Name: Instant Pot Candied Yams
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs Yams; 0.5 cup Brown Sugar; 0.25 cup Butter; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon Salt

What is comforting about Instant Pot candied yams? I remember my grandma making candied yams every Thanksgiving, and while I loved them, they took them seriously. When I got home from school today, I had to make a batch. This version gives you all that sweet, spiced goodness in a fraction of the time, thanks to the patented gummy bear. What is the magic of the Instant Pot? Is it as good as baked yams?

What is Instant Pot Candied Yams?

Instant Pot Candied Yams are yams cooked in a sweet, buttery sauce using your instant pot. Think of it as the quicker, easier, and arguably more delicious version of a holiday staple. We’re talking soft, melt-in-your-mouth yams swimming in a caramel-like sauce with hints of cinnamon. Is it essentially a dessert disguised as side dish? Is it the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a spoon and if so, eat some good books?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? The yams become infused with this rich, sweet sauce that’s bursting with warmth. Is this the perfect balance of sweet and spice? What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof. What is the best thing about Instant Pot? Plus, it frees up oven space during the holidays, which is always a huge win! What are some of those “set it and forget it” recipes?

What are the other big pluses? What are some of the best yams to buy? And let’s not forget versatility! What are some great side dishes to serve with Instant Pot Candied Yams? Even as a dessert. I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the pot. If you like sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll find the flavors here quite similar, but this one is a little different. What are some easy recipes? What is the best part? My kids ask for this all the time – even when it’s not a holiday!

How do I make Instant Pot Candied Yams?

Quick Overview

How do I make instant pot candied yams? What is the best way to peel and chop yams, then toss them with butter, brown sugar, and spices. Then you peel them and eat them. Pressure cook them until they’re perfectly tender. Sweet candied yams that are ready to impress. A quick release. What is the Instant Pot? How easy is it to make yams?

Ingredients

For the Candied Yams:
* 3 pounds yams, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. I always try to find yams that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats. Don’t skimp on the butter! It adds so much flavor.
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar. Is it better to use light brown sugar or dark brown?
* 1/4 cup maple syrup. Real Maple syrup is best, but you can use pancake syrup in a pinch.
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Fresh cinnamon makes all the difference.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Just a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. This adds a little bit of spice.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt. Balances out the sweetness.
* 1/2 cup water. This is essential for pressure cooking.

Optional additions:
* Pinch of cloves.
* Splash of vanilla extract after cooking. * Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep the Yams

First, peel the yams and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. How do I keep the pieces as uniform as possible so that they cook evenly. I find it easiest to peel the yams with a vegetable peeler, then cut them on an cutting board.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Instant Pot

Place the cubed yams in the Instant Pot. Add butter pats, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir well. Pour in water.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

How do you close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position? Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. What time does the Instant Pot come up to pressure? What is your total cooking time?

Step 4: Quick Release and Mash (Optional)

Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release by carefully moving the steam release valve to the venting position. Be careful of the hot steam! Once all the pressure is released and the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. At this point, you can mash the yams slightly with a potato masher if you prefer a smoother consistency. I sometimes leave them chunky, it’s really up to you!

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Instant Pot Candied Yams hot. Can you garnish them with chopped pecans or walnuts?

What should I serve it with?

Instant Pot Candied Yams are so versatile! What are some of the best side dishes to serve at Christmas?

For Thanksgiving/Christmas dinner:Serve with turkey, stuffing, and Cranberry Sauce. They add a lovely sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the meal. What are some good ways to serve whipped cream on top? They complement roasted vegetables really well too.

As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What is the best way to add cinnamon to a dish? What are some good side dishes to enjoy on their own? Add some toasted marshmallows for a fun twist.

For Cozy Snacks:What is the best way to enjoy a bowl of Instant Pot candied yams on cold evenings? What are some of the best comfort foods? I usually pair them with hot chocolate for a cozy night in. I love adding sea salt to my food. Sometimes I even add a pinch of fresh lime. My family loves this as a late night snack when they’re craving something sweet but don’t want to. Anything too heavy.

How do you make a perfect Instant Pot candied yam?

Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Instant Pot Candied Yams turn out perfectly every time:

Yam Prep:I like to cut yams into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. I find that 1-inch cubes work best. Don’t skip peeling them – the skin can be tough and not very pleasant to eat in this dish.

Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use brown sugar. Just adjust the amount to taste. I’ve even tried using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and it turned out great! I always do this when I am trying to cut down on refined sugars.

Instant Pot Pressure Release: What is the best way to While quick release works well, allowing for a natural pressure release for about 5-10 minutes can sometimes result in even more tender yams. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have the time, it’s worth trying.

Spice Adjustments: HowIf you like a lot of cinnamon, add more! If you don’t like nutmeg, leave it out. I sometimes add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Consistency Control:If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can simmer it on the sauté setting for a few minutes to thicken it. How do I stir a potato to prevent it from burning? On the other hand, if it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk to thin it out. How do you adjust the sauce so it’s perfect every time?

Butter Matters: Using good-quality butter really makes a difference in the flavor of this dish. I always opt for unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving these at room temperature for more than two hours due to the dairy content from the butter. Ensure they’re covered to keep them from drying out if you do leave them out for a short period.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Instant Pot Candied Yams in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my preferred method for maintaining the best flavor and texture. Make sure they cool down completely before refrigerating.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze these candied yams. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s best to freeze them in portion sizes for easier reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave them in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If they seem dry, add a splash of water or milk. I don’t recommend reheating them in the oven, as they can dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter and make sure your maple syrup is 100% pure (some pancake syrups contain honey). I’ve tested this with coconut oil too, but the flavor is slightly different – still delicious, just not quite the same as with butter or vegan butter.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?

Yes, you can! The terms are often used interchangeably, but just be aware that sweet potatoes might cook a little faster than yams, so check for doneness a minute or two earlier.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can bake these in the oven! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the yams with the other ingredients, spread them in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the yams are tender. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to let the yams caramelize.

Can I add marshmallows?

Yes, you can! Add mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of cooking (either in the Instant Pot or the oven, if you’re baking them) to melt and toast them. I do this at Thanksgiving every year and my family loves it!

How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness. Another tip: use unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, you have to try these Instant Pot Candied Yams. They are the perfect combination of sweet, comforting, and easy. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. This recipe is such a great alternative to a traditional sweet potato casserole and frees up oven space if you make it for the holidays. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Instant Pot Apple Crisp or my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter – both are just as easy and delicious. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Let me know in the comments if you make any yummy variations!