Description
This classic Divinity Candy recipe yields a fluffy, sweet confection made from sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla, optionally topped with pecans. Perfect for holidays and special occasions, this candy has a crisp, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Non stick cooking spray
- Pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 3 baking sheets with wax paper and set aside to have them ready for spooning the divinity later.
- Make Syrup Mixture: In a 3.5 quart saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to high and stop stirring. Continue cooking until the thermometer reads 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Beat Egg Whites: While syrup is heating, beat egg whites in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form to create the fluffy base for the candy.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Slowly and carefully stream the hot syrup mixture into the egg whites while the mixer is running on medium speed. This streaming process should take about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract after syrup is fully incorporated.
- Mix Until Stiff: Continue mixing on medium speed for another 15 to 20 minutes until the mixture loses its shine and thickens. If the mixture or mixer becomes hot, pause mixing every five minutes for 2 to 3 minutes to cool down.
- Test Consistency: The divinity is ready when the mixture holds its shape and does not spread when spooned onto wax paper. If it spreads, continue mixing to stiffen.
- Spoon onto Baking Sheets: Quickly use two spoons sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to portion the candy onto the wax paper. Scoop a spoonful with one spoon and scrape it off with the second spoon, gently smoothing the top for a polished finish. Optionally, top each piece with a pecan.
- Set Candy: Allow the divinity to set for about 1 hour at room temperature until firm. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Using a cookie scoop sprayed with nonstick cooking spray is a faster method for portioning divinity and creates uniform pieces but without the smooth finish that spoons achieve.
- Make sure not to stir the syrup once it reaches high heat to ensure proper crystallization.
- Allow periodic resting if the mixture or mixer overheats to prevent melting the egg whites.
- For best results, use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
