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Vegan Candied Yams (Sweet Potatoes) for a Soulful Holiday Table

Updated: Jun 4

Candied yams have always had a special place at my family’s holiday table. This plant-based version—rich with maple syrup, orange juice, and warming spices—is inspired by my Thia Tina’s original recipe and the gatherings we shared at my Yiayia Aphrodite’s home. These vegan candied yams are sweet, buttery, and full of nostalgic flavor, offering a comforting addition to any fall or winter celebration. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu or simply craving something cozy, this dish brings warmth, memory, and ease to your plate.


Roasted sweet potatoes with cloves in a white dish, set in a cozy setting with red flowers and a "Welcome" sign in the background.

A Sweet Holiday Side Dish Rooted in Family and Fall

These aren’t your average sweet potatoes—they’re candied yams, inspired by my Thia Tina’s (Aunt Tina's) cherished recipe, now made fully plant-based.


We often gathered at my Yiayia Aphrodite’s home for Thanksgiving. She was American-born and Greek, and part of her upbringing in a foster home brought a rich cultural mix to our family. Holiday meals at her table reflected a beautiful blend—American traditions woven together with the heart of our Greek roots. Thanksgiving was one of those moments when our family embraced that rhythm, and candied sweet potatoes always had a place.


Thia Tina’s version was rich, golden, and sweet—a dish full of warmth and comfort. Making it plant-based became a way for me to continue that tradition with ingredients that align with how I cook and care today. It’s a recipe filled with memory, flavor, and seasonal joy.

Halved sweet potatoes with cloves in a white baking dish. Glazed with a sauce, they're placed on a wooden surface. Warm, rich colors.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients with Deep Roots

Let’s take a moment to explore the healing and historical richness of the ingredients:


Sweet Potatoes

Native to Central and South America, sweet potatoes have nourished communities for thousands of years. Their bright orange hue comes from beta-carotene, which supports eye health and immune function. Sweet potatoes also offer a slow-releasing carbohydrate that keeps you steady and energized.


Orange Juice

Fresh orange juice brings brightness and a gentle acidity that enhances the sweetness of the dish. It’s rich in vitamin C and helps draw out the warming notes of the maple and spices.


Maple Syrup

Maple syrup comes from the sap of maple trees and has been used by Indigenous communities in North America for generations. It’s a mineral-rich, plant-based sweetener that supports blood sugar balance when used mindfully.


Vegan Butter

Provides richness and brings that familiar holiday flavor. I recommend using a neutral-flavored vegan butter made from whole food ingredients when possible.


Cinnamon & Cloves

These spices are foundational to autumn cooking. Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees native to Sri Lanka and India, while cloves originate from Indonesia. Both are known for their warming, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.


Sea Salt

A pinch of salt enhances every flavor in this dish and helps bring all the components into harmony.


Roasted sweet potatoes with cloves on a plate and in a white dish. Wooden "Welcome" sign and red flowers in the background, cozy autumn vibe.

A Simple, Soulful Vegan Holiday Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those who want to bring a plant-based version of a traditional side dish to the holiday table. Whether you're hosting a full vegan Thanksgiving or contributing to a potluck, these yams always draw warmth and attention.


Vegan Candied Yams Recipe


Ingredients

  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and halved

  • ¾ stick vegan butter

  • ¾ cup maple syrup

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • ½ cup water

  • 5 cinnamon sticks

  • 16 whole cloves (2 per sweet potato half)

  • Pinch of sea salt


Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan

  • Baking dish

  • Sharp knife

  • Wooden spoon

  • Aluminum foil


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, maple syrup, vegan butter, water, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer to reduce by half.

  3. Arrange sweet potato halves face-down in a baking dish.

  4. Pour the warm sauce over the sweet potatoes and cover the dish tightly with foil.

  5. Bake for 45 minutes until fork-tender.

  6. Carefully remove foil and place 2 whole cloves into each sweet potato half.

  7. Increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and return the dish to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the tops to caramelize.

  8. For extra texture or a golden finish, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

  9. Serve warm with other holiday favorites like vegan mac and cheese, stuffing, or lentil loaf.



Seasonal Adaptations: How to Enjoy This Dish in Spring or Summer

While this vegan candied yams recipe was born for the fall and winter table, its essence—sweet, grounding, and gently spiced—can still find a place in your kitchen during other seasons. In fact, with a few thoughtful tweaks, you can enjoy a version of this dish that aligns with the energy of spring (Kapha season) and summer (Pitta season).


Here’s how to stay in rhythm with nature while keeping the heart of the dish alive:


For Spring (Kapha Season)

Spring is cool, damp, and heavy. To balance that, we lean into lightness, gentle heat, and foods that awaken digestion. Try these swaps:


  • Base: Use lighter root vegetables like carrots, golden beets, or turnips instead of sweet potatoes.

  • Sweetener: Keep maple syrup, but reduce the amount—or try a drizzle of date syrup for a lighter, warming alternative.

  • Fat: Use less vegan butter, or swap for a small amount of olive oil to keep things drier and lighter.

  • Spices: Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom to support digestion and gently stimulate warmth.

  • Preparation: Roast uncovered to encourage dryness and caramelization, which supports Kapha balance.


For Summer (Pitta Season)

Summer carries heat, intensity, and sharpness. To stay balanced, the focus is on cooling, hydrating, and sweet elements.


  • Base: Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash, apples, or even zucchini for a lighter, summer-friendly dish.

  • Sweetener: Use coconut nectar or just a small touch of maple syrup.

  • Fat: Choose coconut oil or a small amount of vegan ghee to keep it cooling and nourishing.

  • Spices: Keep cinnamon, but lighten the amount of cloves—or omit entirely if heat-sensitive. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or fresh mint to finish.

  • Serving: Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled, especially if using fruit or lighter summer vegetables.



Holiday Serving Suggestions (From My Kitchen to Yours)

These Vegan Candied Yams make a beautiful addition to any holiday table, whether you’re hosting a full plant-based feast or contributing a soulful side to a shared spread. If you're looking for more vegan Thanksgiving or holiday recipe inspiration, I’ve got you covered.


Explore one of my on-demand cooking classes, where I guide you step-by-step through rich, seasonal dishes that complement this recipe perfectly:


On-Demand Class Pairings

  • Porcini Mushroom & Pecan Pâté Crostinis

  • Savory Black-Eyed Pea Cakes over Spiced Puréed Sweet Potatoes

  • Apple and Pear Crisp with Oat Streusel Topping

  • Vegan Meatloaf Muffins

  • Cauliflower Parsnip Mash

  • Sweet Potato Mac

  • Cornbread Stuffing


Pair your candied yams with any of these for a balanced, beautiful, and fully plant-based holiday meal. All recipes are aligned with seasonal rhythms, made with whole ingredients, and filled with heart.

Browse the On-Demand Classes Here ← (link this to your on-demand video page)


For an elegant touch, top the yams with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or fresh orange zest before serving.



Share Your Holiday Table

If this dish makes it to your table this season, I’d love to see it! Share your photos or stories on Instagram and tag @consciousvegankitchen_. Whether you're celebrating with family, chosen family, or in your own company, these recipes are made to nourish and connect.




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