Divinity Candy
A classic Southern confection that's light as a cloud and melts in your mouth. This heavenly nougat-like candy, studded with crunchy pecans, is a traditional holiday favorite that's surprisingly simple to make.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Workstation
- b.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. This is essential for preventing sticking.
- c.Ensure your stand mixer bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Sugar Syrup
- b.In a 2- to 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, cold water, and salt.
- c.Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can check by tilting the pan; no sugar crystals should be visible.
- d.Once dissolved, stop stirring. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the bulb is submerged but not touching the bottom.
- e.Bring the syrup to a boil and cook, without stirring, until the thermometer registers 260°F (127°C), which is the hard-ball stage. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Whip the Egg Whites
- b.While the syrup is cooking, monitor its temperature. When it reaches about 240°F (115°C), begin whipping the egg whites.
- c.In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the room-temperature egg whites on high speed until they form stiff, glossy peaks. The peaks should stand straight up when you lift the whisk.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Syrup and Egg Whites
- b.As soon as the syrup reaches 260°F, remove it from the heat.
- c.With the mixer running on low speed, pour the hot syrup in a very thin, steady stream down the side of the mixing bowl into the egg whites. Avoid pouring it directly onto the whisk, as this can cause the syrup to spin onto the sides of the bowl and harden.
- d.Once all the syrup has been added, increase the mixer speed to high.
- e.Beat for 5 to 8 minutes. The mixture will become very thick, lose its glossy sheen, and begin to hold its shape. You can test for readiness by stopping the mixer and lifting the beater; the candy should form a ribbon that holds its shape.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fold in Flavor and Form Candies
- b.Turn off the mixer. Immediately add the vanilla extract and toasted pecans, and quickly fold them in with a spatula until just combined.
- c.Work quickly, as the candy sets fast. Using two teaspoons (one to scoop, one to push), drop rounded mounds of the divinity onto the prepared baking sheets.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Let the divinity candies sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until they are firm and dry to the touch.
- c.Once fully set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will keep for up to two weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Humidity is the enemy of divinity. Always make this candy on a dry, low-humidity day for the best results.
- 2A stand mixer is strongly recommended. A hand mixer may overheat during the long beating process.
- 3Pour the hot syrup very slowly. Adding it too quickly can 'cook' and scramble the egg whites.
- 4Do not overbeat the candy. If it becomes too stiff and crumbly, it will be impossible to spoon out.
- 5Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- 6If the candy is still sticky after several hours, it likely didn't reach the correct temperature or the humidity was too high. You can try leaving it out longer to dry.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut Variation
Replace pecans with toasted walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
Flavor ExtractFlavor Extract
Substitute vanilla extract with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint, almond, or lemon extract for a festive twist.
Add ColorAdd Color
Add a drop or two of gel food coloring to the egg whites before adding the syrup for a colorful batch, perfect for holidays.
Cherry DivinityCherry Divinity
Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped, well-drained maraschino cherries along with the pecans for a classic pink-swirled divinity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Boost
The simple sugars in divinity provide a rapid source of energy, which can be useful for a quick pick-me-up.
Source of Healthy Fats
Pecans are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Provides Lean Protein
The egg whites in divinity contribute a small amount of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and body functions.
Frequently asked questions
The most common reason is humidity. Divinity is very sensitive to moisture in the air. The second most common reason is not cooking the sugar syrup to the correct temperature (260°F / 127°C). An undercooked syrup won't be hard enough to set the egg whites.