Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic, fluffy, and sweet nougat-like confection made from whipped egg whites, sugar syrup, and chopped nuts. This vintage treat is light, airy, and delightfully crunchy with a delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions, it combines the smoothness of vanilla and the rich crunch of pecans in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup (prevents crystallization)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 egg whites (no yolk; whites must whip to stiff peaks)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or use walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (vanilla bean paste works too)
Instructions
- Prep: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking and assembly process.
- Cook the 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 the syrup until it reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
- Beat egg whites: When the syrup temperature is around 240°F, begin whipping the egg whites at high speed in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form, ensuring the whites are firm and glossy.
- Combine syrup and egg whites: Slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites with the mixer running on low speed. After all syrup is incorporated, increase speed to medium-high and continue beating for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and dull in appearance.
- Add flavor and nuts: Gently fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract, mixing just until evenly combined but not overworked to maintain the airy texture.
- Shape the candy: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared parchment-lined pans using lightly sprayed spoons to prevent sticking. Work swiftly as the candy sets fast.
- Cool and set: Let the candy cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until firm and set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use fresh, room temperature egg whites and ensure no yolk contamination for best whipping results.
- A candy thermometer is essential to reach the correct syrup temperature for proper candy texture.
- Work quickly when shaping the divinity as it sets very fast once combined.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even chopped maraschino cherries for different flavor variations.
- Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
