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Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet treat made from whipped egg whites and sugar syrup, enhanced with crunchy pecans and a touch of vanilla. This nostalgic confection is perfect for holiday gifting or a special homemade candy experience, combining crisp texture with melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup light corn syrup (prevents crystallization)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 3 egg whites (no yolk; whites must whip to stiff peaks)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or use walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste works too)

Instructions

  1. Prep. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients carefully to ensure smooth preparation.
  2. Cook the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 260°F, the hard ball stage for candy making.
  3. Beat egg whites. When the syrup temperature reaches about 240°F, begin whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form to create a stable base for the candy.
  4. Combine syrup and whites. With the mixer running on low, slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites. After completely adding the syrup, increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy, thick, and slightly dull in appearance.
  5. Add flavorings and nuts. Fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract gently, just until evenly incorporated without deflating the fluffy mixture.
  6. Shape the candy. Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared parchment-lined pans using lightly sprayed spoons to prevent sticking. Work swiftly since the candy sets rapidly.
  7. Cool and set. Allow the divinity pieces to cool and set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes until firm and ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh egg whites and ensure they are free of yolk for proper whipping.
  • Light corn syrup is essential to prevent sugar crystallization and achieve smooth texture.
  • Work quickly when shaping the candy because the mixture hardens fast.
  • Store divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain texture and freshness.
  • For variation, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even maraschino cherries.

Keywords: Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy, classic candy recipe, homemade divinity, nutty candy, holiday treat

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/old-fashioned-divinity-candy-recipe/