Cherry Divinity
Cherry Divinity is a delightful confection featuring fluffy egg whites infused with vanilla, folded with chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries. The crisp exterior and chewy interior offer a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, making it an ideal treat for those who enjoy nostalgic, homemade candies or festive sweet bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Stop stirring; continue cooking until 260°F on candy thermometer or until a small drop hardens when dropped in cold water.
- Meanwhile, beat egg whites in a small bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Continue beating egg whites while pouring the hot syrup in a fine stream into the whites, blending well.
- Add vanilla extract and beat until the mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull, which may take several minutes.
- Fold in chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries.
- Quickly drop mixture from the tip of a buttered teaspoon onto waxed paper.
- Allow to dry for 2 to 3 hours.
- Then store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor. To enhance the nuttiness, try using pecans instead of walnuts. Watch the candy thermometer carefully; overcooking can result in a hard texture. This recipe is a delightful addition to any holiday spread, similar to Coconut Or Chocolate Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Divinity as a sweet treat during celebrations or as a special dessert after dinner. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, enhancing the overall experience. For a delightful dessert platter, consider including it alongside Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies or other confections. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Cherry Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and prevent it from becoming sticky. Avoid refrigeration, as this can affect the texture. If you have leftovers, they should remain good for about a week. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Divinity contains roughly 336 calories, with 7g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use egg substitutes in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, consider using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg white, whipping it until it forms stiff peaks just like egg whites.
What should I do if my syrup doesn't reach 260°F?
If the syrup isn't reaching 260°F, ensure your heat is high enough and allow it to cook without stirring until it reaches the correct temperature. You can also test by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it's ready.
How can I make Cherry Divinity more colorful?
To add color to your Cherry Divinity, consider using colored maraschino cherries or adding a few drops of food coloring to the mixture before folding in the nuts and cherries. This can make the candies visually appealing for festive occasions.
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).