Yam Candy (Aka) Sweet Potato Candy: A Taste of Nostalgia

My grandmother, bless her heart, had a way of making the simplest treats feel like the height of luxury. I remember sneaking into her kitchen as a child, the air thick with the scent of cinnamon and sweet potatoes. These weren’t just vegetables; they were the key ingredient to her famous Yam Candy, little nuggets of joy that she’d meticulously roll and dust with powdered sugar. Each bite was a soft, sweet explosion that cemented my love for all things sugary and, more importantly, for the magic that could happen in a warm, loving kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes (for sweet potatoes)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 25-30 balls
• Yield: 25-30 pieces of candy
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be Vegan if margarine is substituted with a plant-based butter alternative)

Ingredients

• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 1/3 lb margarine, softened (or plant-based butter alternative for vegan option)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, pure
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract, pure
• 1 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, baked
• 1 1/2 teaspoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups angel flake coconut
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Fork or potato masher
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (optional, for powdered sugar)
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. First, bake the sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your sweet potatoes.
2. Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the insides of the potato, discarding the skin. You’ll need 1 1/2 cups of cooked sweet potato. Let this portion cool completely before moving on to the next step. This is crucial because warm sweet potato will melt the margarine and affect the candy’s texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures a smoother final product.
4. Add the softened margarine to the powdered sugar. Make sure the margarine is softened to room temperature, but not melted. This will allow it to cream properly with the sugar.
5. Next, add the milk, cinnamon, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the cooled sweet potato to the bowl.
7. Using a spoon or your hands (clean hands!), mix all ingredients well.
8. Now, knead the mixture with your hands until it is smooth and well combined. This step is important to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
9. Add the angel flake coconut and knead to incorporate.
10. Shape the mixture into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield around 25-30 balls.
11. Dust each ball with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and prevents the candies from sticking together.
12. Finally, refrigerate the yam candy for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the candy to firm up and develop its flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sweet Potato Selection: Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Avoid sweet potatoes that are sprouting or have soft spots.
• Cooling is Key: Ensure the sweet potato mixture is completely cooled before adding it to the other ingredients. If the mixture is too warm, it will melt the margarine and the candy will be too soft.
• Margarine vs. Butter: While margarine is the traditional ingredient, you can substitute it with softened butter for a richer flavor. However, be aware that butter may make the candy slightly softer. For a vegan option, use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Extracts: The almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the sweet potato. However, if you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can omit it or substitute it with another extract, such as maple or rum.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet candy, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. However, keep in mind that powdered sugar also helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The sweet potato mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to break up the preparation process.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Yam Candies are perfect as a sweet treat any time of day. Serve them chilled, dusted with a fresh coating of powdered sugar, for the best texture and flavor.

To store, keep the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing may slightly alter the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 ball)	% Daily Value*
Calories	113.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	43 g	39%
Total Fat	4.9 g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	7%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	57.8 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	17.7 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	16.2 g	64%
Protein	0.2 g	0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Yam Candy: Substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and use non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
• Spiced Yam Candy: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the mixture for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Nutty Yam Candy: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Yam Candy: Add melted dark chocolate to the mixture for a decadent twist.
• Citrus Yam Candy: Add orange or lemon zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Maple Yam Candy: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why are my yam candies too soft?
A: This is usually due to the sweet potato mixture not being completely cooled before mixing with the other ingredients. Ensure the sweet potato is cool to the touch before adding it to the bowl.

Q: Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
A: While it’s possible, fresh baked sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture. If using canned, make sure it’s 100% sweet potato puree and drain any excess liquid.

Q: How long will these candies last?
A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they will last for about a week.

Q: Can I freeze these yam candies?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for longer storage. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving, but be aware that freezing may slightly alter the texture.

Q: What can I use instead of almond extract?
A: If you are not a fan of almond extract, you can omit it or substitute it with another extract, such as maple or rum.

Final Thoughts

This Yam Candy recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a reminder of simpler times and the joy of sharing homemade goodness with loved ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family. The aroma of sweet potatoes and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, just like it does for me. And who knows, maybe you’ll create your own sweet memories with each bite!