Old Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
This Old Fashioned Divinity Candy recipe creates a classic, fluffy, and sweet confection that is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, egg whites, and pecans, this nostalgic treat is perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying a sweet tooth while boasting a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 servings 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Divinity Candy Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat and set aside to prepare for candy scooping.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Stir occasionally just until the mixture begins to boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 260°F, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Beat Egg Whites: While the sugar cooks, beat the egg whites on high speed using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Then replace the whisk attachment with a paddle attachment for the next step.
- Combine Sugar and Egg Whites: Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, remove it from the heat. Slowly and steadily pour the hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over the egg whites while mixing on high speed. This pouring should take about 2 minutes, pouring slowly to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Beat Candy Mixture: Continue beating the mixture on high speed for 5-8 minutes until the candy loses some glossiness and thickens enough to hold its shape. Test by dropping a small spoonful onto the parchment; it should hold a mound shape with swirls rather than melting.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Once the mixture holds its shape, add vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine.
- Shape Candy Mounds: Using two spoons lightly sprayed with cooking spray, drop tablespoon-sized scoops of candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Scoop quickly while the candy is still hot to maintain shape.
- Set and Store: Allow the candy to set at room temperature until firm. Once set, store the divinity in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume when beating.
- Pour hot sugar syrup slowly to prevent the egg whites from cooking and curdling.
- The candy thermometer is essential for reaching the precise temperature for proper candy consistency.
- If the candy does not hold its shape, beat a little longer and retest.
- Work quickly when scooping candy mounds because the mixture hardens fast as it cools.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the candy from becoming sticky.
Keywords: Old Fashioned Divinity Candy, Divinity, Candy, Classic Candy, Holiday Candy, Homemade Candy, Sugar Candy, Pecans, Vanilla candy