Best Divinity
Divinity is a classic, fluffy candy with sweet sugar and pecan flavors, perfect for holiday treats or gift-giving, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring to a rolling boil in a deep pan the sugar, syrup, and water.
- Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
- Uncover and cook to soft ball stage.
- Pour in 2 stiff beaten egg whites.
- Beat until almost cool.
- Add chopped pecans, salt, and vanilla.
- Drop mixture onto wax paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this helps achieve maximum volume. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can substitute well for pecans. When cooking the sugar mixture, use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the soft ball stage accurately, which is crucial for the right texture. You can also explore American recipes for variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve divinity as a delightful treat during holidays or special occasions, paired with coffee or tea. It also goes well with other sweets, such as the Pound Cake Ii or Oatmeal Butterball Cookies. For a festive touch, arrange pieces on a decorative platter for gatherings or gift them in a beautiful box.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. Avoid refrigeration as it can alter the consistency. If the divinity becomes too sticky, you can refresh it by letting it sit in a cool, dry place for a few hours to firm up again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Divinity contains roughly 208 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make divinity on a humid day?
Making divinity on a humid day can be tricky, as moisture affects the sugar's ability to set properly. If possible, choose a dry day for this recipe or use a dehumidifier in your kitchen to create a better environment for candy making.
What can I do if my divinity doesn't set?
If your divinity doesn't set, it may not have reached the right temperature. You can try reheating the mixture gently and cooking it to the soft ball stage again. Afterward, reintroduce the beaten egg whites and beat until it cools to see if it firms up.
Can I add flavors or color to my divinity?
Absolutely! You can add food coloring or flavored extracts like almond or peppermint to customize your divinity. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can affect the overall texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).