Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, peel and slice your sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds, making sure they’re even for consistent cooking. Place the sweet potato slices in a baking dish, and then set them aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, water, and salt. Stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, forming a smooth syrup. If you’re adding nutmeg or cloves, toss those in as well. Once everything is melted and combined, pour the syrup over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each slice is well coated.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and let the syrup thicken and bubble, giving the sweet potatoes that caramelized look. Once finished, serve them hot, and enjoy the sweet, buttery goodness!