Description
This classic stovetop candied sweet potato recipe features tender sweet potato rounds simmered in a buttery, brown sugar, and cinnamon glaze. The long, gentle cooking process ensures the sweet potatoes absorb the rich, sweet syrup, resulting in a perfectly caramelized and flavorful side dish ideal for holiday dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
Syrup & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup (Karo)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the peeled and cut sweet potato rounds. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook the sweet potatoes until they are just tender, approximately 10 minutes. Drain them thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously to combine the ingredients until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Simmer Sweet Potatoes in Syrup: Add the drained sweet potatoes into the syrup mixture and stir well to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sweet potatoes simmer uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Every 15 minutes, gently baste the sweet potatoes with the syrup to enhance flavor and ensure even caramelization.
Notes
- Using dark brown sugar intensifies the molasses flavor in the syrup, but light brown sugar can be substituted if preferred.
- Be patient during the simmering step to allow the sweet potatoes to soak up the syrup and develop a rich caramel coating.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the sweet potato slices during cooking.
- This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop before serving if prepared in advance.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to taste for a spicier or subtler flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
