Description
This classic Divinity Candy recipe produces light, fluffy, and sweet treats perfect for holiday gifting or anytime indulgence. Made with simple ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla, this melt-in-your-mouth candy features an optional touch of pecans for added crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional
- pecans (optional)
- non stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheets: Line 3 baking sheets with wax paper and set aside to ensure the candy doesn't stick once poured.
- Heat syrup mixture: In a 3.5 quart saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Then increase heat to high and stop stirring.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Continue cooking until the candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F, which is the soft-ball stage for candies.
- Beat egg whites: While the syrup heats, use a stand mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, creating the base for the fluffy texture.
- Combine hot syrup with egg whites: Slowly and carefully stream the hot syrup into the egg whites while the mixer is running, taking about 2 minutes to incorporate fully.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Continue mixing: Mix at medium speed for 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture loses its shine and thickens. If the mixture or mixer becomes too hot, pause for 2-3 minutes every five minutes to allow cooling.
- Test consistency: When the mixture holds its shape and does not spread on wax paper, it is ready. If it spreads, continue mixing.
- Shape the candy: Using two spoons sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, quickly scoop and smooth each spoonful of divinity onto the prepared wax paper. Optionally, top each piece with a pecan.
- Let set: Allow candy to set for about 1 hour at room temperature.
- Store: Serve or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using a cookie scoop sprayed with non-stick cooking spray is a faster alternative to spoons for portioning and produces uniform pieces, though without a smooth finish.
- Ensure the syrup reaches exactly 250 degrees F to achieve the proper texture; undercooking will result in sticky divinity.
- Resting the mixture periodically during mixing prevents overheating and graininess.
- Divinity should be stored in an airtight container to keep it from becoming sticky or drying out.
- Optional pecans add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
