Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes
Classic candied sweet potatoes - made easy in your crockpot! This is a wonderful slow cooker side dish to add to any holiday menu.
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1" slices; yams can also be used)
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice (water may be used)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
- ½ to 1 cup mini marshmallows for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add butter, sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. (Be careful not to burn, reduce heat if needed.)
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick spray. Layer half of the sweet potatoes on the bottom of the slow cooker, sprinkle ¼ cup pecans, and pour half of the syrup over the top. Repeat with the second layer ending with pecans.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove lid and continue to cook on high for 30 more minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with marshmallows, then spoon some of the pot juices over the top.
Notes
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: The syrup can burn easily because of all the sugar, so stir often and turn the heat down if needed. Lay a paper towel or clean kitchen towel under the lid to catch extra moisture so the sweet potatoes don’t get watery. Spray the crock with nonstick spray or use a liner. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
VARIATIONS: For extra-melty marshmallows, add them to the sweet potatoes right in the crock pot after cooking and let them melt. Toast the pecans for more flavor. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top before serving warm.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Use yams instead of sweet potatoes and walnuts instead of pecans. Use water instead of orange juice to cut the sugar. Replace the granulated sugar with 1 cup of light corn syrup, or swap ¼ cup of it for pure maple syrup. A sugar substitute can be used for the granulated or brown sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 138mgPotassium: 440mgFiber: 4gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 16326IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
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