Southern style candied sweet potatoes are a quintessential dish for any holiday or family gathering. The perfect combination of sweet and savory, these tender and glazed potatoes are a staple in many Southern households. But where did this beloved recipe originate and what makes it so special? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of this dish and share a mouth-watering recipe that will have you craving candied sweet potatoes all year round. So grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Sweet Potato Pie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Brown
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic sweet potato pie, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. The moist and flavorful cupcakes are topped with a creamy marshmallow frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sweet potato. These cupcakes are a great addition to any holiday dessert spread or a perfect treat for any time of year.
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Southern Sweet Potato Bread with Pecans
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Ground Nutmeg
This Southern sweet potato bread is a delicious and hearty treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. The addition of pecans adds a satisfying crunch to the moist and flavorful bread. Serve it warm with a dollop of butter for a truly indulgent experience.
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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs
This old-fashioned Southern sweet potato pie is a must-try for any sweet potato lover. Made with a simple but flavorful filling of sweet potatoes, spices, and cream, and baked in a flaky homemade crust, this pie is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a classic dessert that will never go out of style.
For a traditional Southern sweet potato pie, look no further than this recipe. The rich and creamy filling is made with sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and is baked in a buttery crust to perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
This Southern sweet potato cake is a show-stopping dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The layers of moist and fluffy cake are filled and frosted with a creamy sweet potato frosting that is sure to impress. It's a unique and delicious twist on the classic layer cake.
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Southern Sweet Potato Peach Cake
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Vanilla Instant Pudding And Pie
If you love the combination of sweet potatoes and peaches, this cake is for you. The layers of moist sweet potato cake are filled with a sweet and tangy peach filling and frosted with a creamy peach buttercream. It's a perfect summertime dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This Southern sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish that is a staple at any holiday meal. The creamy and sweet sweet potato filling is topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a must-try for any sweet potato lover.
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Southern Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sweet
If you're a fan of pie but don't want to deal with the hassle of making a whole pie, these sweet potato pie bars are the perfect solution. The chewy and buttery crust is topped with a smooth and creamy sweet potato filling and a sweet and crunchy streusel topping. They're a great alternative to traditional pie and are easy to transport for potlucks or parties.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow & Pecan...
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Unsalted Butter, Milk, Ground Cinnamon
This sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish that is perfect for any holiday or family gathering. The creamy and sweet potato filling is topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows and a crunchy pecan topping, making it a delicious combination of flavors and textures. It's a must-try for any sweet potato lover.
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Easy Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Sweetened Condensed Milk
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious sweet potato pie, this recipe is for you. It uses a pre-made crust and a simple filling that is made with just a few ingredients. It's a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet potato cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Candied yams are a beloved Southern side dish that is a staple at any holiday meal. The sweet and buttery yams are baked in a sticky and delicious syrup made with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. It's a sweet and comforting dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Similar to candied yams, this recipe uses sweet potatoes instead for a slightly different flavor profile. The sweet potatoes are cooked in a syrup made with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices until they are tender and coated in a sticky glaze. It's a delicious and easy side dish that pairs well with any main course.
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Perfectly Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Dark Brown Sugar, Sugar, Butter, Large
This recipe promises a perfectly baked sweet potato pie every time. The luscious filling is made with sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla extract for a well-balanced and flavorful dessert. Whether you're new to sweet potato pie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try.
This recipe for yams is a favorite in the South and for good reason. The yams are baked in a syrup made with butter, brown sugar, and spices, and then topped with a layer of marshmallows for a gooey and delicious treat. It's a simple but satisfying side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Loaded Bourbon Maple Bacon Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Butter, Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Ground
If you want to take your sweet potato game to the next level, these loaded sweet potatoes are a must-try. The sweet potatoes are baked and then topped with a creamy bourbon maple sauce and crispy bacon for a savory and sweet combination that will blow your taste buds away. It's a perfect side dish for any holiday or special occasion.
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Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Unbaked Pie Crust, Unsalted Butter
This classic sweet potato pie recipe is a Southern staple that has been passed down for generations. The creamy and spiced filling is baked in a flaky homemade crust for a truly irresistible dessert. It's a must-try for anyone who loves sweet potato pie.
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Nonstick Cooking Spray, Butter, Maple
If you're looking for a healthier option for your sweet potato casserole, this recipe is for you. It uses natural sweeteners and gluten-free ingredients but still delivers all the flavor and sweetness of a traditional casserole. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy this beloved Southern dish.
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Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Pure Butter Pie Crust, Sweet Potatoes, Dixie Crystals
This old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe is a classic that has stood the test of time. The filling is made with simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, spices, and evaporated milk, and is baked in a flaky homemade crust. It's a traditional and delicious dessert that will never go out of style.
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Candied Yams
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Sweet Potatoes, Unsalted
These candied yams are a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any holiday or family gathering. The yams are cooked in a syrup made with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices, and are topped with a layer of marshmallows for a gooey and irresistible treat. It's a must-try for any sweet potato lover.
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Southern Stew [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery Stalks, Cumin, Dried
This Southern-style stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. Made with sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and a variety of vegetables and spices, it's a flavorful and satisfying meal that happens to be vegan and gluten-free. It's a great way to enjoy sweet potatoes in a savory and hearty dish.
History of Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes, also known as "candied yams," have their roots in African American cuisine. During slavery, sweet potatoes were a staple crop for enslaved Africans and were often used in dishes that were passed down through generations. The first recorded recipe for candied sweet potatoes appeared in a cookbook in 1828, but the dish gained popularity during the Civil War when food was scarce and people had to make do with what they had. It soon became a beloved holiday dish, especially in the South, where sweet potatoes were abundant.
The Secret Ingredient: Brown Sugar
One of the key components of a good candied sweet potato recipe is the use of brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a rich and caramel-like flavor to the dish, giving it its signature sweetness. It also helps to create a glaze that coats the potatoes, making them shiny and irresistible. While some recipes call for white sugar, true Southern style candied sweet potatoes always use brown sugar.
Spice It Up
Along with the sweetness of the brown sugar, spices play an important role in giving candied sweet potatoes their unique flavor. The most common spices used are cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, but some recipes also include a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. These spices not only add depth to the dish but also help to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
Recipe for Southern Style Candied Sweet Potatoes
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of this beloved dish, it's time to try your hand at making it yourself. Here is a simple and delicious recipe for Southern style candied sweet potatoes that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into ½ inch thick rounds.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Gradually pour in the water, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure they are fully coated.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is thick and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
With its rich history and delicious flavor, Southern style candied sweet potatoes are a must-try for any food lover. So the next time you're planning a holiday meal or looking for a side dish to impress your guests, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
Sweet Potato Pie Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
