Description
Sweet holiday memories bloom with classic Divinity candy, a dreamy Southern confection that melts effortlessly on your palate. Fluffy white clouds of sugary perfection invite you to savor each delightful bite of this nostalgic Christmas treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Sugar Base):
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
Protein and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
Flavor and Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for the divinity candy to rest.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan, heating gently while stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
- Allow the syrup to boil without stirring, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 250F on a candy thermometer, which typically takes 8-10 minutes.
- Simultaneously, whip egg whites and salt in a stand mixer, beating at high speed until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
- Remove the syrup from heat and slowly stream it into the whipped egg whites while mixing at medium speed, ensuring a smooth incorporation.
- Increase mixer speed to high, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and maintains a sturdy shape, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the candy mixture.
- Quickly drop spoonfuls of the divinity onto the prepared baking sheet using two spoons, working efficiently before the mixture begins to set.
- Allow the candies to rest at room temperature for 2 hours, giving them time to firm up completely.
- Transfer the set divinity to an airtight container for storage, preserving their delicate texture and flavor.
Notes
- Prevent Humidity Interference by making divinity on a dry, cool day since moisture can cause the candy to become sticky and not set properly.
- Maintain Precise Temperature using a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the sugar syrup reaches exactly 250F, which is critical for achieving the perfect texture.
- Create Variation by substituting different nuts like pecans or almonds, or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate for a gourmet twist.
- Ensure Food Safety by using pasteurized egg whites if concerned about consuming raw eggs, which helps eliminate potential bacterial risks while maintaining the recipe’s classic structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg