Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (2024)

5 from 6 votes

ByTrisha HaasPublished: Updated:

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Light and Fluffy Southern Divinity Candy with bits of pecan is the perfect Christmas holiday candy. Super sweet and fun to eat, this slightly chewy delicious confection takes a little patience but is worth the wait.

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (1)

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Divinity Candy Recipe

Divinity candy, named because of how “divine” the light and fluffy sugar based candy really is, is a Southern based pecan filled cloud.

Before setting out to make divinity, please note that working with egg whites requires patience. Additionally, the temperature in your home cannot be too humid or hot and because of this, Divinity candy is often a Christmas treat (especially for the South).

If you have never had divinity before, its like a meringue and is considered a classic, old fashioned family treat.

Scroll to the bottom for a printable version of this post, including all measurements and instructions,so you can follow along in your kitchen without being on your phone.

Here is what you need to gather to get started:

  • white sugar
  • corn syrup
  • water
  • salt
  • egg whites
  • chopped pecans or walnuts
  • vanilla

RELATED CANDY RECIPES: Butter Mints, Peanut Butter Fudge, Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe, Christmas Cream Cheese Mints

Divinity Candy Tips

You need to use a large saucepan because at about 225 degrees the mixture begins to triple in size as it boils and bubbles up and can boil over!

You need a candy thermometer because it will take a bit to come to 260 degrees.

I let mine set overnight, but if made in winter, can usually let it set for 4-6 hours to harden.

This takes about 20-25 minutes to make and then time to harden.

Note on shape: This is a recipe that you have to make over and over again and then you’ll perfect the dollop. I am not that great at making a perfect dollop!

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (2)

How to make Divinity Candy

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Add sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to a large saucepan and heat on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until a candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees.

*While the mixture above is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (3)

Remove from heat and slowly stream sugar mixture into egg white mixture while mixer is beating on high speed.

It will take 2-3 minutes to pour the candy into the egg whites.

Continue to beat candy on high for 6 minutes or until mixture holds shape.

Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla and mix well.

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (4)

Butter two spoons and drop rounded tablespoons of candy onto prepared parchment sheet.

Let divinity candy set, overnight until dry.

Store in an airtight container.

Makes 20-24 candies.

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (5)

Have questions or tips on this recipe?

Please come back and let me know how it worked for you! Your feedback allows me to grow and improve my recipes.

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (6)

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (7)

5 from 6 votes

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Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy

Author Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish


Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 day d 40 minutes mins

Divinity candy is a light and fluffy Southern confection that is a staple for holiday candy desserts and with loads of pecan pieces, a very common confection in the south.

Ingredients

  • 2-1/4 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • How to make Divinity Candy

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

  • *While the mixture below is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.

  • Add sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to a large saucepan and heat on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until a candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees.

  • Remove from heat and slowly stream into egg white mixture while mixer is beating on high speed.

  • It will take 2-3 minutes to pour the cand

  • y into the egg whites.

  • Continue to beat on high for 6 minutes or until mixture holds shape.

  • Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla and mix well.

  • Butter two spoons and drop rounded tablespoons of candy onto prepared parchment sheet.

  • Let divinity candy set, overnight until dry. Store in an airtight container.

  • Makes 20-24 candies.

Notes

Can you freeze Divinity Candy? This candy is made of sugar and egg whites, so its very susceptible to breakage. While you COULD freeze it, I do not recommend it.

How long can you Store Divinity Candy? Typically, if kept dry, 1-2 weeks.

My divinity is not Setting: If its too hot or humid, its difficult for the egg whites to dry and set.

Additional Divinity Tips that may help you while cooking

  1. You need to use a large saucepan because at about 225 degrees the mixture begins to triple in size as it boils and bubbles up and can boil over!
  2. You need a candy thermometer because it will take a bit to come to 260 degrees.
  3. I let mine set overnight, but if made in winter, can usually let it set for 4-6 hours to harden.
  4. This takes about 20-25 minutes to make and then time to harden.
  5. Note on shape: This is a recipe that you have to make over and over again and then you'll perfect the dollop. I am not that great at making a perfect dollup!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 32mg | Sugar: 39g

Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.

Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.

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5 from 6 votes

Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my divinity not fluffy? ›

There could be several reasons that your divinity did not turn out fluffy: The syrup was not at the right temperature when it was added to the egg whites. The egg white and syrup mixture was not beaten long enough. The humidity was too high.

Does humidity affect making divinity candy? ›

Consider this: divinity hates humidity. It's best to make divinity on a cool, dry day. If it's humid (over 50%) or rainy, the candy might end up with a more gooey, or grainy texture.

Can you over mix divinity? ›

Beat until candy holds its shape, 5-6 minutes. (Do not overmix or candy will get stiff and crumbly.)

What to do with divinity that won t set up? ›

If your divinity candy fails to harden, add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and beat again. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes. This will absorb more moisture and will allow your sweet treat to harden. If you want your divinity candy to soften up a bit add hot water a tablespoon at a time and beat it again.

Why is my divinity not getting stiff? ›

Humidity equals wet, and wet equals candy that often won't set. Even in the cooler and less humid months, it can be a challenge to make old fashioned divinity - that being a divinity that is purely sugar, corn syrup, water, egg whites, chopped pecans, a little vanilla - and a goodly amount of elbow grease.

What if my divinity is too dry? ›

How To Handle Overly Dry Divinity. If you find that your Divinity candy has turned out too dry (left hand side of image above), work as quickly as possible to spoon the pieces out onto the parchment paper. Let the candy sit out just until it has cooled and then immediately transfer to an air tight container.

Why didn t my divinity turn out? ›

Now, making divinity comes with all kinds of warnings about humidity and weather. You can't make it if it is "too" humid or if it's raining. The moisture in the air will keep the candy from setting and drying properly.

Why can't you make divinity on a rainy day? ›

Because of the high sugar content, divinity needs dry air to dry itself. On high humidity days, the divinity will absorb moisture from the air. This means the divinity will have a gooey texture to it.

Why is my divinity runny? ›

And don't try making divinity when the humidity is above 60%. No matter how long you beat the mixture, it will remain too runny to form into mounds.

How long can you store divinity candy? ›

Divinity candy can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. If you are storing divinity candy in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before cutting it into squares.

What is the best humidity level to make divinity? ›

The perfect divinity climate has a relative humidity of less than 35 percent. If you live in an area that's hardly ever that dry, you can always run your air conditioner or a dehumidifier for about a day or so before making divinity.

Is divinity supposed to be soft? ›

I usually test it once at 15 minutes and then every minute or so after until the candy is ready to go. You don't want to over beat the candy. This results in brittle candy that is crumbly – not what you want. True divinity has a pillowy soft, chewy center that is in a word, divine.

Can you freeze divinity candy? ›

Yes, divinity can be frozen for up to one year! Flash freeze the candy for a few hours or up to overnight, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature.

What is the difference between meringue and divinity candy? ›

In a meringue, the sugar syrup is cooked to about 240°F or until the sugar forms a soft, malleable ball when a spoonful is dropped in cold water. For divinity, the sugar is taken a bit further to 250°F (or the firm ball stage) where it can hold more structure.

Can you make candy on a rainy day? ›

Once the candy has cooled to the point where it can no longer evaporate moisture, it can actually begin to reabsorb moisture. This produces a softer product than may be desirable. For best results, restrict candy making to days when the relative humidity is below 35 percent.

How do you thicken divinity? ›

But if your divinity fails to harden, you can beat in two tablespoons of powdered sugar and allow the mixture to rest a few minutes; if the candy hardens too much, you can blend in hot water a tablespoon at a time until the perfect, fluffy consistency is reached.

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