Take a sweet trip down memory lane with our Old Fashioned Divinity recipe! Perfect for satisfying your nostalgia cravings.
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Pecan Divinity Candy
In the world of sweet treats, few things evoke nostalgia, like Old-Fashioned Divinity candy. This classic confection, also known as divinity fudge, has been a beloved favorite for generations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the allure of divinity candy, its delightful recipe, and some tips for making it your own.
Divinity candy is a melt-in-your-mouth delight that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and fluffy. With its origins dating back to the early 20th century, it has stood the test of time, becoming a staple at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. What sets divinity candy apart is its unique texture – a cloud-like, nougat-like consistency that practically dissolves on your tongue.
Making divinity candy is not just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories. The anticipation of achieving the perfect texture, the aroma that fills your kitchen, and the joy of sharing these sweet morsels with loved ones are all part of the experience. Each bite carries with it a taste of tradition and a hint of nostalgia.
I have so many memories of visiting my Great Gramma and her making this recipe. It was something we always looked forward to!
Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a novice in the kitchen, divinity candy is a recipe that’s worth trying. Its simplicity and timeless appeal make it a delightful addition to any occasion.
Old-Fashioned Divinity candy is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a connection to the past, a testament to tradition, and a source of joy. Crafting this confectionary masterpiece with its pecan-studded charm is a rewarding experience.
So, if you’re looking for a delightful divinity candy recipe or seeking a touch of nostalgia, give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you for this sweet journey down memory lane.
Divinity Recipe: Ingredients & Equipment
To make Old-Fashioned Divinity, you will need …
Ingredients
- granulated sugar
- light corn syrup
- water
- large egg whites
- vanilla extract
- pecan halves
Equipment
- 2-quart heavy-bottom saucepan
- thermometer
- stand mixer
- baking sheet with wax paper
How to make Divinity Candy
Mix ingredients and heat. In a 2-quart saucepan, mix granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Heat over low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring continuously. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 250℉.
Whisk eggs. While the sugar mixture is heating, whisk two egg whites in an electric mixer bowl until stiff peaks form.
Add ingredients. When the sugar mixture reaches 250℉, remove it from the heat and slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites with the mixer on low speed. Add vanilla extract and mix.
Mix. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue mixing until the batter loses its glossiness and holds its shape, about 8-10 minutes. If it is too runny, mix for an additional 5 minutes.
Prepare a baking sheet. Prepare a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Drop and form candy. Spray two spoons with non-stick cooking spray. Quickly drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Insert a pecan half into each candy.
Allow to set. Let the divinity candies set at room temperature for 2 hours before serving.
Enjoy! Enjoy your homemade Old-Fashioned Divinity candies!
Pecan Divinity Candy: FAQs
While a candy thermometer is essential for precise temperature control, you can use a hand-held electric mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer. It might require a bit more effort, but it can still be done.
Corn syrup is a key ingredient in divinity candy, as it contributes to its texture and sweetness. It’s challenging to substitute it with another ingredient without altering the final result significantly. It’s best to use light corn syrup for this recipe.
You can store divinity candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze divinity candies for up to 2 months. Make sure to layer them between waxed or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Absolutely! While pecans are a traditional choice, you can customize your divinity candy by using other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist.
Stirring the sugar mixture once it’s heating can cause crystallization, resulting in a grainy texture in your candy. Letting it cook undisturbed allows for a smooth and glossy finish.
Divinity candy can set rapidly, so working quickly ensures that you can shape it into individual candies before it becomes too stiff. Having all your tools and ingredients ready beforehand is essential for a successful outcome.
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Old Fashioned Divinity
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pecan halves
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom 2 quart saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat the mixture over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Stirring continuously.
- When the sugar has dissolved, attach the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Increase the heat to medium-high and continue to cook until the temperature reaches 250℉, do not stir the mixture.
- While the sugar mixture is heating, add the two egg whites to the electric mixer bowl and whisk on high until stiff peaks form.
- When the temperature reaches 250℉, remove from the heat and slowly pour the sugar mixture into the egg whites in a steady stream with the mixer on low speed. Stir in the vanilla.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and continue mixing until the batter has lost its glossiness and holds its shape, about 8-10 minutes. If the mixture is too runny, mix on high speed for another 5 minutes.
- Prepare a large baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spray 2 spoons with non-stick cooking spray. Working quickly, drop a spoonful of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Push a pecan half into the candy. Repeat until all the batter has been used.
- Let the divinity candies set for 2 hours and to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please note that this recipe goes very quickly – have everything out and ready to go before starting.
- The pecans can be finely chopped and mixed into the candies.
- Alternatively, you can use walnuts or even chocolate chips instead of pecans.
- Store the candies at room temperature in an airtight container with layers of waxed or parchment paper for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Making divinity candy on a humid day can be challenging because humidity can affect the candy's texture. It's best to choose a dry day for candy making to achieve the desired consistency.
- While a candy thermometer is highly recommended for precise temperature control, you can try the cold-water test. Drop a small amount of the candy mixture into cold water, and it should form a soft ball when ready. However, using a thermometer is more accurate.
- Achieving the perfect divinity candy texture requires precise temperature control and beating the mixture until it loses its glossiness.
- If your divinity candy doesn't turn out as expected, common issues can include grainy texture, excessive stickiness, or a lack of fluffiness. These issues may be due to factors such as humidity, temperature control, or overmixing.
- You can add food coloring to the candy mixture before shaping it. Add a few drops of food coloring to achieve the desired hue. Remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount.
- You can adjust the size of your divinity candies by using smaller or larger spoonfuls when shaping them. Keep in mind that smaller candies may set more quickly, so work even faster if making them smaller.
- Besides traditional packaging, you can present divinity candy in decorative tins, jars, or gift bags. Consider adding personalized labels or tags to make your homemade candies even more special when gifting them.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
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