Craving that classic holiday flavor without the sugar crash? These Healthy Candied Sweet Potatoes deliver all the sticky, caramelized goodness you love—right on your stovetop. By swapping heavy syrup for a bright splash of fresh orange juice and a touch of brown sugar, we’ve created a lighter, heart-healthy version of the traditional favorite. Best of all, this easy side dish comes together in just 30 minutes, freeing up valuable oven space for your main course.
If you enjoyed these easy stove-top candied sweet potatoes, be sure to explore our full collection of healthy sweet potato recipes for more nutrient-dense inspiration. You can also check out our complete healthy lineup of Thanksgiving side dishes to build a delicious, heart-friendly menu that everyone at your table will love.
While traditional candied yam recipes are often buried under marshmallows and heavy corn syrup, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetable itself. By using nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and a lighter citrus glaze, you get a high-fiber side dish that supports heart health without sacrificing that nostalgic, festive taste.
In US grocery stores, "yams" and "sweet potatoes" are often used interchangeably, but they are botanically different. True yams are starchy tubers with rough bark-like skin, while sweet potatoes have smooth skin and sweet orange flesh. This recipe works best with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as yams/garnet yams) for that classic candied texture.
The sauce may be runny if the liquid hasn't reduced enough or if the potatoes released too much water. To fix this, remove the potatoes from the skillet and simmer the sauce on medium-high heat for another 3–5 minutes until it thickens into a syrup, then toss the potatoes back in.
Yes! You can cook these sweet potatoes up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving to revive the glossy glaze.
Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and nutritional value. However, you can use canned drained sweet potatoes in a pinch; simply reduce the cooking time significantly since they are already soft, adding them towards the end just to heat through and coat in the glaze.
Looking for a heart-healthy main course to serve alongside your sweet potatoes? These lean protein-packed chicken dinners are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for completing your meal.
Can’t get enough of this vibrant superfood? From savory roasted medleys to lighter salads, these sweet potato recipes offer even more ways to enjoy their immune-boosting benefits.
Recipe yields 10 servings
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes and stir until coated evenly. Add water and orange juice; cover, and cook 15 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender.
Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle sugars and cinnamon over potatoes and toss until coated. Continue cooking until sugar caramelizes and potatoes have a brown glaze, 5 minutes, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with dried cranberries and orange zest, and serve immediately.
If you prefer not to use the stovetop, you can easily adapt this recipe for the oven or air fryer.
These candied sweet potatoes are best served warm, straight from the skillet, garnished with extra orange zest or dried cranberries for a festive touch.
Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter alternative.
You can replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a less refined option, though maple syrup will result in a slightly thinner sauce.
Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth. A dash of cayenne pepper can add a nice sweet-heat contrast.