Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples Casserole
There’s something magical about how sweet potatoes and apples come together in this simple yet indulgent side dish. This recipe captures fall’s cozy essence, with tender slices of sweet potatoes and crisp apples caramelized to perfection in a buttery glaze. Hints of vanilla and brown sugar add more depth to the dish, making it a recipe that feels like a hug for your taste buds.
Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples Casserole
If you’re looking for more recipes that star potatoes as the main ingredient, check out my How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes or Crispy Roasted Potatoes.
Whether hosting a holiday gathering or looking to elevate a weeknight meal, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Not only does it taste delicious, but it looks beautiful too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, but the combination of flavors creates a gourmet depth.
The caramelization of the sweet potatoes and apples as they roast elevates their natural sweetness, while vanilla, brown sugar, and apple cider tie everything together in a rich, indulgent coating.
I found this recipe in the Christmas with Southern Living Cookbook. The original recipe called for double the amount of sauce, which was way too much, so I cut the ingredients in half.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes
Properly storing sweet potatoes can help them last longer and retain their flavor.
- Temperature: Sweet potatoes keep best last around 55 to 60 degrees. Avoid refrigerating them, which can make them hard and alter their taste.
- Keep Dry and Ventilated: Sweet potatoes can develop mold if exposed to moisture. Storing them in an open paper bag or a mesh bag is ideal, as it provides ventilation while protecting them from light.
- Avoid Storing Near Other Produce: Sweet potatoes are sensitive to ethylene gas, which some fruits like apples and bananas release. Store them away from these fruits to prevent premature ripening or spoilage.
- Avoid Washing Before Storage: Washing adds moisture, which can lead to mold and rot. Only wash sweet potatoes right before you plan to use them.
How to Store Apples
Storing apples correctly can keep them crisp and fresh for weeks or even months.
- Ideal Temperature: Apples store best around 30 – 35 degrees, just above freezing. Please keep them in the coldest part of the fridge (usually the crisper drawer). If you have a basement or garage that stays above freezing, it can work well for storing apples.
- Separate from Other Produce: Apples release ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil more quickly. Store apples away from carrots, leafy greens, or potatoes to prevent unwanted ripening or decay.
- Individual Wrapping: For long-term storage, wrap each apple individually in newspaper or Kraft paper. Wrapping the apples helps prevent bruising and slows down the spread of any spoilage.
Ingredients to Gather
- Sweet Potatoes – bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a hearty texture to this dish, making them the perfect base for a cozy and comforting recipe.
- Apples – add a burst of natural sweetness and a touch of tang to this dish, balancing the richness of the sweet potatoes.
- Butter – lends a rich, velvety texture and enhances the caramelization of the sweet potatoes and apples.
- Light Brown Sugar – adds a warm, molasses-infused sweetness that caramelizes beautifully with the butter, coating the sweet potatoes and apples in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Apple Cider – brings a bright, tangy sweetness that elevates the flavors of the dish.
- Salt – enhances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples.
- Vanilla – adds a warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
Creating a Cozy Life Group
Since you found this recipe for Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 206,000 like-minded souls.
It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.
Ingredients
2 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, peeled (about 3)
3 large cooking apples (I used Gala)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick of butter)
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
1. Heat water to boiling in a large stockpot. Cut peeled sweet potatoes in half and add them to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, and then let cool down enough to handle.
2. Meanwhile, core apples and slice into 1/2″ rings.
3. Once sweet potatoes are cooled down, slice in 1/2″ rings also.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
5. Melt butter in a saucepan and add brown sugar, apple cider, and salt. Cook for 5-8 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add vanilla and remove from heat.
6. Layer sweet potato and apple slices in a greased 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Pour cooked glaze evenly over sweet potato and apple slices.
7. Bake uncovered for one hour. After 30 minutes, bast glaze and return to oven for 30 more minutes.
Tips for Success
- You can substitute yams for sweet potatoes.
- To make the dish look uniformed, choose apples and sweet potatoes that are the same width.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the candied sweet potatoes and apples to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Avoid overcooking during the reheating to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.
Freeze for later: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container or bags for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Perfect Pairings
Candied Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples pair beautifully with savory main dishes like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted pork loin.
Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, or serve it alongside a simple roast chicken for an unforgettable meal. Pair it with a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice for a vegetarian twist.
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Printable Version Rustic Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples Recipe with Nutritional Information
Rustic Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Rustic Candied Sweet Potatoes and Apples make an amazing tasting side dish. Add a topping of brown sugar combined with butter and you've got heaven on your plate.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes or yams, peeled (about 3)
- 3 large cooking apples
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick of butter)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat water to a boil. Cut peeled sweet potatoes in half and add to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, and then let cool down enough to handle.
- Meanwhile, core apples and slice into 1/2" rings.
- Once sweet potatoes or yams have cooled down, slice them into 1/2" rings.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and add brown sugar, apple cider, and salt. Cook for 5-8 minutes, until sauce thickens. Add vanilla and remove from the heat.
- Layer sweet potatoes and apple slices in a greased 9" x 13" baking dish. Pour the cooked glaze evenly over them.
- Baked uncovered for one hour. After 30 minutes, bast glaze and return to oven for 30 minutes more.
