Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic Southern treat featuring a light, fluffy, and sweet meringue-based candy with a slight crunch from chopped pecans. This nostalgic confection is made by cooking sugar syrup to the hard-ball stage and whipping it with egg whites to create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup: In a heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a uniform syrup.
- Boil the syrup: Continue boiling the syrup without stirring until it reaches 260°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, indicating the correct temperature for achieving the perfect candy texture.
- Beat egg whites: While the syrup heats, beat egg whites and a pinch of salt in a stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a stable meringue base for the candy.
- Combine syrup and egg whites: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing continuously on high. Continue beating the mixture for 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens and holds its shape, forming the signature fluffy divinity texture.
- Add flavor and nuts: Mix in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and gently fold in the chopped pecans to incorporate a crunchy texture throughout the candy.
- Shape and cool: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto waxed paper. Allow the candies to cool completely and set before transferring them to storage, ensuring they hold their structure and texture.
Notes
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the hard-ball stage at 260°F for best results.
- Make sure no yolk is present in the egg whites, as any fat will prevent proper whipping.
- If you prefer, substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- Work quickly when dropping spoonfuls onto waxed paper as the mixture sets fast.
- Store divinity candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
