Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet confection made with whipped egg whites and a hot sugar syrup, mixed with crunchy pecans and vanilla. This timeless candy delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate nutty flavor, perfect for festive occasions or a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Divinity Candy 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
- Prepare Ingredients and Equipment: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the syrup reaches 260°F.
- Beat Egg Whites: When the syrup reaches about 240°F, start whipping the egg whites on high speed in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring a fluffy base for the candy.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites. Once all syrup is incorporated, increase to medium-high speed and beat for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and has a slightly dull appearance.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract just until combined to incorporate flavor and texture without deflating the mixture.
- Shape the Candy: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared pans using sprayed spoons. Work swiftly since the candy sets fast.
- Cool and Set: Let the candy cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
Notes
- Avoid making this candy on humid or rainy days, as moisture can prevent it from setting properly.
- Nutritional information is calculated per piece of candy.
- Have all ingredients and equipment ready before starting, as the candy-making process moves quickly once the syrup is hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
