If you’re looking for a cozy, hands-off way to enjoy sweet potatoes, this recipe might just become your new weeknight favorite. Rich brown sugar and fragrant cinnamon melt together with buttery goodness, giving each bite a soft, caramelized texture that tastes like pure comfort. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work—perfect for busy days or anytime you want a warm, satisfying dish without hovering over the stove.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (dark or light)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice for liquid
- Optional garnish: chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
Begin by lightly coating the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker and drizzle the water or orange juice on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Pour this mixture all over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is lightly coated. Close the lid, set your slow cooker on low, and let them cook for about 4 hours. The exact timing may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark. Once they’re fork-tender and deliciously fragrant, turn off the slow cooker and keep them covered until you’re ready to serve.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top right before plating. This crunch complements the sweet and silky potatoes beautifully.
Finally, spoon out these caramelized sweet potatoes onto plates or into bowls. Watch everyone’s faces light up as those warm, sugary aromas fill the room.
Brown Sugar-Cinnamon Swirl Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes are a perfect fit for anyone who wants a comforting side dish that requires minimal attention. They’re well-suited for those aiming to skip the refined additives often found in store-bought options—plus you can easily tweak the sweetness level to match your personal preference.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy family on a weeknight, treating friends at a holiday gathering, or simply wanting a tastier twist on classic sweet potatoes, this recipe checks all the boxes. Feel free to swap in a little honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar, or add a hint of vanilla for extra depth. However you customize them, these slow cooker sweet potatoes promise a wholesome, comforting addition to your table.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
