Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes 🍠🍯

Introduction

If your kitchen ever smelled like butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon bubbling away on a cool day — you already know the magic of Candied Sweet Potatoes. ✨

This Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe brings that same holiday comfort with almost no effort. It’s like Grandma’s classic version but even easier — just toss everything in the slow cooker and let time do its work.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday suppers, or anytime you crave that sweet, buttery bite, these potatoes come out caramelized, tender, and rich with warm spices. Every spoonful tastes like home and happy memories. ❤️

Ingredient Overview

• 6 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into thick rounds) – The star of the show! Choose firm, bright orange potatoes for natural sweetness.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps create that glossy caramel glaze.

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark) – Sweet and molasses-rich, forming the candied coating.

• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey – Enhances flavor with natural sweetness.

• 1 tsp cinnamon – Brings that cozy, festive warmth.

• ¼ tsp nutmeg – Adds depth and spice.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors beautifully.

• ½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.

• (Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows or ½ cup chopped pecans for topping before serving.)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into even, thick rounds (about ½-inch thick) so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
Lightly grease your slow cooker, then layer the sweet potatoes, drizzling a bit of the sauce between each layer until all the potatoes are coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Magic
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and glazed in syrupy goodness.

Step 5: Optional Finishing Touch
If you love that classic marshmallow topping, sprinkle mini marshmallows or pecans over the top during the last 10 minutes and cover until melted.

Step 6: Serve & Savor
Give everything a gentle stir before serving. Serve warm, spooning the sweet buttery sauce over each portion.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 2 hours on LOW since they’re already soft.

2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely — honey gives a thicker, golden sweetness.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook fully, then reheat gently before serving.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a large (6–7 quart) crockpot and stir halfway.

5. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, just note they’re slightly starchier.

6. Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use vegan butter or coconut oil.

7. Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, add in the last few minutes to melt perfectly.

8. Can I use white sugar instead?
Brown sugar is best for caramel flavor, but white sugar works in a pinch.

9. Can I use pumpkin spice?
Yes, 1 tsp replaces the cinnamon and nutmeg combo.

10. Can I use honey and brown sugar together?
Definitely — it creates a deep, rich flavor.

11. Can I cook it faster?
Yes, on HIGH for 2½–3 hours.

12. Can I bake it instead?
Yes — bake uncovered at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

13. Can I add orange juice?
Yes, 2 tbsp adds brightness and cuts sweetness slightly.

14. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 months. Reheat slowly.

15. Can I skip the cinnamon?
You can, but it adds that holiday warmth.

16. Can I add pecans?
Yes, for crunch and nutty flavor.

17. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce added salt to a pinch.

18. Can I make this without peeling the potatoes?
You can — the skins soften during cooking.

19. Can I make this for Thanksgiving ahead?
Yes — cook a day before and reheat in crockpot on WARM.

20. How long can it sit on “keep warm”?
Up to 2 hours before serving, stir occasionally.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use firm, fresh sweet potatoes.
2. Slice evenly for consistent cooking.
3. Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
4. Stir halfway through for even coating.
5. Don’t overcook — potatoes should hold shape.
6. Add a splash of orange juice for brightness.
7. Use real butter — it makes a difference.
8. Add pecans or walnuts near the end for crunch.
9. Stir gently before serving to coat in syrup.
10. Keep on WARM setting if serving at parties.
11. Use maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
12. Add vanilla extract for warmth.
13. Double sauce if you like extra glaze.
14. Don’t lift lid too often — it slows cooking.
15. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
16. For a twist, add shredded coconut at the end.
17. Add mini marshmallows only at the end.
18. Serve in a white bowl — the color pops!
19. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving.
20. Perfect alongside ham, turkey, or roast chicken.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

1. Cool completely before storing.

2. Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.

3. Freeze up to 2 months.

4. Thaw overnight before reheating.

5. Reheat in microwave in 30-second intervals.

6. Reheat in crockpot on LOW for 1 hour.

7. Add a pat of butter before reheating for fresh flavor.

8. Avoid reheating too long — they’ll become mushy.

9. Store sauce separately if making ahead for events.

10. Serve leftovers with whipped cream for a dessert twist!

20 Recipe Secrets

1. Add a splash of vanilla at the end for aroma.

2. Use both light and dark brown sugar for complexity.

3. Add a touch of bourbon for depth (adults only!).

4. Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream before serving — silky texture!

5. Add orange zest for brightness.

6. Top with crushed pecans and marshmallows for holiday flair.

7. Mix a pinch of sea salt on top to balance sweetness.

8. Layer potatoes with butter for even coating.

9. Use maple butter instead of plain for flavor twist.

10. Add 1 tbsp molasses for richer caramel notes.

11. Cook on LOW for the most even candied finish.

12. Add a cinnamon stick while cooking — remove before serving.

13. Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.

14. Add a pinch of cloves for cozy holiday spice.

15. Make extra syrup for drizzling over pancakes later!

16. Add a bit of cornstarch slurry for thicker glaze.

17. Sprinkle toasted coconut for Southern-style flair.

18. Pair with baked ham for the ultimate comfort combo.

19. Serve in mini ramekins for holiday dinners.

20. Keep extra sauce in a jar — it’s liquid gold over ice cream!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity — sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table for seconds and tastes like the holidays in every bite.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday, this recipe captures that comforting, old-fashioned goodness — with the ease of a modern slow cooker. 🍂✨

Serve it warm, watch it disappear, and let the aroma fill your home with holiday cheer. ❤️