ThisEasy Homemade Divinity is incredible! Smooth, fudgy and delectable, this snow-white candy is surprisingly simple to make!
So confession: I’ve only had divinity one time before this, and it was from a local favorite, See’s Candies. Maybe you’ve heard of them?
I also had an ex-boyfriend whose grandma loved divinity, and I remember giving her a box for Christmas. So for me, divinity has always kind of felt like a Christmas candy recipe. Maybe I’m wrong, but there’s something so holiday-ish about divinity. It’s snow-white, which is shocking for a candy, and it looks like little melty snowballs. Plus, it’s kind of like a fudge, which always reminds me of the holidays.
If you don’t know, divinity is typically popular in the South and was invented (we think) by Karo corn syrup as a way to market their new product. It’s a cross between fudge, nougat and meringue and is totally unique and unparalleled. It’s so unlike the usual barks, brittles and fudges that are usually found around this time of year, and if you’ve never made it, I highly recommend you do!
The cool thing about this recipe is it can be customized to your preferences, too. I went with a traditional vanilla pecan divinity, but you can replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract and add in shredded coconut, or use walnuts instead of pecans. Up to you!
Whatever you do, make yourself a tin of these and thank me later!
*Some Notes:in researching this recipe, I found that a lot of people advise against making this candy on a humid day, such as when it’s raining. The humidity can supposedly affect the way the candy sets up and dries, which is essential for divinity. I havenot tested this theory, but I would just heed caution and try and make it on a low-humidity day.
*adapted from here
Print Recipe
This Easy Divinity Candy is SO fabulous and perfect for the holidays! Easier than you think to make, it comes together relatively quickly and is great for giving as gifts!
Prep Time2 hours hrs
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course: Candy, Dessert, No-Bake Treats
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 12 -16
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites at room temperature
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat together the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes or until the temperature reaches 260 degrees F. on a candy thermometer. Just before the candy reaches temperature, beat the egg whites on high speed using an electric mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Remove the boiling candy from the heat and, with the mixer on high speed, stream in the hot candy VERY slowly. It should take you at least 2 or so minutes to fully pour the hot candy mixture into the egg whites. Continue beating the mixture until it's no longer glossy and it holds its shape, about 6-10 minutes (it depends on your mixer). Stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract until combined.
Butter two spoons (or grease them lightly with cooking spray) and, working quickly, drop rounded Tablespoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. You may need to scrape the candy mixture off of one spoon with the other spoon, then quickly flick your wrist to create a soft curl (like soft serve) on top of the candy. It's okay if you don't get it quite right!
Allow the candy to set at room temperature - maybe overnight, depending on the humidity in your home - until dry to the touch and no longer sticky. Once set and dry, you can keep it at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
NOTES: It is totally okay to take a small teaspoon-sized spoon of candy and test it on the parchment before doing the larger scoops. The divinity is ready when it holds its shape in a mound on the parchment paper. If it turns into a puddle, continue beating the mixture.
Chewy & soft, like nougat-meets-fudge, this is a must-try this holiday season!
Have a super sweet day!
xo, Hayley
FAQs
Divinity is a confection made from egg whites, corn syrup, and sugar. It's similar to nougat, fudge, or marshmallow. Tip: replace the sugar with brown sugar to create "sea foam." Other ingredients can be used to give the candy other tastes, like chopped dried fruit and chopped nuts.
Why is divinity hard to make? ›
As sugar attracts water, any humidity or moisture in the air can affect how your divinity turns out. Divinity should be dry and set within two hours, but have patience.
Why won't my divinity candy set up? ›
But if your divinity fails to harden, you can beat in two tablespoons of powdered sugar and allow the mixture to rest a few minutes; if the candy hardens too much, you can blend in hot water a tablespoon at a time until the perfect, fluffy consistency is reached.
Can you make divinity on a rainy day? ›
It's best to make divinity on a cool, dry day. If it's humid (over 50%) or rainy, the candy might end up with a more gooey, or grainy texture.
Why is my divinity chewy? ›
Why is my Divinity chewy or crumbly? If the texture of your divinity just isn't right, it may be that your temperature was off. Make sure to cook your sugar syrup to 260°F, and beat your egg white-syrup mixture until it loses its glossy sheen for the right final consistency.
Why is my divinity not fluffy? ›
You can sometimes correct a divinity fail. If it is too stiff, add very hot water, beating in a half tablespoon at a time until it reaches a fluffy consistency. If it is too thin and does not set, try adding 1/2 tablespoon at a time of powdered sugar until it thickens.
Is divinity the same as nougat? ›
IS DIVINITY NOUGAT? Not exactly, but it's nougat-like. It has the same ingredients: egg whites, corn syrup, sugar, and flavoring (most often vanilla but almond, cherry (photo #6) orange, peppermint, and other flavors work).
How do you craft divinity? ›
To craft most items, you only need to drag one ingredient on top of another. For example, to craft a simple Minor Healing Potion, you need a Penny Bun Mushroom and an Empty Potion Bottle. To craft it, simply drag either item onto the other. Assuming your Crafting level is high enough, the item will be created.
How long will divinity keep? ›
To properly store it in the fridge, you'll want the candy to cool completely. In an airtight container, you can layer the candies between parchment paper or wax paper, or wrap them individually to avoid sticking. When stored properly divinity can last 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
Is divinity candy safe to eat? ›
Dry meringue shells, which are baked in the oven, are safe. Divinity candy is also safe. Avoid icing recipes using uncooked eggs or egg whites. However, "seven-minute frosting," made by combining hot sugar syrup with beaten egg whites, is safe.
KitchenAid recommends using the wire whip for making divinity candy.
Does divinity have to be refrigerated? ›
How to Store Divinity. Store the divinity at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Make sure the environment is not humid, as excess moisture in the air will make the candy sticky.
Why is my divinity runny? ›
And don't try making divinity when the humidity is above 60%. No matter how long you beat the mixture, it will remain too runny to form into mounds. Tips: Cook the syrup mixture in a heavy saucepan.
How to thicken divinity? ›
Make sure that it is a nice sunny day, for some reason divinity does not work when the weather is cloudy. Mix it on low for a few minutes and when it starts to cool down, it will thicken up.
What if my divinity is too dry? ›
How To Handle Overly Dry Divinity. If you find that your Divinity candy has turned out too dry (left hand side of image above), work as quickly as possible to spoon the pieces out onto the parchment paper. Let the candy sit out just until it has cooled and then immediately transfer to an air tight container.
Is divinity the same as marshmallow? ›
Actually, divinity is a candy that has the texture of a marshmallow, although there are no marshmallows used in the recipe. It's also similar to fudge, but still so different.
What is the difference between nougat and divinity? ›
As one cook describes it: “The only difference between making divinity and making nougat is that nougat requires that after blending beaten egg whites with half of your hard-ball-stage syrup, you heat the rest to near [the] hard-crack [stage] before blending it in.
What's the difference between meringue and divinity? ›
Divinity Candy Versus Meringue
In a meringue, the sugar syrup is cooked to about 240°F or until the sugar forms a soft, malleable ball when a spoonful is dropped in cold water. For divinity, the sugar is taken a bit further to 250°F (or the firm ball stage) where it can hold more structure.
Can dogs eat divinity candy? ›
The short answer is no! Most candy is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms that range from an upset stomach to death. Candy and candy wrappers are also choking hazards for your pup.
ThisEasy Homemade Divinity is incredible! Smooth, fudgy and delectable, this snow-white candy is surprisingly simple to make!
Whatever you do, make yourself a tin of these and thank me later!
*adapted from here
Chewy & soft, like nougat-meets-fudge, this is a must-try this holiday season!
Have a super sweet day!