Black Walnut Divinity
Black Walnut Divinity is a rich, creamy candy with a nutty flavor, perfect for holiday treats or gifting, combining sweet syrup with crunchy black walnuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, light Karo corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook without stirring until the syrup forms a ball in cold water (holds shape but is still plastic).
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- While beating on high speed of an electric mixer, slowly pour the hot syrup over the egg whites.
- Continue beating until a small amount holds a soft peak when dropped from a spoon.
- Mix in vanilla and chopped black walnuts.
- Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper to cool and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your divinity turns out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup temperature, aiming for 240°F. If black walnuts are hard to find, you can substitute with pecans for a similar texture. Additionally, for a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a touch of maple extract along with the vanilla. If you enjoy sweet treats, check out Super Fudge Brownies for another indulgent recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Black Walnut Divinity makes a delightful treat during the holidays or as a sweet gift. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. It also pairs beautifully with My Strawberry Cake for a dessert platter that impresses. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can alter the texture. If the divinity becomes too hard, you can soften it by placing a slice of bread in the container for a few hours. This will help maintain its chewy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Walnut Divinity contains roughly 49 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% 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 rainy day?
Making divinity in high humidity can be challenging because the moisture affects the sugar's ability to set. If it's rainy, try to choose a dry day or ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated and dry. Alternatively, you could try making Gregg's Cookies, which are more forgiving in humid conditions.
Why is my divinity not setting properly?
If your divinity isn't setting, it might be due to the syrup not reaching the correct temperature or too much humidity. Make sure to cook the syrup to 240°F and allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the egg whites. If it’s still too soft, you can try adding a bit more sugar to thicken it up.
Can I use other nuts instead of black walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute black walnuts with other nuts like pecans or walnuts if you prefer. Each will give the divinity a slightly different flavor profile. Experimenting with nuts can lead to delightful variations, similar to how you might enjoy different fruits in Fast And Easy Fruit Cobbler.
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).