Easy Divinity Candy

Divinity candy is a light and airy treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a sweet, homemade confection. Known for its smooth, cloud-like consistency and delicate flavor, divinity is often made with a simple mixture of sugar, egg whites, and corn syrup, making it easy to prepare. The addition of vanilla extract enhances its sweetness, while chopped nuts provide a delightful crunch. Whether you enjoy it on its own or give it as a gift, Easy Divinity Candy is sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.

This candy recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of special ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. The result is a batch of heavenly candy that pairs perfectly with other festive treats like fudge, pralines, and toffee. With just a few steps and minimal equipment, you’ll have a delicious, homemade treat to share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Divinity Candy is a classic favorite, beloved for its light, airy texture and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. This easy recipe simplifies the traditional method, so even beginners can enjoy the process of making their own candy at home. The simplicity of the ingredients and the technique ensures that you don’t need special tools or skills to achieve great results. The result is a batch of soft, sweet divinity with a slight crunch from the nuts—perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or an everyday treat. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding your favorite chopped nuts or keeping it plain for a smooth, creamy experience.

Ingredients

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

Variations

While the classic version of divinity is delicious on its own, there are many ways to make it your own:

1. Add Different Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts instead of or in addition to the traditional choice of chopped pecans.
2. Flavor Variations: Besides vanilla, you can try other extracts like almond or lemon to give the candy a unique twist.
3. Colored Divinity: Add a few drops of food coloring to create colorful divinity. Perfect for themed events or holidays like Christmas or Easter.
4. Cocoa Divinity: For a chocolate twist, sift in a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder with the sugar mixture before combining it with the egg whites.
5. Mini Divinity Bites: Instead of spooning large portions, use a small cookie scoop to make mini-sized divinity bites that are easy to serve at parties or gift in small boxes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Mixture

In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture

Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 260°F (125°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving the right texture for the candy.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. This will give the divinity its light, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites, making sure to beat constantly as you pour. This step requires a bit of patience, as the hot syrup should be incorporated into the egg whites slowly to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Beat Further

After the sugar mixture is fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture holds its shape and becomes thick and glossy.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts

If you’re using chopped nuts, fold them into the divinity mixture at this point.

Step 7: Spoon onto Wax Paper

Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper in small mounds or spoonfuls. Let the divinity cool completely before serving. This can take about 1-2 hours depending on the room temperature.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Watch the Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup closely. If the syrup is too hot, it could make the divinity too stiff. If it’s not hot enough, the divinity may not hold its shape.
2. Beat the Egg Whites Properly: Make sure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before adding the syrup. This step is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that divinity is known for.
3. Work Quickly: Once the sugar syrup is ready and the egg whites are whipped, work quickly to combine the two. The mixture can set fast, so it’s best to have everything ready to go.
4. Let It Cool Completely: Make sure to allow the divinity to cool and set completely before serving, as this will help it hold its shape and texture.

How to Serve

Divinity Candy is a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be served alongside other homemade confections like fudge, pralines, or cookies. It’s perfect for holiday gift baskets, or you can serve it as part of a festive dessert spread. If you want to dress it up, consider wrapping individual pieces in decorative candy wrappers or placing them in small gift boxes to give as thoughtful homemade gifts.

This candy also pairs well with hot beverages like coffee, tea, or cocoa, making it an ideal treat for cozy evenings. It can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet addition to a party or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Divinity candy can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To prevent the pieces from sticking together, you can layer the divinity between sheets of wax paper.

Freezing

While divinity is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place it in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers to avoid sticking. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Reheating

Divinity does not need to be reheated, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Why is my divinity not setting?

If divinity doesn’t set, it could be because the sugar syrup didn’t reach the right temperature (260°F). Ensure you use a candy thermometer and check the temperature carefully.

2. Can I make divinity without a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the correct temperature, but if you don’t have one, you can check by dropping a small amount of syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a firm ball, it’s ready.

3. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for the egg whites?

Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine as long as you beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

4. Can I add food coloring to divinity?

Yes, you can add food coloring to give the divinity a festive look. Just add a few drops once the mixture is ready, and beat to incorporate.

5. What can I substitute for light corn syrup?

You can substitute light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, although it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

6. Can I make divinity with no nuts?

Yes, divinity can easily be made without nuts. The nuts are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a smooth, nut-free candy.

7. Why is my divinity grainy?

Graininess can occur if the sugar syrup crystallizes. Be sure to stir constantly while dissolving the sugar and to avoid stirring once the syrup reaches the desired temperature.

8. How can I make divinity firmer?

If you prefer a firmer texture, cook the sugar syrup slightly longer, but be careful not to overcook it.

9. Can divinity be made in humid weather?

Humidity can affect divinity, making it less likely to set properly. If possible, try to make divinity on a dry day for the best results.

10. Can divinity be made without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with light honey or glucose syrup, but the texture may change slightly.

Conclusion

Easy Divinity Candy is a classic, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is simple to make and perfect for sharing. With its light, fluffy texture and sweet flavor, it’s sure to be a hit during the holiday season or any time you want to make something special. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this heavenly confection at home and enjoy the sweet, airy goodness that divinity is known for.

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