This Easy Divinity Recipe will show you how to make divinity 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.
Easy Divinity Recipe
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.
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And if you want to try a flavored divinity dessert recipe, try my Jello Divinity Candy Recipe too.
Key Ingredients
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Recipe Variations
These divinity candy variations offer a wide array of flavors to suit different occasions and preferences. Whether you prefer nutty, chocolatey, fruity, or floral notes, there’s a delicious twist for everyone.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into your divinity for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Fold the nuts into the mixture just before shaping the candies.
- Chocolate swirl: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over your divinity just before it sets to add a rich and delightful chocolatey twist. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
- Peppermint: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies or candy canes into your divinity for a cool and minty flavor.
- Cinnamon: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into your divinity for a warm and comforting spiced variation. It’s like enjoying a cozy cup of hot cocoa.
- Salted caramel: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over your divinity to add a sweet and salty contrast.
- Maple pecan: Replace the traditional vanilla extract with maple extract and toss in chopped pecans for an autumnal flavor profile. It’s perfect for fall gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Yes! Once Divinity has set up completely, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
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.
The most widely accepted origin story for the classic American confection is that when first eaten, it was said to be “Divine.”
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.
Easy Divinity Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans
Instructions
- Line a 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 candy to set at room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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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.
