Butter Divinity

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Rich and creamy Butter Divinity features buttery sweetness with crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday treats or gift-giving, appealing to those who enjoy classic confections with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Ingredients

  • 4 c. white sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. light corn syrup
  • 1 c. water
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. nuts

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, salt, corn syrup, and water; bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Boil to 262° on a candy thermometer.
  3. Remove from heat; pour slowly over beaten egg whites, beating with an electric mixer.
  4. Continue beating for 5 minutes until mixture is very stiff.
  5. Add butter, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
  6. Beat by hand until the mixture is firm.
  7. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper.
  8. Let stand until firm.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your divinity turns out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the sugar mixture closely, as reaching 262° is crucial for the right texture. If you're out of light corn syrup, you can substitute with golden syrup or make your own by combining sugar and water. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with mini chocolate chips for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Divinity makes a delightful holiday treat and pairs beautifully with Christmas Morning Muffins or other festive desserts. Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy touch. For a creative twist, consider packaging these candies as homemade gifts during the holiday season, making them a sweet addition to any gift basket.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the candies to become sticky. If they harden too much, you can gently warm them in a microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butter Divinity contains roughly 185 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.

185 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 40.2g 15% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 35.4g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 323.7mg 14% DV
Potassium 87.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Calcium 6.4mg
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

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

Why did my divinity not set properly?

If your divinity fails to set, it may not have reached the correct temperature of 262°. Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate and consider retrying the boiling process. Humidity can also affect the setting, so try making divinity on a dry day for best results.

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for nuts, you can customize it to your taste. Try pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a unique flavor. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the mixture.

How can I tell when the divinity is done beating?

The divinity is ready when the mixture becomes very stiff and forms peaks that hold their shape. This usually takes about 5 minutes of beating. If you can lift the beaters out and the mixture stands upright without falling, it's perfect for dropping onto waxed paper.

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).

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