Introduction
There’s something magical about the way sweet potatoes transform in the slow cooker. With just three simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with comforting flavors. These candied sweets are rich, buttery, and sweet, making them a perfect side dish for holiday feasts or a cozy family dinner. As the sweet potatoes cook, they become tender and soak up a luscious syrup that drips down, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and left whole (small to medium size works best)
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 1/2 to 3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and keeping them whole. If you have any particularly large potatoes, don’t hesitate to trim the ends or cut them in half crosswise to ensure they fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
- Next, arrange the peeled sweet potatoes in a snug single layer at the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. They should be touching slightly, but be careful not to pack them too tightly to allow the lid to close properly.
- Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the tops of the sweet potatoes, letting some of it fall around the sides to reach the bottom of the cooker.
- Dot the butter pieces generously over the brown sugar and sweet potatoes. As they cook, this will melt into a delicious syrup.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the sweet potatoes are incredibly tender when pierced with a fork, and the sugar and butter have combined into a thick syrup.
- Once cooked, carefully spoon some of the syrup from the bottom of the pot over the sweet potatoes. Allow them to rest on WARM for 10 to 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- When you’re ready to serve, you can present the sweet potatoes whole or slice them, drizzling warm syrup over each portion. If you’re serving them over an extended period, keep the slow cooker on WARM, with the lid mostly on to retain the heat.
Notes or Tips
This recipe is wonderfully simple and adaptable. If you like, you can add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for an aromatic twist. Feel free to experiment with different types of sugars too—dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, while light brown sugar is more straightforwardly sweet.
Cooking Techniques
Using a slow cooker is an excellent technique for this recipe as it allows the sweet potatoes to gently cook and absorb the flavors of the brown sugar and butter. The low and slow method ensures they become tender and flavorful without any risk of burning. If you prefer, you can achieve similar results in an oven, although the specific timing and temperature will vary.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? While this recipe is best suited for sweet potatoes, you could experiment with other varieties, keeping in mind that they may require different cooking times.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a little water to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
These 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Candied Sweets are a delightful and effortless way to treat your family to a comforting side dish that’s sure to become a staple during the colder months. With minimal preparation and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy time with your loved ones while this sweet, syrupy goodness cooks away, filling your kitchen with warm, delightful aromas.