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    Home » Side Dish

    Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows

    Nov 7, 2022 · 32 Comments

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    Melt-in-the-mouth baked vegan candied yams with marshmallows are simple to prepare, can be made with unrefined sugars, are wonderfully spiced, and are perfect for your Thanksgiving table!

    completed Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows in a baking dish against a white background

    Easy Vegan Candied Yams (Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes)

    With delicious vegan sourdough stuffing (with vegan sausage and apple), a low-carb cauliflower stuffing, and garlic and herb roasted vegetables already under my belt, I’m well on my way to compiling this year’s vegan Thanksgiving menu. But what Thanksgiving table would be complete without delicious vegan candied yams with marshmallows?!

    This holiday classic has had a vegan make-over by replacing dairy with non-dairy ingredients, like vegan butter and vegan marshmallows. The result is baked candied yams with ALL the flavor of old-fashioned candied sweet potatoes, but 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Best of all, your family won’t even be able to tell the dish is vegan.

    The combination of tender sliced sweet potatoes (no canned yams here!) tossed in a rich sauce of brown sugar, vegan butter, vanilla, and several spices, all topped with vegan ‘mallows is undeniably more-ish. I have yet to have leftovers!

    Even better, I’ve also included several recipe variations below. These include using unrefined sugar, swapping out the ‘mallow topping for pecan streusel, adding even more flavor with add-ins like orange zest, and more. That way, you can easily tweak this recipe to your (and your guests’) dietary and flavor preferences with minimal effort.

    You can also partially prep the homemade candied yams a day in advance AND freeze the leftovers for a fuss-free holiday! So, let’s jump right in.

    What’s The Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

    The truth is, while yams and sweet potatoes are two different ingredients, candied yams are made using sweet potatoes, often referred to as ‘yams’ in the US.

    When it comes to the differences between the two, yams are actually starchier, less nutritious, and not as readily available as sweet potatoes. Yams also have brown, rough skin on the outside and a yellowish/pale interior. Whereas sweet potatoes come in orange, white, and purple varieties (the orange ones being most commonly used to prepare Southern candied yams).

    The Ingredients

    This candied sweet potato casserole (yam casserole with marshmallows) requires only a handful of simple ingredients, several pantry staples, and just 8 ingredients in total (plus salt)!

    ingredients for Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows against a whtie surface
    • Yams: Orange fleshed sweet potatoes are what you’ll need for this easy candied yams recipe. I recommend using similar-sized potatoes.

    Japanese white sweet potatoes will also work well for candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows or Garnet yams (which are naturally very sweet potatoes).

    • Vegan butter: Use your favorite vegan butter. If you have to use a salted option, reduce the salt in the remaining recipe accordingly. Coconut oil works in a pinch.
    • Brown sugar: Make sure it’s vegan, as not all brown sugar is.

    You could make candied yams with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free version. Alternatively, use a combination of granulated sugar and maple syrup.

    • Vanilla: I prefer pure vanilla extract or paste over artificial for the best flavor.
    • Spices: This baked candied sweet potato recipe uses a traditional combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (optional), and a bit of salt.
    • Marshmallows: Use your favorite brand of mini vegan marshmallows OR check the alternative topping options below. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods both sell vegan marshmallows like Dandies brand.

    What Could I Add to Vegan Thanksgiving Yams?

    The above vegan marshmallow yams recipe is already sweet, buttery, moreish, and absolutely delicious. However, there are several variations and add-ins you can choose from to tweak this recipe to your liking.

    • Dried fruit: Raisins or dried cranberries will work well stirred into the oven-baked candied yams before adding the ‘mallows.
    • Orange zest: Add the zest of one orange to the vegan Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole for an aromatic, bright depth. For more citrus flavor, add 2-3 tablespoon of orange juice concentrate.
    • Cardamom: Just a tiny pinch for depth.
    • Pecans: Add chopped pecans (or walnuts) to the Southern candied sweet potatoes halfway through baking OR use them as a topping instead of marshmallows.
    • Mashed sweet potato: To make a more traditional vegan sweet potato casserole, first oven-bake (or steam) the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with the sweet sauce ingredients (and a little dairy-free milk if needed). Then top with the marshmallows and bake for 20-25 minutes.
    • Crumble topping: Swap the mallows for a pecan streusel topping.

    How to Make Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows?

    Making candied yams is super simple. Just peel, chop, toss with the seasonings, and bake. At the end, top the candied yams with marshmallows (vegan, of course) and warm up for a few minutes further. Voila, delicious Thanksgiving yams the entire family will love!

    • 1) First, preheat the oven to 400F/205C, and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
    • 2) Meanwhile, wash, peel, and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces (about ¼-inch thick) and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
    sliced yams in a bowl

    Using a mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes can help cut down on prep time.

    You could alternatively slice the sweet potato into ¼-inch thick rounds (for less chopping) or small ½-inch cubes, but the baking time may increase slightly.

    • 3) In a small bowl, whisk the melted vegan butter with the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger (if using). Then toss it with the yams until they’re evenly coated.
    ingredients for Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows against a whtie surface
    process shot of mixing candied liquid for candied yams in a bowl against a white surface
    • 4) Spread the potato mixture into the baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, stir, then bake for a further 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
    process shot of adding candied liquid to yams in a bowl
    process shot of mixing candied mixture in yams in a bowl
    pre baked candied yams in a baking dish
    • 5) Finally, remove the candied yams from the oven, add a layer of mini vegan marshmallows, and bake for a further 4-6 minutes, just to slightly heat.
    process shot of adding marshmallows to yam mixture in baking dish

    You don’t want the marshmallows to start bubbling, or they’ll turn into a white goo. For browner ‘mallows, broil them instead of baking.

    Enjoy the sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows as a star on your Holiday table alongside all your other favorite holiday dishes, or serve it as part of a Sunday dinner! Then, finish the meal with apple pie baked apples for a proper fall celebration.

    FAQs

    Can I use mashed sweet potatoes/yams?

    To make for a more traditional vegan sweet potato casserole. First, cook the sweet potatoes by steaming, boiling, or roasting them. I prefer the latter as it caramelizes the sugars within and brings out the potatoes’ natural sweetness (you may even be able to reduce the amount of added sugar).

    What if the candied sweet potato casserole is too watery?

    This shouldn’t happen unless you double the sauce or add more liquids. However, if the sauce looks pretty watery halfway through the baking, add some cornstarch slurry (1tbsp starch to 1tbsp water) into the dish and mix well.

    How to make candy yams on the stove?

    If your oven is packed to the brim with holiday dishes, don’t worry, you can prepare these stovetop candied sweet potatoes instead.

    Start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes. Then, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the sauce ingredients (minus the vanilla) and mix until the sugar melts. Then add the potatoes, the vanilla, and ⅓ cup of water and stir well.

    Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the yams are fully coated with the syrupy sauce until the yams are fork-tender. If the sauce thickens up too much, add more liquid. If it stays loose, add some cornstarch slurry.

    Can I make sugar-free baked candied yams?

    If you want to make healthy candied yams that are sugar-free, I recommend using a brown sugar alternative or a maple syrup alternative for the best flavor.

    Top Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Slice the sweet potatoes evenly: A mandoline or food processor slicing disk can help with this (and saves time). Even slices ensure they’ll cook at an even rate.
    • For more syrupy candy yams in the oven: You can either save some of the ‘syrup’ to one side to baste the vegan candied yams when stirring it halfway through baking OR double the syrup entirely for a more decadent dish. If doubling the sauce, I often reduce the amount of ‘mallows so it isn’t too sweet.
    • Sweeten to taste: If you’d prefer to add more or less sugar, then adapt the sauce’s sweetness to your liking.
    completed Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows in a baking dish against a white background

    Storage Recommendations

    Store: Allow the candied sweet potatoes with marshmallows to cool and store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for 4-5 days.

    Freeze: Allow it to cool and store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    Reheat: The leftovers will reheat well either in a microwave (1-2 mins based on portion size and microwave power) or in the oven (at 350F/175C) until warm.

    Can You Make Candied Sweet Potatoes Ahead?

    Make ahead: You could make these vegan candied yams the day before by baking them up until the point of adding marshmallows, then allow them to cool and store, covered, in the fridge. Remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes before reheating, adding the marshmallows in the last 5 minutes (stir beforehand to redistribute the sauce).

    If you want to prepare the elements without baking them, you can also do that the night before. Store the sliced potatoes in a container of water with plastic wrap to keep them from browning, and prepare the sauce in a separate bowl (it will solidify but just needs reheating to assemble the vegan Sothern candied yams to bake).

    More Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes
    • Crispy Hasselback potatoes
    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Creamy vegan sausage gravy
    • Instant Pot Apple Cider
    • Easy Zucchini Mock Apple Pie

    If you try this easy vegan candied yams recipe (candied sweet potato casserole), I’d love to know what you think in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating!

    Photos by Alfonso Revilla

    completed Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows in a baking dish against a white background

    Vegan Candied Yams with Marshmallows

    Melt-in-the-mouth baked vegan candied yams with marshmallows are simple to prepare, can be made with unrefined sugars, are wonderfully spiced, and are perfect for your Thanksgiving table!
    5 from 85 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9
    Calories 459 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • 9x13 baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ½ pounds of yams
    • ½ cup of brown sugar
    • ¼ cup of melted vegan butter
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon of salt
    • ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)
    • 10 ounces of mini vegan marshmallows

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
    • Peel the yams, cut them into 1-inch pieces about ¼-inch thick, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger (if using). Add it to the large bowl and toss until the yams are evenly coated.
    • Layer the yams into the baking dish, cover with alluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Stir the yams, and bake for another 20 minutes.
    • Remove the yams from the oven, add a layer of vegan marshmallows on top, and bake again for 5 to 6 minutes. You don’t want them to start bubbling, or it’ll look like white goo.

    Notes

    • Slice the sweet potatoes evenly: A mandoline or food processor slicing disk can help with this (and saves time). Even slices ensure they’ll cook at an even rate.
    • For more syrupy candy yams in the oven: You can either save some of the ‘syrup’ to one side to baste the vegan candied yams when stirring it halfway through baking OR double the syrup entirely for a more decadent dish. If doubling the sauce, I often reduce the amount of ‘mallows so it isn’t too sweet.
    • Sweeten to taste: If you’d prefer to add more or less sugar, then adapt the sauce’s sweetness to your liking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 152mgPotassium: 1872mgFiber: 9gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 314IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword candied recipes, candied yams, dairy free, holiday recipes, marshmallows, sweet potato casserole, sweet potatoes, sweet treat, thanksgiving recipes, vegan, vegan desserts, vegan marshmallows, vegetarian, yams
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @foodsharingvegan on Instagram!

    Disclaimer: Although foodsharingvegan.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Foodsharingvegan.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Holly says

      November 09, 2022 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      I Iove this recipe and it's perfect for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:21 am

        Yesss - right on time for the holidays!

        Reply
    2. Andrea says

      November 11, 2022 at 5:16 am

      The best kind of dessert! Love the v marshmallows!

      Reply
    3. Lawrence says

      November 12, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      This looks really good and I'd like to try this myself!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Hope you enjoy them if you give them a go!

        Reply
    4. JOHN MULINDI says

      November 12, 2022 at 5:32 pm

      This is something delicious to try over the weekend! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:24 am

        You'd love them!! They're such a delicious treat!

        Reply
    5. Jenna says

      November 12, 2022 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      Love this vegan candied yams with marshmallows so much! Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also delicious. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:24 am

        Right?! So aesthetically pleasing and that much more delicious!

        Reply
    6. Heather says

      November 12, 2022 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Candied yams are the best this time of year and yours are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing and giving some inspiration to make this dish. 🙂

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:25 am

        Right?! The perfect fall treat! Hope you enjoy them! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jessica says

      November 12, 2022 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      These are my favorite!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:25 am

        You and me both!

        Reply
    8. Beatriz says

      November 14, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      No words, heaven on a plate! Yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:27 am

        Yessss - so good!

        Reply
    9. Rachel says

      November 14, 2022 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      This was always my favorite Thanksgiving dish so I'm so glad that there's a yummy vegan version now!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:28 am

        Gotta love the veganized recipes!!!

        Reply
    10. Gina H. says

      November 15, 2022 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      Candied yams and marshmallows is such a favorite at Thanksgiving. So sweet and savory at the same time. YUM!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:29 am

        So simple to whip up and soooo sweet and delicious!!

        Reply
    11. Matej says

      November 16, 2022 at 12:09 pm

      5 stars
      This looks amazing and I love the combination of marshmallows and candied yams. Very nice recipe, thank you.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:29 am

        The combination works so well together!

        Reply
    12. Gloria says

      November 16, 2022 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Always a hit on the holiday table. I could even eat this for dessert. The aroma as it bakes is so good.

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:30 am

        Definitely! It's one of those holiday staples!

        Reply
    13. Stephanie says

      November 16, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great yam recipe for the holiday season. We are trying to move to a more vegan household and this is a great recipe for us to add!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:30 am

        Love to hear it! This is a good one for that!

        Reply
    14. Nora says

      November 16, 2022 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect Thanksgiving recipe! Love your version of it!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:30 am

        Perfect for the holidays for sure! It's a favorite of mine!

        Reply
    15. Erin says

      November 17, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite dishes! Love the marshmallow/yam combo here!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:31 am

        Yesss - such an epic tasty combo!

        Reply
    16. Amy Liu Dong says

      November 18, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      I love how you make this recipe easy for us, and I am so excited to make this at home. Yum!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        November 24, 2022 at 3:31 am

        Hope you enjoy it!!

        Reply
    17. Janaye says

      December 10, 2022 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favourite holiday meals! Going to make this for this years holiday meal!

      Reply

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