Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs & Pecans

Candied yams naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and pure maple syrup served with cacao nibs and pecans. Perfect for a vegan holiday side to share! 

Whenever we went to my grandma and grandpa’s house my grandma served candied yams for dinner. 

I loved them because to they tasted *so* much better than your average sweet potatoes.

That’s probably because they were dripping in sugar-y syrup, which little Lauren thoroughly appreciated. 

I haven’t had candied yams in years, but I wanted to make a lightened up version that’s vegan and naturally sweet. 

This version is totally refined-sugar-free and lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and pure maple syrup.

These Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs and Pecans are still sticky sweet and comforting. 

Top them with cacao nibs and chopped pecans for a fun vegan holiday side to share! 

What You Need to Make Candied Yams

Here’s what you need to make the best candied yams:

• sweet potatoes
• dairy-free butter
• unrefined coconut sugar
• pure maple syrup
• cinnamon
• ginger
• nutmeg
• Himalayan pink salt
• filtered water
• Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs
• chopped pecans 

That’s it!

How to Make Vegan Candied Yams on the Stovetop

While you can make candied yams in the oven or on the stovetop, the stovetop method is my favorite. 

The stovetop allows them to cook evenly with less burning potential for a sticky sweet result. 

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the butter.

Allow the butter to melt completely, then add in the coconut sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and stir to combine. 

Add in the chopped sweet potatoes with a pinch of sea salt. 

Pour water over the sweet potatoes and stir to completely coat the sweet potatoes in the syrupy water. 

Bring the water to a low boil, then cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat and allow the sweet potatoes to simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Stir the sweet potatoes frequently to baste them.

If the syrup becomes too thick, add a bit more filtered water and stir again to combine. 

The yams are done when they’re very fork tender and soft in a thick sticky syrup. 

Serve Vegan Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs and Pecans

Serve the sweet potatoes warm sprinkled with Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs and chopped pecans. 

These straight up cacao bean bits are high in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals.

They’re the perfect topping for smoothies, trail mix, baking, ice cream, or on candied yams!

The slight bitterness and crunchiness of these nibs are perfect to offset the soft sweetness of these yams. 

Notes on Meal Prepping Vegan Candied Yams

Enjoy these Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs and Pecans as a sweet side for your holiday spread.

I can’t wait to share this recipe with my family for our Thanksgiving spread this year!

The dish reheats well, so try making it in advance and re-heating before serving for the big feast.

If you’re reheating, be sure to wait to add the cacao nibs and chopped pecans until just before serving so they stay crunchy. 

You can also add vegan marshmallows on top for more of a dessert feel. 

Enjoy! 

More Vegan Thanksgiving Side Recipes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Hazelnut Butter Sauce

• Dijon Tahini Green Beans

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Figs & Pecans

• Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes With Almond Butter Gravy

• Harissa Roasted Cauliflower With Cranberries & Hazelnuts

• Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad

• Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad

• Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Vegan & Grain-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

• Stovetop Cauliflower Rice Stuffing

• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Sauce

• Delicata Chickpea Bake With Almond Butter “Gravy”

• Pumpkin Cornbread Mini Muffins

• 2-Way Low Sugar Cranberry Sauce

I Want to Hear From You

If you make this Candied Yams with Cacao Nibs and Pecans recipe, let me know!

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review so I can use your feedback to create more yums.

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your creations.

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later.

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by Navitas Organics, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!