Description

This Old-Fashioned Divinity recipe creates light, fluffy, and sweet meringue-like candies with a delightful crunch from pecan halves. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla, this classic Southern treat is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion where a nostalgic homemade candy is desired.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Divinity Syrup

2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup water

For the Divinity Batter

2 egg whites
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Garnish

Pecan halves (whole or chopped)
Non-stick cooking spray (for spoons)

Instructions

Make the syrup: In a heavy-bottomed medium (2qt) saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Heat on low and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a smooth syrup base.
Heat syrup to soft-ball stage: Increase heat to medium-high and cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer, the soft-ball stage essential for divinity’s texture.
Prepare egg whites: As the syrup approaches 240°F, begin whipping the egg whites in a large bowl using a whisk attachment until they form stiff, hard peaks, which will help create the airy texture.
Combine syrup and egg whites: With mixer speed reduced to low, slowly and continuously pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites to temper and incorporate them without cooking the eggs.
Add vanilla extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor, then increase mixer speed to high and beat the mixture vigorously until it loses its gloss and holds its shape firmly. This can take about 15 minutes; if still glossy and runny, continue beating for an additional 5 minutes.
Shape and set divinity: Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Lightly spray two spoons with non-stick cooking spray, then drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the sheet. Top each piece with a pecan half, or alternatively, fold chopped pecans into the batter before dropping.
Let divinity set: Allow the divinity to cool and set at room temperature for up to 2 hours until firm enough to handle and enjoy.

Notes

If the divinity is too sticky after setting, a longer setting time or cooler ambient temperature can help firmness.
Make sure not to stir the syrup once it reaches medium-high heat to avoid crystallization.
Use fresh egg whites at room temperature for better volume and texture.
Spraying spoons with non-stick spray or butter helps to shape the divinity without sticking.
Divinity should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain texture.
Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure accurate syrup temperature critical for success.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Old-Fashioned Divinity, divinity candy, Southern candy recipe, pecan candy, meringue candy, homemade divinity