Description
This Easy Divinity Candy recipe creates a classic, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth confection with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla, this candy is a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Adding chopped nuts is optional, offering a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for holiday seasons or anytime you want a homemade sweet treat, this divinity candy is sure to impress with its delicate texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Divinity Candy
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely and prevent burning.
- Cook to soft-ball stage: Stop stirring and continue cooking the syrup undisturbed until a candy thermometer registers 260°F (125°C), which ensures the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage needed for proper candy texture.
- Beat egg whites: While the syrup is cooking, in a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they hold stiff peaks, indicating they are fully whipped and stable.
- Combine syrup with egg whites: Slowly and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites in a thin, steady stream while continuously beating to incorporate and cook the whites with the syrup.
- Add flavoring and beat to peak: Stir in the vanilla extract and keep beating until the mixture thickens and holds its shape firmly, forming the characteristic fluffy divinity texture.
- Fold in nuts: Gently fold the optional chopped nuts into the candy mixture to evenly distribute them without deflating the fluffiness.
- Form candies and cool: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto waxed paper-lined trays and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before serving to set properly.
Notes
- Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for easier whipping to stiff peaks.
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the soft-ball stage to avoid a grainy or undercooked texture.
- If you don’t want nuts, the candy will still be delicious as a pure white, fluffy treat.
- Store the divinity candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Avoid humidity when making and storing divinity candy as it can affect the candy’s texture and shelf life.
