Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Sweet Potatoes

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Our delicious sweet potato casserole recipe is tried and tested. Using canned yams, apples, and marshmallows it is easy to throw together without sacrificing taste.

sweet potato casserole on a wood background with a red and white striped tea towel, wooden spoon, and marshmallows

Quick & Easy Sweet Potato Casserole - Canned Yams is the Secret!

If you are looking for a simple and delicious sweet potato casserole recipe look no further. We’ve made this recipe dozens of times and have it down to a science.

Below you will find detailed step by step instructions, FAQ’s answered, and a video tutorial.

For as long as I can remember this has been one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving, and I know you’ll love it too.

You can find all our other Thanksgiving favorite recipes here!

Why you'll love this Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams

The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together. You can totally assign this to an older child to make and free yourself up for the turkey. Minimum effort and maximum deliciousness.

half a pan of sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. red and white striped towel in one corner and marshmallows in another

Ingredients for Candied Yams with Marshmallows

Canned Yams
Green Apples
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Butter
Boiling Water
Cornstarch
Cold Water
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Mini Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole Canned Yams Substitutions & Variations

Can I substitute fresh yams? You can substitute fresh yams for the canned yams, but you will need to cook them first. Cook your fresh yams either by roasting, boiling, or baking them until they are soft and easily cut through with a fork.
Can I eliminate the apples? Yes, you can leave out the apples if desired. You may want to add an extra can or two of yams to fill the extra space. We do recommend the apples as the flavor balance is better with them.
Can I add nuts? Absolutely. We love chopped pecans in this dish.

How do you make Candied Yams with Marshmallows?

It really is so simple!

Gather your ingredients
Put drained yams, and peeled and sliced apples in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Add sugar, brown sugar, salt, butter and boiling water in a medium sauce pan and melt together.
In separate cup combine cornstarch and cold water until well combined and then add to the sugar mixture. Cook on medium high heat until clear and bubbly. Pour caramel mixture over yams and apples and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle yam casserole with cinnamon, nutmeg and marshmallows and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and golden brown.

How to make Sweet Potato Casserole ahead

Simply prepare as directed but instead of placing in the oven to bake cover your dish tightly with tinfoil. Store in the fridge until ready to bake. You may need to extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.

apples, sweet potatoes, marshmallows, cinnamon, butter, sugar and a red and white striped tea towel on a wooden counter

How to store Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Cool the Casserole: Allow the sweet potato casserole to cool to room temperature after baking. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Transfer to an Airtight Container: Once the casserole has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a disposable, freezer-safe aluminum foil or plastic container.
Cover Tightly: Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can lead to moisture loss and changes in texture.
Refrigerate: Place the airtight container with the sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator. It's essential to store it in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to prevent spoilage.

Storing Sweet Potato Casserole in the fridge

Place the airtight container with the sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator. It's essential to store it in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to prevent spoilage.
Consume Within a Few Days: Sweet potato casserole with canned yams can typically be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to consume it within this time frame to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Reheat as Needed: When you're ready to enjoy the leftover casserole, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until it's warmed through. To reheat in the microwave, cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring or checking for doneness between intervals.

Storing Sweet Potato Casserole in the freezer

Freeze for Longer Storage: If you have a larger batch or want to store the casserole for an extended period, you can freeze it. Ensure the casserole is in a freezer-safe container, and seal it well. Casserole can be frozen before of after baking. Sweet potato casserole can typically be frozen for 2-3 months.

How to reheat this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Recipe

Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

side view of a pan of marshmallow covered sweet potato casserole

Candied Yams with Marshmallows & Canned Yams FAQs

Can I substitute sweet potatoes for canned yams?

You can substitute fresh yams for the canned yams, but you will need to cook them first. Cook your fresh yams either by roasting, boiling, or baking them until they are soft and easily cut through with a fork.

Can yams and sweet potatoes be used interchangeably?

Yams and sweet potatoes cannot be used interchangeably in recipes without consideration because they are two distinct root vegetables with different flavors, textures, and characteristics. While they share some similarities, they also have notable differences. To substitute one for the other in a recipe, consider the following:

1. If using yams instead of sweet potatoes in a recipe that calls for sweet potatoes, you may want to add a bit more sweetener (like sugar or honey) to compensate for the yam's starchier and less sweet nature.

2. If using sweet potatoes instead of yams, you might need to reduce the sweetness slightly and be prepared for a creamier texture.

Are canned yams pre cooked?

Yes.

Should I rinse canned sweet potatoes?

In this recipe drain the excess juice but do not rinse sweet potatoes.

Are canned yams as good as fresh yams?

Whether canned yams are as good as fresh yams depends on your culinary needs and preferences. Canned yams offer convenience and sweetness but may not match the flavor and texture of fresh yams.

You ready for the easy recipe?!

If you make this recipe and like it please leave us a comment and review! They mean so much to us.

Sweet Potato Recipe for Thanksgiving with marshmallows on top.

Candied Yams with Marshmallows Recipe (Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Canned Yams)

Super easy and delicious sweet potato casserole using canned yams, apples and marshmallows!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 121kcal

Author: Pretty Providence

Video

Ingredients

6 16 oz canned yams drained
3 green apples peeled and sliced
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
1 ½ cup boiling water
4 tablespoon cornstarch
¾ cups cold water
cinnamon
nutmeg
mini marshmallows

Instructions

Put drained yams, and peeled and sliced apples in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Add sugar, brown sugar, salt, butter and boiling water in a medium sauce pan and melt together.
In separate cup combine cornstarch and cold water until well combined and then add to the sugar mixture. Cook on medium high heat until clear and bubbly. Pour caramel mixture over yams and apples and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle yam casserole with cinnamon, nutmeg and marshmallows and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and golden brown.

Notes

You may not need all of the syrup mixture. Start pouring over your apples and yams and stop when you feel that everything has been well coated but it's not too close to the rim of the pan.

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-7 days.