Name: Instant Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks; 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons); 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 3 cups mini marshmallows

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Introduction

These Instant Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes are a perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a delightful side dish for any holiday or weeknight dinner. The addition of melty mini marshmallows gives this classic a cozy, nostalgic touch.

A white plate holds a serving of cooked sweet potatoes, bright orange in color with a soft and slightly chunky texture. On top, there is a layer of white marshmallows that have been toasted to a light golden brown, showing some charred spots. The marshmallows are unevenly spread, melting slightly and blending into the sweet potatoes. The plate is on a blue and white cloth, and part of a kitchen torch is visible near the plate, slightly out of focus. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks
1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick chunks. Then, soak them in a bowl of cool water for 5–10 minutes to remove excess starch.
Step 2: While the sweet potatoes soak, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 3: Stir the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the melted butter until well combined.
Step 4: Drain the sweet potatoes and place them into the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour the syrup mixture over the potatoes evenly.
Step 5: Close the lid and seal the vent. Select the steam button, set the pressure to normal, and adjust the time to 5 minutes.
Step 6: When cooking ends, release the pressure immediately with the quick release method. Carefully open the lid once steam has fully escaped.
Step 7: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the hot sweet potatoes. Replace the lid and let the residual heat melt the marshmallows for 5–7 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the candied sweet potatoes immediately, topping with extra marshmallows if desired. For a toasted finish, briefly use a kitchen torch or broil under a heat source.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Use pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a natural sweetness boost.
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for added aroma.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows before serving.

Storage

Store leftover candied sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a few extra marshmallows on top if desired for freshness.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with soft, bright orange chunks of cooked sweet potato as the base layer, topped with a generous layer of toasted golden-brown marshmallows lightly browned on top, and drizzled with a white whipped cream sauce spread unevenly over the marshmallows. A gold fork is lifting a piece of the sweet potato from the center of the plate. There is a sprinkle of cinnamon powder around the edge of the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh sweet potatoes work best for this recipe to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Using frozen ones may result in a softer, less firm dish.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can prepare this recipe in a baking dish covered with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until tender. Add marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking to melt properly.