Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet confection made with whipped egg whites and a hot sugar syrup, accented with crunchy pecans and a touch of vanilla. This nostalgic treat is perfect for holidays and special occasions, offering a delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that will delight candy lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Candy Base
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Meringue
- 3 egg whites (no yolk; whites must whip to stiff peaks)
Add-ins and Flavoring
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste works too)
Instructions
- Prepare equipment: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to have them ready before starting.
- Cook sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the syrup reaches 260°F.
- Beat egg whites: When the syrup reaches about 240°F, start whipping the egg whites on high speed in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Combine syrup and egg whites: With mixer on low, slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites. Then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5–6 minutes until mixture appears fluffy and slightly dull.
- Add pecans and vanilla: Fold in chopped pecans and vanilla extract just until combined.
- Shape candies: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared pans using sprayed spoons, working swiftly as candy sets fast.
- Cool and set: Let candies cool and firm at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they are firm to the touch.
Notes
- Do not attempt this recipe on humid or rainy days, as humidity prevents proper setting.
- Nutritional information provided is per one piece of candy.
- Ensure all ingredients and equipment are prepped before cooking, as the process is fast once syrup is ready.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries for varied flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
