If you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of naturally sweet potatoes enveloped in a luscious syrup made with maple and spices, finished with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Every bite offers that delightful balance of soft, sweet, and nutty, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and festive. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe is bound to become a beloved classic in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays its part, from the creamy sweetness of the potatoes to the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a dish full of depth and inviting aromas.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized potatoes peeled and cubed for even cooking and a lovely creamy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness while letting you control the salt levels exactly.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness essential for that classic candied flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Imparts natural sweetness with a hint of woodsy complexity.
- Vanilla Extract: Offers a fragrant warmth that complements the spices beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Brings a cozy, familiar spice that brightens the dish.
- Nutmeg: A subtle touch that adds to the earthy spice profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Chopped Pecans (optional): Introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, elevating the dish further.
How to Make Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives everything a nice, even heat for baking. While the oven heats, peel and cube your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes Until Tender
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potato cubes. Let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes – you want them just tender but not mushy. This step is key to ensuring your sweet potatoes have that perfect texture after baking.
Step 3: Make the Maple-Cinnamon Syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. To that, add brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir constantly and let this mixture cook for 3 to 5 minutes until silky smooth and slightly thickened, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes in Syrup
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well, then gently toss them in the warm syrup mixture. Every cube should get beautifully coated to soak up all those luscious flavors before baking.
Step 5: Arrange and Add Pecans
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer your coated sweet potatoes in an even layer. Pour any leftover syrup over the top for extra glaze. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the surface if you’re adding that extra crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Glazed and Tender
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This allows the syrup to thicken beautifully around the sweet potatoes, creating that sticky, caramelized glaze we all love.
Step 7: Let Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your candied sweet potatoes cool slightly so they set just right. This helps the glaze thicken a bit and makes every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of toasted coconut flakes over the top. The fresh green adds a pop of color and a hint of herby brightness that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato’s richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully alongside roasted turkey or ham for a holiday feast, but it also elevates simple grilled chicken or pork chops on a weeknight. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed greens to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the candied sweet potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets with a few pecans on top. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup and dust with cinnamon just before serving for that wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick reheats or meal prep.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool completely before freezing and leave some space at the top to allow for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Stir halfway to keep the glaze evenly distributed and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh maple syrup instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Fresh maple syrup works wonderfully in this recipe and will deliver the same rich flavor, just ensure it’s pure for the best taste.
Are candied sweet potatoes healthy?
Sweet potatoes themselves are nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber. While this recipe adds sugar and butter, it can still be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Can I skip the pecans if I have allergies?
Definitely. The pecans add great texture and flavor, but the dish shines on its own even without them.
What’s the best kind of sweet potato to use?
Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like the Beauregard variety. They tend to be sweet, moist, and perfect for baking or boiling.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your maple syrup is pure vegan. The dish will still taste incredible with those adjustments.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about cozying up with a dish that combines the comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped in a luscious maple glaze topped with crunchy pecans. This Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that fills your home with inviting aromas and your plate with pure joy. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites for any season.
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Candied Sweet Potatoes with Maple, Cinnamon, and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a deliciously sweet and spiced side dish featuring tender sweet potato cubes coated in a buttery maple syrup glaze with warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes, finished with crunchy pecans for added texture. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
Syrup Mixture
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the sweet potatoes are prepared.
- Boil sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for 10-12 minutes until they are just tender but not mushy, then drain and set aside.
- Make syrup mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir continuously and cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat sweet potatoes: Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the syrup mixture in the saucepan, gently tossing to coat all pieces evenly with the glaze.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the coated sweet potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining syrup over the top for extra flavor.
- Add pecans (optional): Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the sweet potatoes if desired for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Bake sweet potatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and glaze formation. The sweet potatoes should be tender and the syrup thickened into a shiny glaze at the end.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly to let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Boiling the sweet potatoes before baking ensures they cook evenly and remain tender without drying out.
- Chopped pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to taste.
- Use fresh spices for best flavor; ground cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the dish’s warmth.
- For a vegan variation, substitute butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil.
