This Divinity Candy is a classic Southern confection that melts in your mouth. Light, fluffy, cloud-like mounds of sweet nougat studded with crunchy pecans — it is pure old-fashioned perfection.
If your grandmother made divinity, you know exactly what I am talking about. There is nothing else quite like it.
The Secret to Perfect Divinity
Temperature is everything. You need a candy thermometer and you need to hit 260°F. Too low and the divinity will not set. Too high and it will be crumbly.
The other secret? Beat long enough. Most people stop beating too early. You want the mixture to go from glossy and pourable to matte and thick enough to hold its shape when dropped from a spoon.
Tips for Success
Make it on a dry day. Humidity is the number one reason divinity fails. If it is raining or muggy outside, save this recipe for another day.
Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume. They whip up much higher and fluffier than cold ones.
Pour the hot syrup in a very thin, steady stream. If you pour too fast, you will cook the egg whites into scrambled eggs. Not what we want.
Storage
Store divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
This makes a beautiful homemade gift for the holidays. Box it up with some parchment paper and a ribbon — everyone goes crazy for homemade divinity.
Divinity Candy
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg whites room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 260°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- While the syrup cooks, beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- With the mixer running on high, slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the beaten egg whites. Do not scrape the saucepan.
- Continue beating on high for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, holds its shape, and starts to lose its glossy sheen. Stir in vanilla and pecans.
- Quickly drop rounded spoonfuls onto wax paper or parchment paper. Let set at room temperature for 2-3 hours until firm.
Notes
Final Thoughts
Divinity Candy is one of those recipes that takes a little patience but rewards you with something truly special. Fluffy, sweet, and impossibly light — it is a candy classic that never goes out of style.
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