Description
Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy is a classic Southern treat featuring a fluffy, sweet meringue made from egg whites and sugar syrup, mixed with crunchy pecans and flavored with vanilla. This candy has a light, airy texture and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Line two sheet pans with parchment paper and measure out all ingredients to have them ready before you start.
- Cook Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the 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.
- Beat Egg Whites: When the syrup temperature reaches about 240°F, begin whipping the egg whites on high speed using a stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and Beat: With the mixer running low, slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites. After all syrup is added, increase to medium-high speed and beat for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and gains a slightly dull appearance.
- Add Pecans and Vanilla: Fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract just until combined.
- Shape Candy: Quickly scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the prepared parchment-lined pans using sprayed spoons, working fast as the candy sets quickly.
- Cool: Let the candy cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
Notes
- Avoid making this candy on humid or rainy days as moisture can prevent proper setting.
- Have all ingredients and equipment ready ahead because the candy sets quickly once the syrup is prepared.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to ensure perfect texture.
- If pecans are not preferred, walnuts, almonds, or maraschino cherries can be substituted.
- Nutritional info is calculated per one piece of candy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
