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If you’ve ever bitten into a fluffy, sweet, and slightly crunchy candy that instantly takes you back to cozy holiday gatherings, then you’re going to absolutely love this Divinity Candy Recipe. This classic confection is all about that perfect balance of airy texture and rich sweetness, with a touch of nostalgia baked right in. If you want a candy that feels handmade with love but doesn’t require a degree in candy science, this recipe is your go-to. It’s a timeless treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Divinity Candy Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet every component plays a crucial role in building those perfect fluffy peaks and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. From the sturdy structure that egg whites provide to the glossy finish thanks to corn syrup, each ingredient is essential and brings its own magic.
- Granulated sugar: The main sweetener, it caramelizes perfectly to create that distinct candy texture.
- White corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, lending the candy a smooth finish.
- Cold water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly as it heats up, crucial for hitting that perfect hard ball stage.
- Egg whites (room temperature): Whipped to fluffy peaks, they give divinity its airy, cloud-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth of flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Pecans (whole or chopped): Provide a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the candy’s soft center.
- Raisins: Offer bursts of chewy sweetness.
- Dried fruit: Adds color and varied texture, making each bite interesting.
- Sprinkles: For a festive touch that makes the candy pop visually.
How to Make Divinity Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step keeps the divinity from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Step 2: Set Up Your Candy Thermometer
Place a candy thermometer in a medium heavy saucepan. Accurate temperature is key when making this divinity candy recipe, so having this tool ready ensures your syrup reaches the perfect stage without guesswork.
Step 3: Cook the Sugar Syrup
Combine the granulated sugar, white corn syrup, and cold water in the saucepan and heat over medium until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage—250 to 260 degrees Fahrenheit. This precise temperature is what gives the candy firmness while maintaining its signature fluffiness.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
While the syrup heats, beat the room-temperature egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because these peaks are what give the divinity its cloud-like body and light texture. Make sure they’re perfectly stiff for best results.
Step 5: Combine Syrup and Egg Whites
Once your sugar syrup reaches temperature, remove it from heat. Very slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while whipping at high speed. Staying consistent with your mixing is what incorporates air and creates that signature fluffy texture.
Step 6: Add Vanilla and Continue Beating
Stir in the vanilla extract and keep beating on high until the candy thickens and holds its shape, about 10 to 15 minutes. This stage requires patience but it’s when the magic happens—the mixture becomes glossy, creamy, and ready to scoop.
Step 7: Scoop the Candy
Spray a cookie dough scoop or two spoons with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then drop scoops of the divinity onto your prepared baking sheets. Immediate scooping helps maintain the right consistency before it sets.
Step 8: Add Garnishes
Right after scooping, gently press a whole pecan, raisin, or sprinkle of dried fruit or colorful sprinkles on top for that extra touch of texture and flair. It’s your chance to personalize each candy bite!
Step 9: Let it Dry and Harden
Allow your divinity candy to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This resting time is essential so it can harden perfectly on the outside while remaining tender and chewy inside.
Step 10: Store Properly
Once dry, store your divinity candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to two weeks. Now, you’ve got a sweet stash to enjoy and share.
How to Serve Divinity Candy Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish elevates this Divinity Candy Recipe beautifully. Try classic choices like toasted pecans or walnuts, but don’t shy away from candies with a dusting of coconut flakes or even edible glitter for festive sparkle. Garnishes are what make your candy truly pop both in flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
Divinity candy pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate, balancing out the sweetness with warmth and bitterness. It also complements holiday cheese platters or fresh fruit arrangements, adding a sweet note to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider gifting your divinity by wrapping individual pieces in festive cellophane tied with a ribbon. Or arrange the candies on decorative trays sprinkled with nuts and dried fruit, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Presentation really amplifies the excitement of this nostalgic treat and invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Divinity candy keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity as moisture can make your candy sticky or soggy. Stored this way, it stays fresh for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it long after making it.
Freezing
While not common, you can freeze divinity for longer storage by wrapping individual pieces tightly in plastic and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheating divinity is generally not recommended as it may lose its delicate texture. Instead, enjoy it as is straight from storage to appreciate the crisp, pillowy chew that this divinity candy recipe is known for.
FAQs
What causes divinity to be sticky?
Sticky divinity usually means it hasn’t dried long enough or was exposed to humidity. Ensure you let the candy dry for several hours in a cool, dry place and store it properly.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully and bring different flavors and textures to the candy.
Can this Divinity Candy Recipe be made without corn syrup?
Corn syrup prevents crystallization, so omitting it can lead to grainy candy. If you must avoid it, consider using golden syrup or a tested alternative, but results may vary.
Why is beating the egg whites so important?
Beaten egg whites create the airy, fluffy texture that defines divinity. Under or over-beating can affect the candy’s structure, so get those stiff peaks just right!
How long can I store divinity candy?
If kept in an airtight container away from moisture, divinity will stay fresh for up to two weeks—perfect for making in advance for holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Divinity Candy Recipe is a heartfelt trip back to classic, homemade sweets that feel as good as they taste. It’s simple enough for anyone to try, yet special enough to make memories with. So grab your candy thermometer and egg whites, and let’s create something fluffy, festive, and downright irresistible together. You’re going to love sharing these little clouds of sweetness with family and friends!
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Print
Divinity Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus several hours to dry
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Divinity Candy is a classic Southern confection known for its light, fluffy texture and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Made from whipped egg whites and a cooked sugar syrup, this candy is often studded with nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful homemade treat, this recipe yields about 20 pieces of deliciously airy divinity candy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup white corn syrup
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Pecans (whole or chopped)
- Raisins
- Dried fruit
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the candy from sticking and to make removal easier once set.
- Set Up Thermometer: Attach a candy thermometer to a medium heavy saucepan to monitor the syrup temperature accurately.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: Combine granulated sugar, white corn syrup, and cold water in the saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage, between 250-260°F (121-127°C).
- Beat Egg Whites: While the sugar syrup cooks, beat the room temperature egg whites using a mixer until stiff peaks form, indicating they are fully aerated and stable.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature, remove it from heat. Slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while continuously whipping on high speed to incorporate and cook the whites.
- Add Flavoring and Beat: Mix in the vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture on high speed for 10-15 minutes until the candy thickens and holds its shape firmly.
- Portion Candy: Lightly spray a cookie dough scoop or two spoons with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use the scoop or spoons to drop rounded mounds of the divinity onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Add Garnishes: Immediately press a whole pecan, a few raisins, dried fruits, or sprinkles onto each candy scoop for decoration and added texture.
- Dry and Harden: Allow the divinity candies to dry and harden at room temperature for several hours or preferably overnight for best texture.
- Storage: Once fully set, store the divinity candies in an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- The candy thermometer is critical to ensure the syrup reaches the perfect hard ball stage for a good texture.
- Beat the mixture for the full 10-15 minutes to achieve the ideal fluffy yet firm consistency.
- Work quickly when dropping the candy onto sheets and adding garnishes as the mixture sets rapidly once off heat.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the candy from becoming sticky or soft.
