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    Home » Desserts

    Divinity Candy

    By Jill Baird · Published November 18, 2022 · Updated December 22, 2022 · Leave a Comment

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    how to make divinity candy

    This Divinity Candy recipe will show you how to make Homemade Candy that is perfectly chewy with a sweet vanilla flavor. It’s a quick and easy nostalgic candy recipe that’s perfect for gift-giving and enjoying with family and friends during the holidays.

    Jump to:
    • The Best Recipe for Divinity Candy
    • Ingredients in Divinity Candy
    • How to Make Divinity Candy
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing
    • Divinity Candy Recipe
    • More of the Best Homemade Candy Recipes

    The Best Recipe for Divinity Candy

    Divinity Candy is a southern American classic confection that has been loved for generations. It has a reputation for being a bit finicky, but never fear. We’ll guide you through the process so you’ll make perfectly chewy and sweet Divinity in no time.

    Once you get it right, Divinity is perfect for gift giving because you can make quite a few pieces with very little effort. I love to top each candy with a whole pecan, but you could also add chopped pecans to the mixture or eliminate the nuts completely. 

    And if you want to try a flavored divinity recipe, try my Jello Divinity Candy Recipe too.

    Divinity candies lined up on parchment paper topped with pecans. divinity dessert, pecan divinity recipe, divinity cookies, recipe divinity candy.

    Ingredients in Divinity Candy

    • Sugar - you’ll need to use plain white granulated sugar to make this recipe.
    • Water helps the sugar mixture cook evenly so that it doesn’t begin to caramelize in spots while other spots aren’t nearly up to the right temperature.
    • Corn Syrup - corn syrup helps ensure that the sugar doesn’t crystallize while it cooks, making the candy grainy.
    • Salt - sea salt works great.
    • Egg Whites - ensure that your egg whites have no trace of yolks and that the bowl is incredibly clean before you add them to whip. Any trace of fats will affect how well the egg whites whip.
    • Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract has the best flavor. 
    • Pecans - you can use whole pecans to top each piece of candy, or even chopped pecans that can be sprinkled over the top or folded into the finished candy before scooping.

    How to Make Divinity Candy

    1. Cook the sugar mixture. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Use a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 260 degrees F - about 10 minutes.
    2. Simultaneously whip the egg whites. While the sugar mixture is cooking, add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
    3. Pour the hot sugar into the whipped egg whites. Once the sugar mixture reaches 260 degrees F, immediately remove from the heat and carefully pour a slow steady stream of sugar into the egg mixture while whipping on low speed. Once all of the sugar syrup has been added, increase the speed to medium high. Continue to whip for about 5 minutes until the divinity loses a little sheen. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
    4. Test the set. Turn the mixer off and test that a small scoop of Divinity will hold its shape on the parchment. If not, continue beating on high for another 1-2 minutes. 
    5. Scoop. Grease spoons or an ice cream scoop and drop scoops of the candy mixture onto the parchment lined baking sheet, working quickly so that the candy doesn't set up. Top each piece of candy with a whole pecan if desired.
    6. Let the candy set. Allow the Divinity Candy to set at room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy! 
    Side by side photos showing how to make divinities candy recipe, whipped egg whites, sugar syrup cooking, and finished Divinity topped with pecans on a table.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take for Divinity Candy to set up?

    Divinity can take anywhere from 2-12 hours to set up completely, depending on how humid it is outside, how accurate your candy thermometer is, and how large the candies that you scooped are. Make sure to let them set up in a dry, cool place at room temperature.

    Can you freeze Divinity Candy?

    Yes! Once Divinity has set up completely, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

    What can I do if my Divinity doesn’t set?

    If your Divinity is still sticky after 12 hours, you most likely did not cook the sugar mixture to 260 degrees F (or your candy thermometer is off). It will also be difficult for the candy to set up completely if it’s incredibly humid outside. The amount of moisture in the air will greatly affect Divinity!

    You can attempt to dry the candy out in a preheated 280 degree F oven for about 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to make sure the candy doesn’t get much color.

    Why is Divinity Candy called Divinity?

    The most widely accepted origin story for the classic American confection is that when first eaten, it was said to be “Divine.” 

    Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?

    It’s not recommended, but you can attempt to make Divinity without a candy thermometer. The sugar mixture needs to cook until it reaches 260 degrees F which is the hard ball stage. To test the sugar temperature without a thermometer, have a cup of cold water nearby.

    Once the sugar has been boiling for about 10 minutes, drop a bit of the mixture into the water using a spoon or other utensil. Once it’s safe to touch, feel it with your fingers. The sugar ball should be firm, but you should be able to squish it slightly.

    Storing

    • Room Temperature: Divinity can be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place at room temperature for up to 5 days. This is preferable to the refrigerator because that will introduce additional moisture.
    • Freezer: you can freeze your homemade candy in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to thaw, pull to room temperature and remove the candies from the container. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper in a single layer to help any retained moisture evaporate.
    homemade divinity recipe, recipe for divinity candy, easy divinity recipe.
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    Divinity Candy Recipe

    This recipe will show you how to make Divinity Candy that is perfectly chewy with a sweet vanilla flavor. It’s a quick and easy homemade candy that’s perfect for gift-giving and enjoying with family and friends during the holidays.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 398kcal
    Author The Carefree Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups Sugar
    • 2 cups Water
    • 1 cup Corn Syrup
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • 2 large Egg Whites
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1 cup Pecans

    Instructions

    • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
    • In a large pot over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves. Use a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reached 260 degrees F - about 10 minutes.
    • While the sugar mixture is cooking, add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Whip until stiff peaks form.
    • Once the sugar mixture reaches 260 degrees F, immediately remove from the heat and carefully pour a slow steady stream of sugar into the egg mixture while whipping on low speed. Once all of the sugar syrup has been added, increase the speed to medium high.
    • Continue to whip for about 5 minutes until the divinity loses a little sheen. Add the vanilla and mix until combined. Turn the mixer off and test that a small scoop of Divinity will hold its shape on the parchment. If not, continue to beat on high for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Grease spoons or an ice cream scoop and drop scoops of the divinity onto the parchment lined baking sheet, working quickly so that the candy doesn't set up. Top each piece of candy with a whole pecan if desired.
    • Allow the Divinity Candy to set at room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 89g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    More of the Best Homemade Candy Recipes

    • Saltine Cracker Toffee
    • Peanut Brittle
    • Peanut Butter Balls
    • Homemade Caramel Popcorn
    • Coconut Caramel Popcorn
    • Fall Party Mix
    • Homemade Caramels
    • Chocolate Covered Caramel
    • Nilla Wafer Caramel Candy
    • More Dessert Recipes
    • More Best Christmas Candy Recipes

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest, feel free to leave a comment and photo there too. Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    This recipe for Divinity Candy will have you making perfectly chewy Divinity in no time. It's a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for gift giving and enjoying all holiday season long.

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