Candied Yams with Pecan Streusel (Printer View)

Sweet yams coated in spiced syrup, topped with crunchy pecan streusel for a comforting side dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Yams Base

01 - 3 pounds yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
05 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Pecan Streusel Topping

10 - 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - Pinch of salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add yam cubes and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
03 - Transfer cooked yams to a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
04 - Pour the yam mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
05 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Fold in chopped pecans.
06 - Sprinkle the pecan streusel mixture evenly over the yam layer, distributing to cover the entire surface.
07 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the edges begin to bubble.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pecans stay genuinely crunchy while the yams underneath turn silky and luxurious, creating this textural moment that keeps you reaching for more.
  • You can prep most of this the day before and just pop it in the oven, which means less stress when relatives are already arriving.
  • It bridges the gap between side dish and dessert without trying too hard, so vegetarians and meat-lovers both feel seen at the table.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pre-cooking of the yams—it prevents them from being dry and grainy, and keeps them from overcooking in the oven.
  • If your streusel starts browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes, then uncover to finish crisping.
03 -
  • Taste the yam mixture before it goes in the oven—adjust the spices now rather than regretting them later, because baking concentrates flavors.
  • Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter in, and keep everything cold; warm hands make greasy streusel instead of crumbly texture.
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