This delightful Sweet Apple Cinnamon Yam Bake is a simple, irresistible side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners. Easy to prepare and always a family favorite, it’s a regular on our Thanksgiving table.
The Best Sweet Apple Cinnamon Yam Bake
This recipe is one of my all-time favorites and a must-have for Thanksgiving. I found it in my mom’s wooden recipe box, written on a worn card—those little family touches make it even more special. The mix of tender yams, tart apples, and a buttery cinnamon sauce creates a comforting, standout side dish for any holiday table. I don’t make it every day, but a few times a year it’s worth the indulgence.
Looking for Another Delicious Side Dish?
If you enjoy rich holiday sides, try our Brown Sugar Bourbon Candied Yams for another crowd-pleasing option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prep: Make the sauce, assemble the layers, and pop it in the oven—perfect to prepare ahead and bake while the main dish rests.
- Delicious: The buttery, syrupy sauce combines with soft yams and crisp apples for a flavor everyone looks forward to.
- Indulgent: This is a special-occasion side that feels festive and comforting—ideal for holidays.
What You Will Need
- Sugar – provides sweetness; granulated sugar works well, and cane sugar can be substituted.
- Cornstarch – thickens the sauce into a glossy syrup.
- Water – the base for the sauce.
- Kosher salt – a pinch to enhance flavors.
- Butter – adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Fresh apples – Honeycrisp is excellent, but any crisp apple will do.
- Canned yams – convenient and traditional here; instructions include a note for using baked fresh yams instead.
- Ground cinnamon – a warm spice to season the layers.
How To Make Sweet Apple Cinnamon Yam Bake
Step 1: Combine the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high. Melt the butter and whisk constantly as the mixture simmers. Keep it just under a boil and whisk until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Step 2: Prep the filling by peeling and slicing the apples into wedges or your preferred shape.
Pro Tip
Peeling apples is the most time-consuming part. If you have an apple peeler or a peeler attachment for a stand mixer, it will speed things up considerably.
Step 3: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the apple slices, then half the yams. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over each layer. Repeat with the remaining apples and yams, finishing with cinnamon on top.
Step 4: Pour the hot sauce evenly over the layered apples and yams so it seeps between the layers.
Step 5: Bake at 350°F for one hour, uncovered. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
What To Serve With A Sweet Apple Cinnamon Yam Bake
This dish pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains and sides such as grilled or roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Finish the meal with a simple pumpkin pie or another favorite dessert.
Other Holiday Side Dishes You Might Like
- Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
- Classic Giblet Stuffing
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Gluten-Free Cornbread Muffins
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Sweet Apple Cinnamon Yam Bake
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Ingredients
- 5 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cut into wedges (about 12 wedges per apple)
- 56 ounces canned yams, drained (2 cans – 28 oz each)
- 3-4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Layer: In a 9×13 casserole pan, layer half the apple slices, half the yams, then the remaining apples and yams. Sprinkle ground cinnamon after each layer.
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Make the Sauce: In a small to medium saucepan, combine 1 ¼ cups water, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts. Once it begins to simmer, whisk continuously, keeping it just under boiling, until the sauce thickens to a very thick syrup—about 15 minutes.
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Bake: Pour the sauce evenly over the apples and yams. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
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Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- Apples: Use any crisp apple you like; Honeycrisp yields great flavor and texture.
- Sugar: Cane sugar can likely be used in place of granulated sugar if preferred.
- Fresh Yams: To use fresh yams, bake 4–6 yams until tender, cool, peel, and cut into large chunks before layering.
- Dairy-Free Butter: I haven’t tested a dairy-free butter here; it may work but results could vary.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—reheat gently.