delectably tender in a sweet cinnamon and nutmeg syrup that is hard to resist. This classic recipe will surely make its way onto your list of holiday traditions.
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 348kcal
Prep 20 minutes minutes
Cooking 1 hour hour
Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1½ tablespoon vanilla extract

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Peel your 4 lbs sweet potatoes, then cut them in half. Slice each sweet potato half into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the ½ cup butter.
    Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 1 showing butter in a Dutch oven.
  • Once melted, add the potatoes to the skillet and stir to coat with the melted butter.
    Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 2 showing peeled and sliced sweet potatoes.
  • In a small to medium-sized mixing bowl, mix together the 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly distributed. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and reduce the heat to low.
    Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 4 showing the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the sliced sweet potatoes.
  • Cover and cook on low, stirring every 5-10 minutes, for about 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender or 'candied' and the sauce has darkened.
    Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 5 showing the cooked candied sweet potatoes just after stirring in the pure vanilla extract.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the 1½ tablespoon vanilla extract just before serving.
    Southern candied sweet potatoes process image 6 showing the finished sticky and tender candied sweet potatoes.

Notes

  • 4 pounds of sweet potatoes should be 5-6 large sweet potatoes, and ½ a cup of butter is 1 stick or 8 tablespoons.
  • Since the vanilla extract is added at the end, you will want to use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor.
  • Stir gently just before serving to make sure that all of your sweet potatoes are evenly sauced.
  • I added 2 tablespoons of water to keep the sweet potato mixture from caramelizing (and burning) but most sweet potatoes release enough moisture for this to be a non-issue.
  • To store: Place leftover Southern candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container once they have cooled. Pop them in the fridge and enjoy them within 5 days! You may also freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
  • To reheat: Thaw frozen candied sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight. To reheat a large amount, put them in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4)  until heated through (15-25 minutes depending on how much you are reheating). Individual portions can be microwaved.

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal (17%) | Carbohydrates: 68g (23%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 8g (12%) | Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg (7%) | Sodium: 203mg (9%) | Potassium: 580mg (17%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 41g (46%) | Vitamin A: 24355IU (487%) | Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) | Calcium: 56mg (6%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American

« Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
What Is Conecuh Sausage »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 17 votes (17 ratings without comment)

Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Cinco De Mayo Recipes

  • Best jalapeno popper deviled eggs recipe with creamy filling and pickled jalapenos.
    Jalapeno Popper Deviled Eggs

  • Best homemade CRUMBL churro cookies baked and decorated and served on a plate with some cinnamon sticks next to them.
    CRUMBL Churro Cookies

  • Flavorful guacamole seasoning is best when homemade like this easy DIY spice blend in white bowl.
    Guacamole Seasoning

  • Square image of prime rib quesaritos.
    Prime Rib Quesaritos

  • Best albondigas tacos recipe using hearty Mexican meatballs in a savory tomato and chipotle chili sauce.
    Albondigas Tacos

  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)

See more Cinco De Mayo →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas

  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes

  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes

  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring

See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.