🎉 Introduction
When the holidays roll around or you’re craving something sweet and comforting, Crock Pot Candied Yams are the answer. This dish is a soul food favorite — full of tender, buttery sweet potatoes simmered in a rich, caramelized glaze that’s pure heaven on a spoon.
Unlike oven-baked versions, this slow cooker recipe gives you all the flavor with none of the fuss. The yams cook low and slow in brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, absorbing every bit of that syrupy goodness until they practically melt in your mouth.
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, your crock pot transforms humble sweet potatoes into a Southern-inspired side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Sunday dinner. It’s sweet, silky, buttery, and nostalgic — just like Grandma’s, only easier.
If you’ve ever wanted that traditional taste without standing over the stove, this recipe will be your new go-to. Comfort food doesn’t get more effortless (or more delicious) than Crock Pot Candied Yams.
🧰 Equipment Needed
You’ll only need a few simple tools to make this slow-cooked classic:
- 6-quart slow cooker (Crock Pot or similar)
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (optional, for combining ingredients)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Optional:
- Slow cooker liners for easy cleanup
- Serving spoon for plating
🛒 Ingredients
Fruits & Vegetables
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (yams), peeled and cut into thick 1-inch rounds
Dairy
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
Sweeteners & Spices
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Liquids
- ¼ cup water
Optional Additions
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (for extra warmth)
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (for topping before serving)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (for crunch)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1-inch-thick rounds.
- Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot or use a liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Place half of the sliced sweet potatoes into the crock pot.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the first layer.
- Add half of the butter slices evenly across the top.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and remaining sugar, spices, and butter.
- Drizzle ¼ cup water and vanilla extract evenly over everything.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–3½ hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Gently stir once or twice during cooking to coat the potatoes in the buttery syrup.
- As they cook, the sugars and butter melt into a caramel-like glaze that thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the yams are tender and glossy, carefully stir to coat all the pieces in the sauce.
- For an extra-sweet finish, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking — cover until melted.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker with a drizzle of that rich syrup.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: ~5 hours 15 minutes
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas feasts, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Or reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce if needed.
🥄 Variations
- Candied Maple Yams: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deep, smoky sweetness.
- Honey Glazed Version: Substitute ¼ cup of sugar with honey for a natural touch.
- Spiced Pecan Yams: Add chopped pecans and extra cinnamon for a nutty, aromatic finish.
- Coconut Yams: Add 2 tablespoons coconut cream and a sprinkle of shredded coconut before serving.
- Ginger Twist: Include ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a small amount of freshly grated ginger for extra warmth.
- Marshmallow Topping: Add a layer of mini marshmallows in the final 10 minutes and let them melt into a gooey, toasty topping.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., the term “yams” usually refers to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes — so this recipe works perfectly with either.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in the crock pot, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.
3. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but fresh gives better texture. If using canned, drain and reduce the cook time by half.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce to ¾ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup white sugar for a less-sweet version.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the richest flavor and consistency.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the syrup to thicken.
7. Can I add vanilla extract at the end?
Yes, for a stronger vanilla aroma, stir it in after cooking.
8. What should the texture be like?
Soft and tender but not falling apart — they should hold their shape when lifted with a spoon.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker or cook in two batches to ensure even cooking.
10. What dishes pair well with candied yams?
They’re perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, cornbread dressing, green beans, or mac and cheese.
🏁 Conclusion
Slow-cooked to perfection, Crock Pot Candied Yams bring the heart of the South right to your dinner table. Tender slices of sweet potato bathed in buttery caramel glaze, sweetened with brown sugar and kissed with cinnamon — it’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul with every bite.
This recipe is a love letter to classic Southern cooking: simple ingredients, soulful flavor, and the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?”
It’s easy, foolproof, and ideal for busy cooks — because your slow cooker does all the work while your home fills with the smell of sweet, buttery perfection. Whether for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this dish is everything you love about tradition, simplified for today’s kitchen.
Serve it warm, serve it with love, and watch it disappear in minutes. Because when it comes to Southern comfort, Crock Pot Candied Yams are the real deal — simple, soulful, and absolutely irresistible.

Crock Pot Candied Yams – Sweet, Buttery, and Comforting Southern Perfection Right from Your Slow Cooker!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1-inch-thick rounds.
- Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Place half of the sliced sweet potatoes into the crock pot.
- Sprinkle half of the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the first layer.
- Add half of the butter slices evenly across the top.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and remaining sugar, spices, and butter.
- Drizzle ¼ cup water and vanilla extract evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–3½ hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Gently stir once or twice during cooking to coat the potatoes in the buttery syrup.
- As they cook, the sugars and butter melt into a caramel-like glaze that thickens beautifully.
- Once the yams are tender and glossy, carefully stir to coat all the pieces in the sauce.
- For an extra-sweet finish, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking — cover until melted.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker with a drizzle of that rich syrup.
Notes
Refrigeration Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freezing Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Or reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce if needed. 🥄 Variations Candied Maple Yams: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a deep, smoky sweetness. Honey Glazed Version: Substitute ¼ cup of sugar with honey for a natural touch. Spiced Pecan Yams: Add chopped pecans and extra cinnamon for a nutty, aromatic finish. Coconut Yams: Add 2 tablespoons coconut cream and a sprinkle of shredded coconut before serving. Ginger Twist: Include ½ teaspoon ground ginger or a small amount of freshly grated ginger for extra warmth. Marshmallow Topping: Add a layer of mini marshmallows in the final 10 minutes and let them melt into a gooey, toasty topping. ❓ 10 FAQs 1. What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In the U.S., the term “yams” usually refers to orange-fleshed sweet potatoes — so this recipe works perfectly with either. 2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in the crock pot, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day. 3. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but fresh gives better texture. If using canned, drain and reduce the cook time by half. 4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce to ¾ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup white sugar for a less-sweet version. 5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the richest flavor and consistency. 6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Cook uncovered for the last 20 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the syrup to thicken. 7. Can I add vanilla extract at the end?
Yes, for a stronger vanilla aroma, stir it in after cooking. 8. What should the texture be like?
Soft and tender but not falling apart — they should hold their shape when lifted with a spoon. 9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker or cook in two batches to ensure even cooking. 10. What dishes pair well with candied yams?
They’re perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, cornbread dressing, green beans, or mac and cheese. 🏁 Conclusion Slow-cooked to perfection, Crock Pot Candied Yams bring the heart of the South right to your dinner table. Tender slices of sweet potato bathed in buttery caramel glaze, sweetened with brown sugar and kissed with cinnamon — it’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul with every bite. This recipe is a love letter to classic Southern cooking: simple ingredients, soulful flavor, and the kind of aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s cooking?” It’s easy, foolproof, and ideal for busy cooks — because your slow cooker does all the work while your home fills with the smell of sweet, buttery perfection. Whether for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, this dish is everything you love about tradition, simplified for today’s kitchen. Serve it warm, serve it with love, and watch it disappear in minutes. Because when it comes to Southern comfort, Crock Pot Candied Yams are the real deal — simple, soulful, and absolutely irresistible.