Divinity Candy Recipe (2024)

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Divinity Candy is a southern classic confection made with simple ingredients. It has a pillowy-soft and chewy center that truly is divine!

Divinity Candy

This old-fashioned Divinity Candy is a southern confection that's perfect for adding to the holiday sweets tray. Divinity candy has a soft, chewy inside, almost like nougat but just a touch lighter. Its sweet vanilla flavor and marshmallow-y center really is a bite of divinity.

It's a great candy to make if you're new to candy-making in general because it's not too difficult, and it's made with very simple staple ingredients such as egg whites, sugar, water, vanilla, and corn syrup.

What is Divinity Candy?

Divinity candy is an old-fashioned confection made with very simple ingredients such as sugar, egg whites, water, vanilla, and corn syrup. It is nougat-like in texture, but slightly lighter, and nuts, dried fruit, or candy are often added.

Is Divinity the Same as Meringue?

No, while, like nougat, divinity and meringue share the similar ingredients of sugar and whipped egg whites, meringue doesn't require the sugar be turned into a syrup. It's simply whipped together and baked. Divinity is not baked at all.

Meringue cookies have a dry and crispy texture on the outside, where divinity is a bit softer and chewier.

What is the Difference Between Divinity Candy and Nougat?

Nougat and divinity candy are even more similar than divinity is to meringue, and often there are nougat recipes floating around the internet that are actually divinity.

In both divinity and nougat, you are pouring heated sugar syrup into stiffly beaten egg whites and then whipping them. In the case of nougat, this process is done twice, and the syrups used are of different water contents. As a result, the nougat is a bit heavier and chewier than the divinity.

Special Equipment for this Recipe

There are a couple of special equipment items that you need for this recipe that you will want to grab before starting. I'll also include some at-home substitutions for a few if you're in a pinch.

  • Candy thermometer - One that hooks on the edge of the pot so the thermometer will be constant and not touching the bottom. In a pinch, you can hold a meat thermometer steady without touching the bottom to take the temperature.
  • Electric Mixer - a stand or hand mixer will both work here. It is too much beating to try by hand.
  • Piping bag - to keep the texture of the divinity candy smooth, you may want to place it all into a piping bag and pipe dollops instead of using a scoop. In a pinch, you can use a large gallon zip baggy and cut off one of the bottom corners to pipe.

Divinity Candy Variations

Divinity candy is a perfect template for other flavors, with it's soft vanilla taste and smooth texture. Fruits, extracts, and nuts can all change the overall flavor. Here are some popular variations to consider.

  • Flavorings: Try adding different flavorings such as almond extract, peppermint extract, or maple extract.
  • Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are the most common for desserts and work great here.
  • Fruit: Dried fruit works best so that there's not any extra moisture. Try dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins. You can also use fresh, such as maraschino cherries. Make sure these are patted dry to prevent the candy mixture from being too runny.
  • Candies: Crushed candies work well here too! Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, nerds, crushed peppermints, toffee pieces, or any of your other favorites. Just fold them in at the end.
  • Sprinkles - top with festive sprinkles to add some extra color and fun!

Why is my Divinity Candy Crumbly?

Divinity candy can get crumbly from being over handled, especially as it cools and dries. The easiest way to prevent this is by adding the finished candy mixture to a piping bag, and piping candies. This way they're not exposed to air until they're at they're final destination and supposed to be drying and setting.

Can You Freeze Divinity Candy?

No. Divinity candy will not keep its texture when introduced to any additional moisture, making them not freezer-friendly.

More Candy Recipes You'll Love

  • Microwave Caramels - foolproof recipe for soft, chewy, buttery homemade caramels.
  • 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge - the easiest fudge of all time, and no one will even know how easy it was. Tastes just like classic, homemade peanut butter fudge.
  • Vanilla Meringues - delicate and lightly, these softly sweet treats are simple and use basic ingredients.
  • Oreo Truffles - rich and indulgent Oreo truffles use just a few ingredients for a gooey Oreo filling dipped in chocolate.
  • Rolo Pretzel Turtles - the simplest of all candies. These turtles need only 3 ingredients are quick and easy to whip up (the kids can help!)

Divinity Candy Video

Divinity Candy Recipe (4)

Divinity Candy

Divinity Candy is a southern classic confection made with simple ingredients. It has a pillowy-soft and chewy center that truly is divine!

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Divinity Candy

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Standing Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 50 candies

Calories: 72kcal

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 3 cups sugar
  • cup water
  • ½ cup corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • Whole pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line two 15x10x1-in. pans with waxed paper.

  • In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.

  • Cook, without stirring, over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 252°F (hard-ball stage).

  • Just before the temperature is reached, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form.

  • Slowly add hot sugar mixture in a thin stream over egg whites, beating constantly and scraping sides of bowl occasionally.

  • Add vanilla. Beat until candy holds its shape, 5-6 minutes. (Do not overmix or candy will get stiff and crumbly.) Immediately fold in pecans.

  • Quickly drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared pans.

    Alternately, transfer mixture into a piping bag without a tip. Cut the tip off and pipe into small blobs onto the wax paper for more smooth and even candies.

  • Let stand at room temperature until dry to the touch.

Notes

  • Pecans are recommended for flavor and to help cut sweetness. But you can leave them out if you want or add other sprinkles, candies, or nuts.
  • Test for Doneness: If you're unsure if the candy is done, scoop some out onto the wax paper. If it spreads out, it's not done. If it holds its shape in a little ball/scoop, it's ready!
  • Humidity: Humidity can mess with the texture and setting of the candy. I have never experienced this issue (in the Chicago area), but if it's your first time trying this recipe, it's best not to try it on a hot or humid day.
  • Storage: Store divinity candy in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I use parchment paper between layers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1candy | Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

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Divinity Candy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is divinity candy so hard to make? ›

Humidity equals wet, and wet equals candy that often won't set. Even in the cooler and less humid months, it can be a challenge to make old fashioned divinity - that being a divinity that is purely sugar, corn syrup, water, egg whites, chopped pecans, a little vanilla - and a goodly amount of elbow grease.

How to tell when divinity is done? ›

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.

What to do when divinity doesn't 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.

Does humidity affect making divinity candy? ›

Consider this: divinity hates humidity. 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.

Can you overbeat divinity? ›

If you undercook your syrup, your candy will be sweet puddles. Overcook your syrup, and your candy will too hard to eat. Underbeat your candy and you might have to eat it with a spoon. Overbeat it and could be crunchy and sugary.

Why is my divinity not hardening? ›

If your divinity candy fails to harden, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and beat again. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. This will absorb more moisture and will allow your sweet treat to harden. If you want your divinity candy to soften up a bit add hot water a tablespoon at a time and beat it again.

Why is my divinity runny? ›

Make sure your beater is up to it, though. Making divinity will overheat the motors of portable mixers and most lightweight free-standing mixers. 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.

How long can you store divinity candy? ›

Divinity candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If you are storing divinity candy in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before cutting it into squares.

How long does it take for divinity to set? ›

Drop mixture from buttered spoon onto waxed paper. Let stand at room temperature at least 12 hours, turning candies over once, until candies feel firm.

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. (Is that clear enough😉 ?) If you have never tried divinity, this is an easy recipe to give a try and a taste!

Can you make candy on a rainy day? ›

Once the candy has cooled to the point where it can no longer evaporate moisture, it can actually begin to reabsorb moisture. This produces a softer product than may be desirable. For best results, restrict candy making to days when the relative humidity is below 35 percent.

How to get divinity to set up? ›

Divinity should be dry and set within two hours, but have patience. It may take a little longer. If you would like to try correcting a thin divinity, beat in a little bit of powdered sugar at a time until the consistency is drier and thicker, before dropping onto sheets of waxed paper again to dry.

Why can't you make divinity on a rainy day? ›

Sugar is hydroscopic, which means it attracts water molecules, including the water vapor molecules within the air. The higher the humidity, the more water vapor is available for the sugar molecules to attract. The result: A divinity that is less pillowy soft and more gooey and gritty in texture.

Does rain affect candy making? ›

“Your moisture attacks the sugars,” said Pam Teich, president of Lammes Candies. “The sugars are going to absorb that moisture, which is going to make it sticky.” Patel said that she has to use special humidity and temperature controls to ensure a rainy day doesn't ruin her chocolate.

What is the barometric pressure for divinity? ›

(I just learned something new - apparently it is not humidity that will sink your divinity and some other airy or tempermental confections - it is barometric pressure, which should be at least 30 inches or higher.

What is the most complicated candy to make? ›

What Is the Most Difficult Candy to Make?
  1. Rock candy. It requires a lot of patience and precision to create the perfect crystal formation. ...
  2. c.berlin · CC BY-SA 4.0. Turkish Delight. ...
  3. Fudge. ...
  4. Licorice. ...
  5. Hard candy. ...
  6. Marshmallows. ...
  7. Toffee. ...
  8. Caramel.

Is Divinity Original Sin complicated? ›

Every encounter in this game is very different and requires plenty of thought from what I find anyway, don't just expect to walk forward, bump into some enemies, and then send your melee forward and keep your range back and expect everything to be dandy, the enemies have just as much chance killing you as you do ...

Is divinity hard or soft? ›

Unlike nougat, divinity is only cooked to the hard-ball stage, while nougat requires cooking to the higher temperature hard-crack stage. As a result, nougat tends to be a bit denser and even chewier than divinity.

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