Homemade Divinity Candy Just Like Grandma Made

Imagine a sweet, fluffy cloud, delicate and meltingly soft, studded with crunchy walnuts. That’s the magic of homemade divinity candy, a nostalgic confection that instantly transports you back to grandma’s kitchen. This classic recipe, passed down through generations, delivers pure sugary bliss in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Divinity Candy

This delightful confection is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a taste of cherished memories. Here’

• Nostalgic Flavor: Rekindle childhood memories with this classic, old-fashioned candy.
• Delicately Sweet: Achieve that perfect balance of sweetness without being cloying.
• Light & Fluffy Texture: Experience the unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines true divinity.
• Impressive Presentation: Create beautiful, pristine white mounds of candy that look stunning on any dessert platter.
• Customizable: Easily add walnuts for crunch, or leave them out for a smoother experience.
• Rewarding Process: The satisfaction of making divinity from scratch is truly unmatched.

Ingredients Needed for Delicious Divinity Candy

Crafting this ethereal candy requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Selecting high-quality granulated sugar ensures the best texture and appearance. Moreover, fresh large egg whites are crucial for achieving those perfect stiff peaks.

• 2 1/2 cups / 500g granulated sugar: The foundation of our sweet treat.
• 1/2 cup / 120ml light corn syrup: This helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth candy.
• 1/2 cup / 120ml water: Essential for dissolving the sugar.
• 2 large egg whites: These create the airy, fluffy texture. Always use fresh eggs.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla truly enhances the flavor profile.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

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Essential Equipment for Homemade Divinity Candy

Making divinity candy is a precise process that benefits from the right tools. Investing in these ensures your success!

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan: Crucial for even heat distribution, preventing scorching.
• Candy thermometer: Absolutely essential for accurate temperature readings, as candy making is all about precision.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held): You’ll need consistent, powerful beating to incorporate the hot sugar syrup.
• Large bowl: To accommodate the expanding egg white mixture.
• Waxed paper: For dropping and setting your beautiful candy pieces.

Recipe Overview

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Get ready to make the best divinity candy you’ve ever tasted! This overview helps you plan your sweet adventure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 24 pieces
• Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions to Master Divinity Candy

Follow these detailed steps carefully for perfect, cloud-like divinity every time. Patience and precision are your best friends here.

1. Prepare the Sugar SyrupIn a sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until all the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, stop stirring entirely and carefully clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches a precise 260°F (the hard-ball stage). Do not rush this process; consistent heat is key.

2. Whip the Egg WhitesMeanwhile, while your sugar syrup is bubbling away, beat the large egg whites with the salt in a large, impeccably clean bowl. Use an electric mixer on high speed until beautiful, stiff peaks form. These stiff peaks are critical for the candy’s light texture.

3. Combine and BeatOnce your sugar mixture hits that 260°F mark, immediately remove it from the heat. With the electric mixer still running on medium-high speed, slowly and carefully pour the hot sugar mixture in a very thin, steady stream over the beaten egg whites. Continue beating constantly during this pouring process.

4. Thicken the MixtureKeep beating the mixture with your electric mixer. This vital step can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, or even a bit longer. Beat until the mixture becomes very thick, glossy, and starts to lose its sheen, indicating it’s ready to hold its shape. If it doesn’t thicken, continue beating; the temperature needs to drop sufficiently.

5. Finish and DropStir in the vanilla extract and your chopped walnuts, if you’re using them, until just combined. Using two rounded spoonfuls or small scoops, quickly drop the divinity candy onto sheets of waxed paper.

6. Cool and StoreAllow the divinity candy to cool completely at room temperature until it is fully set and firm. Finally, store your delicious homemade divinity in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and delicate texture.

   
   

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Tips for Success with Divinity Candy

Making divinity is an art, but these expert tips will help you create a masterpiece.

• Humidity Check: Avoid making divinity on humid days, as moisture can prevent it from setting properly.
• Clean Equipment: Ensure your bowl and beaters are grease-free for egg whites to whip effectively.
• Steady Stream: Pour the hot syrup slowly and steadily into the egg whites to avoid scrambling them.
• Don’t Stop Beating: Continue beating until the mixture is thick and cool enough to hold its shape – this can take longer than expected.
• Work Quickly: Once the vanilla and walnuts are in, the candy sets fast, so drop spoonfuls without delay.

Variations & Substitutions

While classic divinity is perfect, feel free to experiment!

• Nutty Variations: Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts, or use a mix.
• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once set, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Extract Experiments: Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a different aromatic profile.
• No Nuts: Omit the walnuts entirely for a smooth, pure divinity experience.

Serving Suggestions

This beautiful homemade divinity candy is a star on its own.

• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for an afternoon treat.
• Arrange on a holiday dessert platter with other cookies and confections.
• Package in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Enjoy as a light, sweet ending to any meal.

Health Benefits

While divinity candy is a sweet indulgence, it offers a few interesting nutritional notes.

• Minimal Fat: With only 1g of fat per serving, it’s a relatively low-fat sweet treat.
• Cholesterol-Free: Naturally free of cholesterol, making it suitable for those watching their intake.
• Energy Boost: The sugar provides a quick source of energy, perfect for a little pick-me-up.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your delicate divinity candy stays fresh and delicious.

• Airtight Container: Store divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Layer with Waxed Paper: Place layers of waxed paper between pieces to prevent sticking.
• Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigerating divinity can introduce moisture and alter its texture, making it sticky.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing and thawing can negatively impact the delicate structure and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divinity Candy

Got questions about mastering this delicate confection? We have answers!

Does humidity affect divinity candy?

Yes, very much so. Divinity is extremely sensitive to humidity, which can prevent it from setting properly, making it sticky. Always aim for a dry day.

Why is my divinity not setting?

The most common reasons are not cooking the sugar syrup to the correct temperature (260°F) or not beating the mixture long enough after adding the syrup.

Can I make divinity without a candy thermometer?

It is highly discouraged. A candy thermometer provides the precision needed for successful candy making.

How long does homemade divinity last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it typically stays fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I add other flavorings?

Absolutely! Beyond vanilla, try a dash of almond extract, peppermint extract for holidays, or even a tiny amount of food-grade essential oils like orange or lemon.

More Delicious Dishes

If you enjoyed making this classic sweet, you’ll love exploring these other delightful recipes!

• Easy Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies – A buttery, nutty treat that melts in your mouth.
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – Perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert.
• Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites – A delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fall flavors.

Conclusion

Creating this homemade divinity candy truly brings the warmth and sweetness of grandma’s kitchen into your home. This recipe is a labor of love that results in a truly enchanting treat. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delightful recipes!

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