Southern Candied Yams With Marshmallows The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side

Vegan Candied Yams

Vegan candied yams are a delicious twist on a traditional Southern comfort food that has long been a staple at Thanksgiving dinners. This dairy-free version uses canned sweet potatoes to simplify prep while keeping all the nostalgic flavor of the original dish. With a buttery, brown sugar and cinnamon glaze, these yams are tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced—ideal for holiday meals or cozy autumn dinners.

What makes this version truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. Using canned sweet potatoes eliminates the need for peeling and boiling, making it a convenient option for both beginner cooks and those short on time. Additionally, the swap to vegan butter and vegan marshmallows ensures the dish fits seamlessly into a plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing the rich flavor and caramelized texture that defines candied yams.

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Southern United States cuisine, preserving the cultural roots while adapting to modern dietary needs. If you’re unfamiliar with the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, you’re not alone—many Americans use the terms interchangeably, even though they’re technically different root vegetables. (Explore more about that distinction here.)

For those planning their holiday menu, this dish offers a nostalgic, inclusive option that satisfies everyone at the table. And if you’re new to vegan holiday cooking, this is a great entry point. You’ll find more inspiration in this curated Pinterest board on vegan Thanksgiving sides featuring comforting, crowd-pleasing ideas. Whether you top your yams with fluffy marshmallows or leave them off for a simpler finish, the result is a soul-satisfying side dish worthy of its place at any festive meal.

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What Are Candied Yams?

Despite the name, candied yams in the United States almost always refer to sweet potatoes, not true yams. In American culinary tradition, the terms have become interchangeable, though true yams are starchy, less sweet, and originate from Africa and Asia. You can learn more about that distinction in this comprehensive Wikipedia article on sweet potatoes. What we commonly call yams are usually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, rich in beta-carotene and natural sugars that caramelize beautifully when baked.

Traditionally served as a side dish at Thanksgiving dinner, candied yams are a staple of Southern cuisine—a recipe rooted in African-American food heritage. The dish combines sliced or cubed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes maple syrup, baked until fork-tender and glistening with a thick, sweet glaze. In many Southern households, topping the dish with marshmallows is a must, creating a golden, gooey layer that turns the side dish into something close to dessert.

In vegan versions of the recipe, replacing traditional butter and marshmallows with plant-based alternatives preserves all the texture and flavor while making the dish accessible for those avoiding dairy or animal-derived ingredients. For added context on how veganism shapes recipe development, see this article on veganism.

The enduring popularity of candied yams is due to their versatility. They complement a range of main dishes—from plant-based roasts to lentil loaves—and provide a comforting contrast to savory sides like stuffing and gravy. You’ll also find dozens of variations on platforms like Pinterest’s holiday vegan recipes, proving how beloved and adaptable this dish is across generations and diets.

Why Use Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Using canned sweet potatoes in vegan candied yams is a smart shortcut that significantly cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Unlike fresh sweet potatoes, which require peeling, slicing, and pre-cooking, canned versions come already cooked and ready to layer straight into your baking dish. This makes the recipe incredibly accessible, especially during the busy Thanksgiving dinner rush when oven space and time are limited.

There’s often confusion between canned yams and canned sweet potatoes. In the U.S., they’re typically the same thing—labeled differently due to regional and historical naming conventions. For culinary purposes, canned yams sold in grocery stores are almost always sweet potatoes. If you’re curious about the agricultural and culinary background, you can explore it further on the Wikipedia page about yams.

Canned varieties packed in water or light syrup are ideal for this recipe. Be cautious with sweet potatoes canned in heavy syrup, as they can make the final dish overly sweet. Draining and rinsing the sweet potatoes before baking gives you more control over the final flavor and consistency. A carefully balanced glaze made from brown sugar, maple syrup, and vegan butter will add just the right amount of sweetness, enhanced by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

The convenience of canned sweet potatoes also makes this recipe more approachable for new or busy home cooks. For those browsing quick ideas, this Pinterest post on vegan marshmallow dessert boards offers a look at how canned ingredients can be elevated into visually stunning dishes. Whether you’re preparing a full plant-based spread or simply looking to add a vegan-friendly dish to the holiday table, canned sweet potatoes are a dependable and time-saving ingredient.

Veganizing a Classic Thanksgiving Dish

Transforming candied yams into a fully vegan side dish is simple with a few thoughtful ingredient swaps. Traditional versions rely heavily on dairy butter and gelatin-based marshmallows, both of which are not suitable for a plant-based diet. By replacing them with high-quality vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, you can achieve the same rich, gooey texture and warm, nostalgic flavor.

Many vegan butters today are made from blends of plant oils such as coconut, avocado, or olive oil. These provide the same melting, browning, and flavor-enhancing qualities as dairy butter. Brands like Earth Balance and Miyoko’s Creamery are commonly recommended in vegan recipes. As for the sweet topping, classic marshmallows contain gelatin—a product derived from animal collagen. Fortunately, brands like Dandies offer vegan marshmallows made without gelatin, allowing you to recreate that iconic golden topping without compromising dietary principles.

In addition to butter and marshmallows, make sure all sweeteners used are vegan. While brown sugar is plant-based, some commercial sugars are processed using bone char. Choosing organic brown sugar ensures it’s vegan-friendly. For a deeper, more complex sweetness, you can also incorporate maple syrup, which adds richness and enhances the natural sugars in the canned sweet potatoes.

If you’re new to plant-based cooking, this dish is a great place to start. It doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients or complicated methods. More importantly, it demonstrates how vegan cooking can preserve the cultural essence and flavor of traditional dishes. As part of your Thanksgiving dinner spread, this side offers the comfort and warmth that defines the holiday season—just with a compassionate twist. You can find more seasonal plant-based ideas on this Pinterest board for vegan Thanksgiving sides.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every element in this recipe contributes to a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Here’s a closer look at the essential ingredients and why they matter:

• Canned sweet potatoes – The base of the dish. Choose those packed in water or light syrup.
• Vegan butter – Adds richness and helps form the caramelized glaze. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well.
• Brown sugar – Essential for the signature sweet, glossy finish.
• Maple syrup (optional) – Deepens the flavor and complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg – Provide warm, autumnal spice notes that define the dish’s flavor profile.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances the dish.
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth to the glaze.
• Vegan marshmallows (optional) – Create a golden, gooey topping that evokes traditional versions.

Optional substitutions include using coconut oil instead of vegan butter, agave nectar in place of maple syrup, or adding a splash of orange juice to brighten the flavor. For those exploring flavor layering, adding chopped pecans or walnuts brings texture and a nutty contrast to the soft, glazed yams.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Drain and rinse canned sweet potatoes, then layer them in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and combined.
• Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil, baste the yams with the syrup, and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes.
• If using marshmallows, add them on top in the final 5–10 minutes, then broil briefly until golden and slightly melted.
• Let cool slightly before serving to allow the glaze to thicken.

This process results in candied yams that are tender inside, crisp around the edges, and covered in a decadent glaze that rivals any traditional version.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Vegan Candied Yams

• Use canned sweet potatoes packed in water, not syrup, for better control over sweetness.
• Don’t skip the foil in the first baking phase—it helps the glaze penetrate the sweet potatoes.
• Use a wide, shallow baking dish for even caramelization and crispier edges.
• Baste frequently during baking to ensure the glaze coats each slice evenly.
• Watch closely during broiling when adding marshmallows to prevent burning.

For visual inspiration and holiday presentation ideas, explore this Pinterest post on marshmallow dessert boards, which includes candied yam arrangements.

Variations & Add-Ons

• Bourbon glaze – Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for extra warmth and complexity.
• Citrus twist – Mix in orange juice or zest for brightness and a fresh contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Nut topping – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a toasty flavor.
• No marshmallows? Try topping with a vegan streusel made from flour, sugar, and plant-based butter.
• Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick, especially if you’re serving savory mains.

These simple additions give your vegan candied yams a personal touch and make the dish even more memorable.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan candied yams pair beautifully with a range of other Thanksgiving or holiday dishes. Here are a few complementary options:

• Vegan stuffing or cornbread
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Mashed potatoes with plant-based gravy
• Lentil loaf or seitan roast
• Cranberry sauce for a tart contrast

For an elegant presentation, serve in a ceramic baking dish garnished with chopped herbs or orange zest. You can find more ideas for plating and styling on this Pinterest board for holiday vegan recipes.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
• Freezing – This dish freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.

Avoid reheating marshmallows in the microwave as they may become rubbery. For best texture, reheat in the oven and re-toast marshmallows if needed.

Nutritional Information & Vegan Alternatives

Here’s an approximate nutritional profile per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 230
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 1g

For healthier alternatives:

• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
• Reduce maple syrup or omit it
• Add more spices to compensate for less sweetness

Curious about how sugar fits into a vegan diet? Learn more about the processing of sweeteners in this Wikipedia article on brown sugar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-sweetening – Remember that canned sweet potatoes are already naturally sweet.
• Using canned yams in heavy syrup – Opt for those packed in water for better flavor balance.
• Skipping the vanilla – It adds depth and enhances the caramel notes.
• Crowding the baking dish – This can prevent even browning and crisping.
• Not tasting your glaze before pouring – Adjust spice and sweetness to your preference.

Mindful adjustments ensure the dish turns out just right every time.

Cultural Significance & History of Candied Yams

Candied yams are more than just a sweet side dish—they hold deep roots in African-American culinary traditions. Brought to the American South through West African influence, yams have been a part of holiday tables for generations, especially in Black households where they symbolize warmth, abundance, and home.

In modern holiday meals, they remain a testament to resilience, heritage, and celebration. Vegan adaptations like this one honor those roots while evolving with today’s dietary choices. If you’d like to explore more about Southern cooking, visit Southern United States cuisine.

FAQs

Can I use canned yams instead of fresh sweet potatoes?
Yes, as long as they’re packed in water or light syrup. Drain and rinse before using.

Are marshmallows vegan?
Most aren’t, but vegan marshmallows like Dandies are gelatin-free and suitable for this dish.

How do I make vegan candied yams without marshmallows?
Skip them entirely or top with a crunchy pecan streusel for texture and flavor.

How do you thicken candied yam syrup?
Simmer the glaze slightly longer before pouring, or bake uncovered for the last 20 minutes.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, prep the yams and glaze a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.

Are yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
In the U.S., yes. What’s labeled as yams is typically orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Learn more here.

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