Classic Divinity

Classic Divinity candy is a delectable sugary confection that’s perfect for the holiday season. Its fluffy and airy texture is like enjoying a bite-sized cloud that melts in your mouth – divine!

You’ll want to make this traditional Southern divinity candy recipe not only because of its delicious taste but also because it’s hard to find in stores. And if you do find it, it won’t have the same soft and delicate texture you’ll get when you make it yourself. Does it take time to make it? Yes! But it’s worth it!

This traditional southern recipe flavors the divinity candy with vanilla and adds a nutty crunch with pecans. Later on, I’ll share a few ways you can change up the flavors easily if you want to experiment. Also, this classic divinity is a homemade holiday candy perfect for gift-giving!

Ingredients Needed

Sugar – use white granulated
Light Corn Syrup – I haven’t tried substitutions, so I recommend using corn syrup to maintain the perfect texture in the hot sugar mixture.
Water – to mix with the sugar and corn syrup to form the sweet liquid
Egg Whites – use large eggs
Vanilla Extract – for flavor
Coarsely Chopped Toasted Pecans – to mix in (optional)
Toasted Pecan Halves – top each piece of candy

How To Make Classic Divinity

Note: This is a summary of the steps. For full instructions, see the recipe card down below.

STEP 1: In a saucepan over low heat, cook the sugar, corn syrup, and water stirring constantly until all the sugar is dissolved.
STEP 2: Place your clip-on candy thermometer on the side of the saucepan and continue cooking, without stirring, until the candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees Fahrenheit.
STEP 3: In a stand mixer, whip your egg whites until stiff peaks form.
STEP 4: While the mixer is on medium speed, gently pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites in a thin stream while still mixing. Beat the mixture for 10 minutes or until it holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. The mixture should be stiffer and not drop from the mixer blades.
STEP 5: Mix in the vanilla and (optional) chopped pecans.
STEP 6: Line a tray with parchment paper, and using a buttered spoon or scoop, drop dollops of the divinity mixture onto the parchment paper.
STEP 7: Top each one with a pecan halve.
STEP 8: Leave out to set for at least 12 hours until the candies feel nice and firm.

Must-Have Tools To Make Classic Divinity

This homemade candy effort requires a deep saucepan, a stand mixer, and a clip-on candy thermometer since you’ll be working with hot ingredients on the stove.

The Texture Of Divinity Candy

The texture of homemade divinity is somewhere between a soft marshmallow and fudge. It’s a unique texture that’s both chewy and soft. There’s nothing like it, and it’s a sweet treat for your taste buds!

What Makes The Texture So Airy?

The egg whites (that you’ll beat with the stand mixer, and later use to beat the entire mixture for 10 minutes) along with the hot sugary mixture are beaten until light and fluffy, which creates the airy texture.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe calls for vanilla extract, since it’s the classic flavor, you can swap out other extracts such as almond, rum, cherry, peppermint, maple, coconut, or lemon. If you want to make the divinity candy extra festive, you can always add a drop of food coloring to the mixture.

Variations for Mix-ins and Toppings

It’s always delicious changing up the flavors with a different extract as mentioned above. In that case, you can add in or top the divinity with finely chopped cherries, crushed peppermint candy, finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or lemon zest to match the flavor.

How To Serve Classic Divinity

This recipe calls for adding dollops of the divinity mixture to parchment paper and letting it set to harden, but you can also add it to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly, let it set and harden, before cutting into squares.

Is Divinity Freezer-Friendly?

Sadly, no. Due to its delicate texture, it will not freeze and then thaw well without compromising the texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

More Easy Candy Recipes

Chocolate-Covered Honeycomb Candy
Gingerbread Fudge
Christmas Oreo Truffle Balls
Fritos Candy
Easy 3-Ingredient Candy Cane Bark
Homemade Peppermint Patties

Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With 5 children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find a wide variety of easy yet scrumptious recipes on her viral website Moore or Less Cooking

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