How to make sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows

Q: Why is it called Daigaku Imo?

Daigaku Imo literally means college potato.” The name comes from the fact that the dish was sold and popular among people in college areas in Tokyo in the early 1900s. Ever since, Daigaku Imo has been, although a simple and old-fashioned taste, one of the all-time favorite sweets loved by Japanese people.

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows are baked in a sweet brown sugar and butter sauce that's spiked with spiced rum! The soft, melty marshmallows on top make this sweet potato recipe over-the-top delicious and the perfect choice for holidays.

Table of Contents Show

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED SWEET POTATOES
WHY ARE THEY CALLED CANDIED POTATOES?
CAN I OMIT THE MARSHMALLOWS?
CAN YOU FREEZE CANDIED SWEET POTATOES?
CAN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES BE MADE IN ADVANCE?
HOW TO REHEAT CANDIED SWEET POTATOES
Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Why do people add marshmallows to sweet potatoes?
What toppings are good on sweet potatoes?
Why is it called Daigaku Imo?
How can I spice up sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are a must-make on holidays and there are so many ways to put your own twist on them.

Some people like a sweet potato mash, some prefer a casserole. Some like pecans on top and others prefer marshmallows.

If you've been on the hunt for the ultimate sweet potato recipe for the holidays, I am so happy that you ended up here because this is it!

These sweet potatoes are soft and lush a cooked in a sweet, buttery, brown sugar sauce. Not just any old brown sugar sauce, though...it's a spiced rum sauce.

Doesn't that sound amazing? It so is. They are family-friendly, so kids love them, too. You are never going to want to make sweet potatoes any other way again!

HOW TO MAKE CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Candied sweet potatoes are made by baking cubed sweet potatoes in a dark brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, rum sauce that is seasoned with salt and cinnamon. The potatoes are baked for an hour and a half at 375 degrees F until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. They are then topped with marshmallows. See below for a detailed ingredients list and instructions.

WHY ARE THEY CALLED CANDIED POTATOES?

Candied sweet potatoes are sugary sweet and taste like candy, hence the name candied sweet potatoes!

CAN I OMIT THE MARSHMALLOWS?

Yes! If marshmallows aren't your thing, you can totally omit them.

CAN YOU FREEZE CANDIED SWEET POTATOES?

You can freeze candied sweet potatoes, but they may be mushier when reheated.

CAN CANDIED SWEET POTATOES BE MADE IN ADVANCE?

You can make these candied sweet potatoes in advance. Make the day before serving, but don't add the marshmallows. Let cool, then cover with foil, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and let sit on the counter for 20 minutes. Bake covered at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and add the marshmallows.

HOW TO REHEAT CANDIED SWEET POTATOES

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

If you try this recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!

6-8 servings

Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

prep time: 15 MINcook time: 1 HOUR 30 MINtotal time: 1 HOUR 45 MIN

INGREDIENTS

6 sweet potatoes
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup spiced rum
2 cups mini marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 13 X 9-inch glass baking dish.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring the brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in rum.

3. Pour the sauce over the sweet potatoes and stir to coat. Bake, stirring every half an hour until syrup is thickened, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the oven and top with the marshmallows. Broil for several minutes to toast marshmallows, if desired. (The marshmallows get melty and soften without returning the pan to the oven to broil. If you do choose to broil, the marshmallows will be brown and toasted and melt into the sauce a bit.)

4. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

NOTES

If your potatoes have cooked for the full cooking time and still seem too saucy for your liking, continue to cook until thickened more. Note that as the potatoes cool, the sauce will slightly thicken.

Author: Becky

Why do people add marshmallows to sweet potatoes?

Sweet Marketing According to Saveur, it was 1917 when the first instance of sweet potatoes baked with a coat of marshmallows appeared in a recipe booklet commissioned by Angelus Marshmallows. Since then, the dish found its way into more and more culinary publications, allowing for nationwide recognition.

What toppings are good on sweet potatoes?

TOPPING OPTIONS:.

Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and salt..

Maple syrup, butter and toasted pecans..

Sour cream, chives, salt and pepper..

Blue cheese, walnuts and honey..

Mini marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon (pop it under the broiler to toast the marshmallows a bit).

Beef, Turkey or Veggie Chili..

Sloppy Joe meat..

Why is it called Daigaku Imo?

Daigaku Imo literally means “college potato.” The name comes from the fact that the dish was sold and popular among people in college areas in Tokyo in the early 1900s. Ever since, Daigaku Imo has been, although a simple and old-fashioned taste, one of the all-time favorite sweets loved by Japanese people.

How can I spice up sweet potatoes?

While sweet potatoes taste delicious with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a little extra seasoning really elevates the flavor. If you're looking to add a warming, savory vibe to this recipe try roasting with a blend of cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.