Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet confection made by whipping hot sugar syrup into stiff egg whites, combined with crunchy pecans and fragrant vanilla. This old-fashioned treat is known for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and crisp exterior, perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 40 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Syrup
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup (prevents crystallization)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Meringue Base and Mix-ins
- 3 egg whites (no yolk; whites must whip to stiff peaks)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste works too)
Instructions
- Prep: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to have everything ready for quick assembly.
- Cook: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the syrup reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
- Beat egg whites: When the syrup temperature reaches about 240°F, start whipping the egg whites in a stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and beat: With the mixer running on low, slowly and carefully stream the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites. After pouring all the syrup, increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat the mixture for 5–6 minutes until fluffy and slightly dull in appearance.
- Add pecans and vanilla: Gently fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract just until combined.
- Shape: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the candy onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pans using oiled spoons to prevent sticking. Work fast because the mixture sets quickly.
- Cool: Allow the divinity candies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Notes
- Ensure that egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor syrup temperature for the correct texture.
- Work quickly when shaping as divinity sets fast once combined.
- Store candies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy.
- For variation, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or mix in chopped maraschino cherries for a twist.
Keywords: divinity candy, old-fashioned candy, nut candy, holiday candy, fluffy candy, homemade divinity
Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/old-fashioned-divinity-candy-recipe/
