Description
This Instant Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a rich, flavorful side dish that’s both sweet and spiced. Tender chunks of sweet potatoes are cooked under pressure with a buttery, brown sugar, and maple syrup glaze, then topped with melting mini marshmallows for a classic holiday treat. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or festive meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick chunks
Syrup Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thick chunks to ensure even cooking in the Instant Pot.
- Soak: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl of cool water and soak for 5-10 minutes to remove excess starch and help them cook more evenly.
- Melt the butter: While the potatoes soak, melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until fully liquid.
- Mix syrup ingredients: Stir the brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg into the melted butter to create a rich, flavorful syrup.
- Drain potatoes and add to pot: Drain the sweet potatoes from the soaking water and place them in the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Pour the prepared syrup evenly over the potatoes.
- Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and ensure the venting seal is in place. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on normal steam settings for 5 minutes.
- Release pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam carefully to avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes.
- Add marshmallows: Open the lid, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the cooked sweet potatoes, then close the lid again. Let the residual heat melt the marshmallows for about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the candied sweet potatoes immediately. Optionally, sprinkle additional mini marshmallows on top and use a kitchen torch to melt or lightly broil them for a toasted finish. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the sweet potatoes helps achieve tender yet firm chunks.
- The quick release method prevents overcooking the potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- You can substitute maple syrup with corn syrup if preferred for a different sweetness profile.
- Using a kitchen torch to toast marshmallows adds a beautiful caramelized touch, but it can also be skipped.
- Make sure to use mini marshmallows for even melting and better coverage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot, candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato recipe, holiday side dish, marshmallow topping, quick pressure cooker recipes
