Divinity - Never Fail

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A classic and creamy divinity candy with a crisp texture and sweet nutty flavor, perfect for holiday treats or gifting to those with a sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. white Karo
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 c. nuts

Instructions

  1. Cook sugar, Karo, and water slowly until it cracks in cold water or reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).
  2. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  3. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites, beating constantly until the mixture is thick and holds the imprint of the beaters.
  4. Add vanilla and nuts, then spoon 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 closely, aiming for 250°F. If you don't have egg whites, aquafaba can be a great vegan substitute for the meringue. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors or experimenting with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Divinity makes an excellent sweet treat for holiday gatherings or as a delightful gift. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and can be served alongside other desserts like the Mocha Dessert Bread. For a colorful presentation, consider decorating your divinity with festive sprinkles or drizzles of melted chocolate.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its texture. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can cause it to become sticky. If you find it has softened, you can gently re-crisp it in a low oven for a few minutes, but monitor closely to prevent melting.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Divinity - Never Fail contains roughly 392 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

392 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.7g 11% DV
Total Fat 10.8g 14% DV
Carbs 59.2g 22% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 73.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 590.7mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 58.1mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 32.8mg 36% DV
Calcium 89.5mg 7% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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?

Divinity may not set if the syrup didn’t reach the correct temperature. Always use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches 250°F. Additionally, make sure to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks before adding the syrup to get the right texture.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of beating by hand?

Yes, a stand mixer is ideal for this recipe, especially for beating the egg whites. It allows you to pour the hot syrup in gradually while maintaining a consistent mixing speed, which helps achieve the desired thickness.

What can I do if my divinity is too sticky?

If your divinity is sticky, it may need more time to set or may not have reached the proper temperature during cooking. Dusting it lightly with powdered sugar can help reduce stickiness, or you might place it in a cooler, dry environment to firm up.

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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