Easy Divinity Candy

Divinity candy is a classic treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. This light, airy candy has a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweetness that is irresistible. Made from just a few simple ingredients, Divinity Candy is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re giving it as a gift or serving it at a festive gathering. The key to making perfect divinity lies in achieving the right texture with the egg whites and sugar mixture, and once mastered, it’s incredibly easy to make. This candy is not only delicious but also a fun treat to prepare with loved ones during the holiday season.

The combination of fluffy egg whites and sweet syrup creates a candy that’s both soft and crunchy, with the option to add nuts for extra flavor and texture. With a cook time of just 10 minutes and minimal ingredients, it’s an easy recipe to prepare that doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for all your sweet tooth cravings. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making Divinity Candy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Divinity Candy is not only a nostalgic treat that reminds us of the holidays, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The process of creating the candy is simple yet produces impressive results, with its airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and glossy finish. It’s an ideal homemade gift, especially when made with love and wrapped beautifully. The addition of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives it an extra bit of crunch and flavor, but the candy is just as wonderful on its own. This recipe is straightforward, requires minimal ingredients, and takes very little time, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced candy makers.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Water
• Egg whites
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Variations

• Nut-Free Divinity: Skip the chopped nuts to keep the candy nut-free. It will still have the same delicious texture and sweetness.
• Flavored Divinity: Add a drop or two of almond extract or other flavorings for a different twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped Divinity: Once the divinity has cooled, dip it in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Cranberry Divinity: Add chopped dried cranberries along with the nuts for a festive holiday version of divinity.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Sugar Mixture

In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Cook Sugar Mixture

Without stirring, continue cooking the sugar mixture until a candy thermometer reads 260°F (125°C), which is known as the hard-ball stage.

Step 3: Beat Egg Whites

While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This will create the airy base of your divinity.

Step 4: Combine Sugar and Egg Whites

Once the sugar mixture has reached the right temperature, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites, beating constantly to ensure the mixture doesn’t collapse.

Step 5: Add Flavor

Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and continue beating until it holds its shape and becomes thick and glossy.

Step 6: Add Nuts

If desired, fold in chopped nuts for an added crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Drop onto Wax Paper

Spoon the divinity mixture onto waxed paper in small spoonfuls. Allow the candy to cool completely before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a candy thermometer: Accurate temperature is key for Divinity Candy. Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches 260°F, which is the perfect temperature for the candy’s texture.
• Beat egg whites properly: Ensure the egg whites form stiff peaks before adding the hot syrup. This helps create the light, airy texture that makes Divinity so special.
• Work quickly: Once the syrup is added to the egg whites, the mixture will begin to set fairly quickly. Be sure to drop it onto waxed paper right away before it hardens too much.
• Humidity: Divinity can be sensitive to humidity, so it’s best made on a dry day to avoid any issues with texture.

How to Serve

Divinity Candy can be served as a sweet treat during holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a homemade candy. It makes a wonderful addition to cookie platters or dessert tables. You can also wrap individual pieces in decorative paper for a charming homemade gift. Pair it with other holiday sweets like fudge, peppermint bark, or cookies to create a delightful dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store Divinity Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Be sure to layer the candy with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent it from sticking together.

Freezing

Divinity Candy can be frozen for longer storage. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the candy to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for Divinity Candy, as the texture is best when it’s fresh and stored at room temperature.

FAQs

1. What happens if the sugar mixture doesn’t reach 260°F?

If the sugar mixture doesn’t reach 260°F, the candy may not set properly and could turn out too soft or sticky.

2. Can I use egg substitutes for this recipe?

Egg substitutes are not recommended for this recipe, as egg whites are crucial for creating the candy’s texture.

3. What type of nuts should I use in Divinity Candy?

Pecans or walnuts are commonly used in Divinity Candy, but you can use any type of nuts you prefer.

4. How do I know when the candy is ready to drop onto wax paper?

The candy will hold its shape and be glossy when ready. It should not spread or run when dropped onto waxed paper.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger saucepan and a bigger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased ingredients.

6. Can I add food coloring to Divinity?

Yes, you can add food coloring to Divinity Candy to make it more festive. Just a few drops will give it a beautiful tint.

7. What do I do if my candy doesn’t set properly?

If the candy doesn’t set properly, it may not have reached the correct temperature. Try reheating the sugar mixture and rebeating it until it reaches the right consistency.

8. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Light corn syrup is preferred for this recipe, but dark corn syrup can be used if you prefer a deeper flavor.

9. How do I know when the candy is done?

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. The candy should reach 260°F (125°C) for the perfect texture.

10. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for beating the egg whites, but a stand mixer may be easier for handling the larger quantities of candy mixture.

Conclusion

Easy Divinity Candy is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s simple to make yet delivers impressive results. Its light, airy texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect candy for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a homemade candy that will wow your friends and family. Whether you add nuts or leave it plain, Divinity is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

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