Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
Introduction
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic treat known for its light, fluffy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. This timeless recipe combines simple ingredients into a deliciously airy candy that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue cooking the syrup until it reaches 250°F (the hard-ball stage).
- Step 4: While the syrup is heating, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean bowl until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Step 5: Slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites, mixing continuously at low speed to prevent splashing.
- Step 6: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the mixture until it thickens and holds its shape.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
- Step 8: Drop spoonfuls of the candy onto the prepared parchment paper and let them set at room temperature until firm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh egg whites at room temperature for better volume and texture.
- Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test syrup hardness by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a hard but pliable ball.
Storage
Store divinity candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it dry and fresh. It can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can cause the candy to become sticky. To refresh slightly sticky pieces, place them in a dry, warm area for a few hours.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Why is my divinity candy sticky?
Divinity becomes sticky if there’s too much moisture in the air or if it hasn’t been cooked to the correct temperature. Make sure the syrup reaches 250°F and store the candy in a dry environment.
Can I make divinity candy without a candy thermometer?
Yes, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a firm but flexible ball, the syrup has reached the hard-ball stage required for divinity.
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Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Description
This Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy recipe yields light, fluffy, and sweet meringue-like candies studded with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a classic Southern confection, this recipe uses simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla cooked to the hard-ball stage for the ideal texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside before starting the candy process to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Heat Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the white sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Check Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and continue cooking the sugar mixture until it reaches 250°F, known as the hard-ball stage.
- Beat Egg Whites: While the syrup is heating, beat the room temperature egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean bowl until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add Syrup Slowly: Gradually pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing at low speed to prevent splashing and ensure even incorporation.
- Increase Mixing Speed: Once all syrup is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until the mixture thickens and holds its shape firmly.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Shape the Candy: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the candy mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Allow the candies to set at room temperature until firm, usually about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
- Using a candy thermometer is essential to reach the correct syrup temperature for perfect texture.
- Be careful when pouring hot syrup into the egg whites to avoid burns or splashing.
- Let the divinity candies set in a cool, dry place as humidity can affect the texture.
- Store candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Divinity Candy, Old-Fashioned Candy, Meringue Candy, Pecan Candy, Homemade Candy, Southern Candy Recipe
