Old Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe is such a classic treat and incredibly simple to make. Each bite is light and fluffy and melts in your mouth.
We all love divinity candy and growing up it was a real treat. I have been making it every Christmas for my kids and it’s a huge hit. This recipe for divinity candy is easy to make with simple ingredients.
The pecan on top makes it even better but if you have kiddos that don’t like nuts, just leave it off. This is the perfect candy recipe to add to all your dessert trays. It pairs perfectly with 2 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Easy Homemade Cream Puffs Recipe, Homemade Twix Bars Recipe and Christmas Candy Desserts.
Table of Contents
What is Divinity Candy?
This candy has a really light texture and the consistency of a meringue. It’s a great treat and the candy can be served multiple ways.
We used pecans but you can easily add other types of nuts or chop them instead of using whole like we did.
Ingredients for Easy Divinity Candy:
- Granulated Sugar
- White Corn Syrup
- Eggs Whites, room temperature
- Vanilla Extract
- Pecans, whole or chopped – You can also use Raisins, Dried fruit, or Sprinkles
Find the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the post.
Variations:
- Chopped Pecans – We used whole pecans but you can easily chop them up and place on top of the candy.
- Walnuts – You can also use walnuts or any other type of nut if you prefer.
- Crushed Peppermint – If you love peppermint, topping the classic southern divinity recipe with crushed peppermint is so delicious.
- Coconut – If you love coconut, top the divinity candy with coconut.
- Dried Fruit – Dried fruit is a great option to top the divinity candy with. Try dried cranberries for a beautiful holiday candy.
How to Make Divinity Candy:
- Step 1 – First, line baking sheets with parchment paper. Next, add a candy thermometer to a medium heavy saucepan.
Step 2. Add the sugar, corn syrup and water to a pan. Heat over medium heat until it reaches hard ball stage, 250 to 260 degrees F.
Step 3. While you are waiting on the syrup, get out a separate bowl. Beat the egg whites with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Combine the sugar mixture and egg whites. Whip on high until the candy holds shape.
Step 4. Drop the candy on the prepared baking sheet. I used a cookie scoop.
Step 5. Top each one with a pecan. Do this right away so it sticks to the cookie.
Step 6. Continue until you have made all the cookies.
Step 7. Let the cookies dry and harden. It usually takes several hours but I prefer overnight. Then store in airtight container for up to two weeks. On humid days, it might take longer for the candy to set.
Recipe Tips
- Candy Thermometer – Make sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure your candy is heated to the right temperature or reaches 260 degrees.
- Beat Egg Whites – You can want to beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Mixing Ingredients – When adding in the egg whites to the sugar mixture, stir constantly at high speed. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Beating on High Speed – We find it best to meat the mixture several times on high speed to make sure the ingredients are mixed together. This gives it that fluffy, cream texture.
- Cookie Scoop – When ready to scoop the candy, use a candy scoop. Make sure to spray with cooking spray so it is easy to drop the candy on the baking sheet.
- Lined Baking Sheet – Make sure to line baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This ensures that the candy doesn’t stick and easy clean up.
- Topping the Candy – Once you have dropped the candy onto the baking sheet, immediately top with you pecans or your selected topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is unclear how the name divinity for this light and delicious candy derived. However, some say it is because someone tasted and said it was Divine! The name stuck and now it is a real southern treats.
This meringue based candy is easy to make and the perfect holiday candy.
If stored in an air tight container, divinity will last up to 2 weeks. This is the perfect candy to make ahead of time and place on your holiday dessert trays.
Storing divinity candy is easy to do. Place the candy in an airtight container at room temperature. This Divinity Candy is great for about 2 weeks.
More easy candy recipes:
- Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe
- Saltine Cracker Toffee
- Graham Cracker Toffee
- Cream Cheese Mints Recipe
- Hard Candy Recipe
This yummy candy recipe will be a hit once you try it. Come back and leave a star recipe rating once you do!
Divinity Candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup white corn syrup
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 eggs whites room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Garnish
- Pecans whole or chopped
- Raisins
- Dried fruit
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Add a candy thermometer to a medium heavy saucepan
- Heat sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat until it reaches hard ball stage, 250-260 degrees F
- While the syrup is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form
- When the sugar reaches temperature, remove from heat and very slowly pour into the egg white, whipping on high speed constantly
- Add vanilla and continue beating on high until candy holds it shape, about 10-15 minutes ** see notes
- Spray a cookie dough scoop or 2 spoons with cooking spray, then drop scoops of candy onto prepared baking sheets
- Immediately add whole pecan or other garnish, if using
- Allow divinity to dry and harden for several hours or overnight
- Store in airtight container for up to two weeks
