Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet confection that combines whipped egg whites with a hot sugar syrup to create a light, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Enhanced with vanilla and crunchy pecans, this candy offers a nostalgic taste and texture perfect for holiday gifting or sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Divinity Mixture
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup (prevents crystallization)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 egg whites (no yolk; whites must whip to stiff peaks)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste works too)
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or use walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries)
Instructions
- Prep: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the syrup reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
- Beat egg whites: When the syrup reaches about 240°F, start whipping the egg whites on high speed in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This ensures the candy gets its fluffy texture.
- Combine and beat: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites. Once all syrup is incorporated, increase to medium-high speed and beat for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and slightly dull in appearance.
- Add pecans and vanilla: Fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract gently just until combined.
- Shape the candy: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared parchment-lined pans using spoons sprayed with cooking spray. Work quickly as the candy sets fast.
- Cool: Let the divinity cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Notes
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to avoid under or overcooking the syrup.
- Work quickly when shaping the candy because divinity sets rapidly once combined.
- Store divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.
- For variation, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or add chopped maraschino cherries for a colorful twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 25 grams)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
