Can you use canned yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, and in many cases, it’s the better option! Canned yams are actually sweet potatoes — just already peeled, cooked, and packed in syrup or water. When making a Sweet Potato Cobbler with canned yams , this shortcut saves time and delivers the same rich flavor. Just be sure to drain the syrup before using.

Should you rinse canned yams?

Nope, rinsing isn’t necessary and can actually dilute the flavor. Instead, drain the syrup and heat the yams before mashing. This ensures they blend smoothly into your easy sweet potato cobbler and maintain their natural sweetness.

Are canned yams the same thing as sweet potatoes?

Technically, they are not the same — but in the U.S., canned yams labeled in stores like Bruce’s are almost always orange-fleshed sweet potatoes . True yams are drier, starchier, and mostly found in African or Caribbean markets. For any Southern sweet potato cobbler , canned yams sold in American stores are perfect.

Are Bruce's canned yams really sweet potatoes?

Yes — despite the label, Bruce’s canned yams are made from genuine sweet potatoes. They're soft, orange-fleshed, and ideal for desserts like sweet potato cobbler , pies, or puddings. Their consistency and mild sweetness make them a go-to for anyone baking Sweet Potato Cobbler with canned yams . Don’t miss our best potato salad recipe for another classic dish that relies on easy-to-find, prep-friendly ingredients like canned or cooked vegetables.

Can I use canned yams for sweet potato pie?

Absolutely! If you're baking a pie, canned yams work just like fresh sweet potatoes. The trick is to mash them until silky smooth and mix them with the usual ingredients: eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Just like in sweet potato cobbler with canned yams , they bring richness and flavor without all the peeling and boiling.

How many sweet potatoes equal one can of yams?

A typical 40 oz. can of Bruce’s Yams is roughly equal to 3 to 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes once drained. This makes it ideal for recipes like cobbler or casserole. If your recipe calls for fresh sweet potatoes, you can easily substitute with canned yams — just adjust for liquid and sweetness. Looking for inspiration? Try our dragon fruit smoothie — a refreshing contrast to a warm, hearty dessert like cobbler.

Sweet Potato Cobbler with Canned Yams

Name: Sweet Potato Cobbler with Canned Yams
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 40 oz. Bruce’s canned yams, drained; ¼ cup white sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup milk; 4 oz. real butter, melted; 2 eggs; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¾ cup crushed cornflakes; ¾ cup chopped pecan pieces; 4 oz. real butter, melted; ¼ cup brown sugar

Description

Sweet Potato Cobbler with canned yams is a rich and easy Southern dessert made with mashed yams, cinnamon, and a crispy pecan topping.

Ingredients

Scale

🔸 For the Cobbler Base:

40 oz. Bruce’s canned yams, drained
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¾ cup milk
4 oz. real butter, melted
2 eggs
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon

🔸 For the Topping:

¾ cup crushed cornflakes
¾ cup chopped pecan pieces
4 oz. real butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Heat canned yams in a pot until just boiling. Drain off the syrup completely.
Transfer yams to a mixing bowl and mash until smooth using a hand mixer or fork.
Add white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and milk. Stir well.
Taste-test the mix. Then stir in the eggs and blend again.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is set and bubbling slightly.
In a small bowl, mix together crushed cornflakes and pecans.
In another dish, mix melted butter and brown sugar, then drizzle it over the cornflake-pecan mix.
Remove the cobbler from the oven and sprinkle the topping evenly.
Return to oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and caramelized.
Let it cool slightly and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

You can substitute puff pastry or pie crust for the topping for a flaky variation.
For a healthier version, use almond milk and plant-based butter.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 294 kcal
Sugar: 23.5 g
Sodium: 128 mg
Fat: 14.5 g
Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Protein: 3.6 g
Cholesterol: 68 mg