Name: Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup; ½ cup (120 ml) water; 2 (70 g) egg whites; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Pecan halves

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Introduction

Old-Fashioned Divinity is a classic, fluffy, and sweet candy that melts in your mouth. With a simple blend of sugar, egg whites, and vanilla, this timeless treat is perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want a nostalgic delight.

The image shows a pile of small white meringue cookies, each topped in the center with a whole pecan nut. The meringue layer is puffy and rough-textured, creating a soft, cloud-like look around the brown pecan, which is smooth and shiny with visible grooves. The cookies are stacked closely together against a white marbled surface that contrasts with their bright white color and warm brown pecans. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
½ cup (120 ml) water
2 (70 g) egg whites
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pecan halves

Instructions

Step 1: In a heavy-bottomed medium (2 qt) saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 2: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the syrup reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3: As the syrup nears 240°F, begin whipping the egg whites in a large mixing bowl with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully pour the hot syrup into the egg whites in a slow, steady stream.
Step 5: Stir in the vanilla extract, then increase the mixer speed to high. Continue beating until the mixture loses its gloss and holds its shape, about 15 minutes. If still runny and shiny, beat for an additional 5 minutes and check again.
Step 6: Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper and lightly spray two spoons with non-stick cooking spray. Use the spoons to drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the sheet.
Step 7: Press a pecan half on top of each candy. Alternatively, you may chop the pecans and fold them into the batter before dropping.
Step 8: Let the divinity set at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

Try chopping pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or adding chocolate chips into the divinity batter for different textures and flavors.
To make colorful divinity, add red and green gel food coloring lines inside a piping bag before filling it with batter. Pipe 2-inch swirls onto a prepared sheet for a festive look.

Storage

Once set, store divinity candies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let frozen divinity come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A two-layer dessert stand on a white marbled surface holds colorful treats. The top layer has five small meringues, each swirled with pink, white, and green, shaped like roses with a smooth, swirled texture. The bottom layer shows ten white meringue cookies, each topped with a single brown pecan half pressed into the center, looking soft and cracked around the edges. The stand plates are white with floral patterns in pink and green, and a silver handle rises from the middle connecting the two plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why is my divinity sticky or sticky after setting?

This usually happens if the candy hasn’t been beaten long enough or didn’t reach the correct temperature. Make sure to beat the mixture until it loses its gloss and holds its shape. Also, confirm the syrup reaches 250°F.

Can I use pasteurized egg whites for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pasteurized egg whites from a carton. They whip well and reduce the risk of consuming raw eggs.