Easy Divinity Candy is a classic, melt-in-your-mouth Southern treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and a snow-white elegance to any cookie platter. With its billowy, cloud-like texture and delicate sweetness, this festive candy holds a special place in holiday traditions and family gatherings alike. If you’ve ever wished for a candy that’s as gorgeous as it is easy to make, this is your go-to recipe—whether you’re impressing guests or gifting homemade treats. Let’s dive in and unlock the secret behind this heavenly confection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of pantry staples come together to make Easy Divinity Candy. Every ingredient pulls its weight, working magic to create the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture in each bite.
- Granulated sugar: This is the backbone of your candy, delivering sweetness and structure as it transforms into a glossy syrup.
- Light corn syrup: Acts as a stabilizer, preventing the sugar from crystallizing and ensuring the divinity stays silky-smooth.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup into a perfectly clear syrup that’s easy to work with.
- Large egg whites (at room temperature): When whipped, these create the signature light, airy texture of divinity. Make sure they’re not cold for best volume!
- Salt: Just a touch sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a bit of crunch and earthy richness. Totally up to you, but oh-so classic.
How to Make Easy Divinity Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Candy Kingdom
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. You want to do this first because once the magic starts, you’ll need a landing spot for your beautiful candy clouds. Preparation is half the battle—trust me!
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine your granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s all clear, stop stirring—let the mixture come to a steady boil, and attach your trusty candy thermometer. Keep a close eye as the syrup heats up to 260°F (the “hard ball” stage). No stirring allowed here; let science do its thing!
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
While your syrup is bubbling away, turn to your stand mixer and start beating the egg whites and salt on high speed. You’re aiming for stiff peaks that hold their shape—give them the spotlight, because this is where the candy’s signature fluffiness is born.
Step 4: Combine and Transform
Once your syrup reaches 260°F, carefully remove it from the heat. With the mixer running on medium, slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the whipped egg whites. Go slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs—you want a heat-fueled fusion! After all the syrup is added, crank the mixer to high. Beat for 6–8 minutes until the mixture loses its glossy sheen and thickens enough to hold its shape. This is when Easy Divinity Candy really comes to life!
Step 5: Flavor and Finish
Sprinkle in the vanilla extract and fold in those optional nuts if you’re feeling fancy. Work quickly here—the candy sets fast! Use two spoons to drop fluffy mounds onto your prepared baking sheet. Let them rest at room temperature for several hours until firm to the touch.
How to Serve Easy Divinity Candy
Garnishes
To take your Easy Divinity Candy to the next level, consider topping each piece with a whole pecan, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle. These delicate touches make your candy look as magical as it tastes—perfect for gifting or holiday platters.
Side Dishes
Although Easy Divinity Candy is a showstopper on its own, it pairs fantastically with a cup of strong coffee or rich hot cocoa. If you’re putting together a dessert spread, nestle them beside chocolate fudge, mini shortbread cookies, or vibrant fruit slices for a decadent assortment.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Easy Divinity Candy in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. For parties, arrange them in pastel paper cups on a three-tiered stand, or tuck them in festive tins layered with parchment for an old-fashioned, heartfelt touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy Divinity Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Humidity is the enemy here, so store them somewhere cool and dry—your candy will stay deliciously soft yet firm for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Divinity isn’t the biggest fan of the freezer—thawing can make it sticky or grainy. For best results, skip freezing and make a fresh batch when you need more. If you must, wrap each piece individually in wax paper before freezing for up to a month, and thaw uncovered at room temperature.
Reheating
There’s actually no need to reheat Easy Divinity Candy! If your candy has gotten too chewy due to humidity, a few hours in a dry spot can help firm it up again. Just avoid exposing it to any more moisture or heat.
FAQs
Why is my divinity too sticky?
Sticky divinity almost always means the candy was made on a humid day, or wasn’t beaten long enough. Always whip until it’s no longer glossy, and try making Easy Divinity Candy when the forecast is dry for best results.
Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
Technically, yes, but it’s tricky. Reaching the right temperature is crucial—if you don’t hit 260°F, the candy won’t set properly. If you’re confident, you can test for the hard ball stage by dropping syrup in cold water, but a thermometer really takes out the guesswork.
What if my divinity hardens too quickly while scooping?
If the mixture sets up before you’ve scooped it all, you can add a few drops of hot water and beat briefly to make it workable again. Work fast—this candy waits for no one!
Is it safe to eat divinity made with egg whites?
Absolutely! The hot sugar syrup cooks the egg whites as it’s added, making Easy Divinity Candy both delicious and safe to enjoy.
Can I substitute other nuts or leave them out?
Of course! Pecans and walnuts are traditional, but almonds or pistachios add a tasty twist. You can also skip the nuts entirely for pure, cloud-like candy.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making Easy Divinity Candy—watching simple ingredients swirl into billowy mounds of sweetness is a treat in itself. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, give this recipe a try and see how many smiles it brings to your table!
Print
Easy Divinity Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make Easy Divinity Candy with this simple recipe. This classic confection features a light and fluffy texture with a hint of nuts, perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Sugar Syrup:
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
Egg White Mixture:
- 2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, heat granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water until it reaches 260°F.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a stand mixer, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites while mixing. Beat until candy loses gloss.
- Add Flavor and Nuts: Mix in vanilla and nuts. Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
- Set the Candy: Let divinity cool at room temperature until firm.
Notes
- Humidity can affect the outcome—make divinity on a dry day for best results.
- If the mixture thickens, add a few drops of hot water and beat briefly to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
