🍬 Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy

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A sweet, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a crunchy nut surprise — this classic candy has been a holiday favorite for generations.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 egg whites, at room temperature

1 cup chopped pecans (or other nuts, finely chopped)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Surface

  1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
  2. Have your spoons and cooking spray ready for scooping the hot candy.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine:

Sugar

Water

Corn syrup

Salt

  1. Stir occasionally until the mixture just begins to boil.
  2. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan.
  3. Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 260°F (hard-ball stage) — about 8–10 minutes.

Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites

  1. While the syrup cooks, beat the egg whites on high speed in a stand mixer (paddle attachment) until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Combine Syrup and Egg Whites

  1. When the sugar syrup reaches 260°F, remove it from heat.
  2. Very slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream over the whipped egg whites while mixing on high speed.

This step should take about 2 minutes.

Pouring too fast can deflate the egg whites.

  1. Continue beating for 5–8 minutes, until the candy loses some gloss and begins to hold its shape.

Step 5: Test for Readiness

  1. Test a small spoonful by dropping it onto the prepared baking sheet.

If it forms a nice mound with swirls, it’s ready.

If it melts into a puddle, continue beating a few more minutes and test again.

Step 6: Add Nuts and Flavor

  1. Stir in vanilla extract and the chopped pecans once the candy holds its shape.

Step 7: Shape the Divinity

  1. Using two spoons lightly sprayed with cooking spray, drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto the prepared cookie sheet.

Use one spoon to scrape the hot candy off the other.

  1. Work quickly — the candy sets fast while still hot.

Step 8: Let Candy Set

Allow the candy to cool completely.

The outside will harden, forming a light, crunchy shell, while the inside stays soft and fluffy.

💡 Tips for Perfect Divinity Candy

Room temperature egg whites whip better and create a more stable candy.

Avoid humidity — divinity doesn’t set well on very damp days.

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.

Make sure the sugar syrup reaches exactly 260°F — this is crucial for the candy’s structure.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Arrange on a festive plate for holiday treats.

Wrap in cellophane bags for gifts.

Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a nostalgic treat.

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