We’ve got a soft spot for Princella Praline Yams, a beloved Southern classic that turns simple canned yams into a decadent treat with its sweet, nutty praline topping. It’s the perfect side dish for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, blending creamy textures with irresistible crunch.
In our kitchen, we love how this recipe honors tradition while keeping things easy and approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, our take on Princella Praline Yams promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
As we prepare our Princella Praline Yams recipe, we focus on selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver the signature creamy texture and sweet, crunchy topping. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Canned Yams: 2 cans (29 ounces each) of Princella Cut Yams, drained and lightly mashed to ensure even cooking and a smooth base.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened at room temperature for easy melting and mixing into the yam mixture.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, to add rich sweetness and caramel notes that complement the Princella Praline Yams.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup, sifted, for thickening the praline topping and providing a subtle crunch.
- Chopped Pecans: 1 cup, toasted and roughly chopped, as they form the nutty element of the praline that adds texture and depth.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground if possible, to infuse warm spice into the topping.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for enhanced flavor that ties the dish together.
- Mini Marshmallows: 1 cup (optional), for a gooey topping that melts perfectly during baking and elevates the holiday appeal of Princella Praline Yams.
Required Tools and Equipment
As we move from gathering our fresh ingredients for Princella Praline Yams to the preparation stage, having the right tools and equipment ensures a smooth, efficient process. We recommend selecting high-quality items to achieve that perfect creamy texture and crunchy praline topping without any hitches.
To prepare this recipe effectively, you’ll need the following essential tools. We’ve organized them into a simple list with brief descriptions of their roles:
- Baking Dish (9×13 inch): This is our go-to for evenly baking the yams and praline topping. Opt for a glass or ceramic version to prevent sticking and promote golden browning.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): We use these to combine ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and pecans. A medium bowl works for dry mixes, while a large one handles wet components for easy stirring.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Set: Accuracy is key in our Princella Praline Yams recipe, so precise measuring cups for liquids and solids, plus spoons for smaller amounts, help maintain the dish’s signature sweet balance.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: For blending the praline mixture smoothly. We prefer a whisk for its ability to incorporate air and eliminate lumps quickly.
- Oven Mitts and Heat-Resistant Spatula: These protect us during handling. The spatula is ideal for spreading the topping evenly over the yams.
- Can Opener: Essential for opening the canned Princella Cut Yams. Choose a smooth-edge model to avoid any mishaps.
- Knife and Cutting Board: We use these to chop pecans or other add-ins. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for that ideal crunch.
By using these tools, we can prepare our Princella Praline Yams recipe with confidence, making it a holiday favorite that’s both straightforward and impressive.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare our mouthwatering Princella Praline Yams. Follow these instructions closely for a creamy base topped with a irresistible crunchy praline that delights the senses with its sweet nutty aroma and caramelized finish.
Prep the Yams
First, we open the cans of Princella Cut Yams using our can opener and drain the liquid thoroughly in a colander to ensure a fluffy texture. In a large mixing bowl, we add the drained yams—about 2 cans (40 ounces total)—and mash them smoothly with a whisk or wooden spoon until they reach a creamy consistency that promises a velvety mouthfeel.
Next, we incorporate 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. We mix these ingredients vigorously until fully combined, creating a rich aromatic blend that evokes the warmth of holiday gatherings and enhances the natural sweetness of the yams for an unforgettable taste.
Prepare the Praline Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, we combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, stirring them together to form a base that will deliver that signature crunch. We then add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/4 cup of softened butter, using our fingers or a fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—ensuring each bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures that perfectly complements the creamy yams below.
For an extra festive touch, we optionally mix in 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows at this stage, which will melt into gooey pockets during baking and add a playful toasted sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile of our dish.
Assemble and Bake
We preheat our oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Spread the prepared yam mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a heat-resistant spatula for an even bake that allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Sprinkle the praline topping generously over the yams, covering the surface completely to create a golden crust that crisps up in the oven. We bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is bubbly and browned, filling our kitchen with an enticing aroma of toasted nuts and spices. For a final flourish, we broil on high for 1-2 minutes if using marshmallows, watching closely to achieve a lightly charred effect that adds visual appeal and a delightful smoky note.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Princella Praline Yams is how easily it adapts to make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time during busy holidays while keeping the dish’s creamy texture and sweet, crunchy topping intact. By planning ahead, we ensure that our family gatherings remain stress-free and delicious.
Preparing the Yam Base in Advance
We can prepare the yam base up to 2 days ahead to maintain its fresh flavor. First, drain and mash the canned Princella Cut Yams as outlined in our main instructions. Mix in the butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer this mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This step preserves the base’s rich, velvety consistency, making it ready for assembly when we need it.
Making the Praline Topping Ahead
For the praline topping, we recommend preparing it 1 to 2 days in advance for optimal crunch. Combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and butter in a separate bowl until it forms crumbly clusters. Store the topping in a sealed plastic bag or container in the refrigerator. If we’re adding mini marshmallows, keep them separate to avoid sogginess and mix them in just before baking.
Assembling the Dish
To assemble ahead, spread the chilled yam base evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the praline topping over the top, covering it completely for that signature golden-brown finish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This method locks in the flavors, ensuring our yams remain moist and the topping stays crisp when baked.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If we need to extend preparation further, freeze the fully assembled dish for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe material to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 350°F as per the original instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. For the best results, we aim for a bubbly, aromatic finish that fills the kitchen with warm, nutty scents—perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
| Preparation Step | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yam Base Only | Up to 2 days | Refrigerated | Keeps creamy texture intact |
| Praline Topping Only | Up to 2 days | Refrigerated | Maintains crunch when stored separately |
| Fully Assembled Dish | Up to 24 hours | Refrigerated | Ready to bake directly |
| Fully Assembled and Frozen | Up to 1 month | Frozen | Thaw overnight before baking |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Princella Praline Yams recipe with us.
It’s a simple way to add warmth and flavor to your gatherings.
As we’ve guided you through, this dish brings people together effortlessly.
Let’s make it a staple in our holiday traditions for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Princella Praline Yams?
Princella Praline Yams is a classic Southern dish that turns canned yams into a sweet, creamy treat topped with a crunchy praline mixture. It’s perfect for holidays and family gatherings, offering a blend of textures that delights everyone, and it’s easy for cooks of any skill level to prepare.
What ingredients are needed for Princella Praline Yams?
You’ll need canned Princella Cut Yams, butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and optional mini marshmallows. Focus on high-quality ingredients for the best creamy base and sweet, crunchy topping—specific measurements are in the recipe for accuracy.
What tools are required to make Princella Praline Yams?
Essential tools include a 9×13 inch baking dish, medium and large mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or wooden spoon, oven mitts, a heat-resistant spatula, a can opener, and a knife with cutting board. These ensure a smooth preparation process without any hassle.
How do I prepare Princella Praline Yams?
Start by draining and mashing the yams, then mix in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla for the base. Create the praline topping by combining brown sugar, flour, pecans, and butter. Assemble in a baking dish, add optional marshmallows, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and browned—broil briefly for a charred effect if desired.
Can I make Princella Praline Yams ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the yam base up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it creamy. Make the praline topping separately and store it for freshness. You can assemble the full dish ahead, refrigerate, or even freeze it for up to a month for stress-free holidays.
How should I store and reheat Princella Praline Yams?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for smaller portions. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the dish’s creamy texture and crunch.