Divinity Puffs
Divinity Puffs are delicate, airy candies with a sweet vanilla flavor, perfect for festive occasions or as a nostalgic treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, Karo (white), and water to thin syrup stage.
- Slowly pour one-third of the syrup over the stiffly beaten egg whites, beating continuously while pouring.
- Cook the remaining syrup to thread stage (232°F).
- Add half of the hot syrup to the egg mixture and beat.
- Cook the remaining syrup to firm ball stage (248°F); then add it to the egg mixture. Add vanilla extract.
- Beat until the mixture holds its shape when dropped from a spoon.
- Add cherries or pecans if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you don't have Karo syrup, you can substitute with light corn syrup or a homemade sugar syrup. For a flavor twist, consider adding a touch of almond extract instead of vanilla. Keep a candy thermometer handy to monitor the syrup stages accurately.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful puffs make a wonderful treat for any gathering, especially during the holidays. Serve them alongside coffee or tea, or include them in a festive dessert platter with other sweets like Maraschino Cherry Cookies. For added garnish, drizzle some melted chocolate over them or top with chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Divinity puffs are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause them to become sticky. If they harden, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Divinity Puffs contains roughly 285 calories, with 15g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. At about 285 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 is my divinity not holding its shape?
If your divinity puffs aren't holding their shape, it may be due to undercooked syrup or insufficient beating of the egg whites. Ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature stages, and beat the mixture until it is glossy and forms stiff peaks before dropping from a spoon.
Can I make divinity puffs in humid weather?
Making divinity puffs in humid weather can be challenging, as moisture can affect the texture. To combat this, try cooking on a less humid day, and ensure your egg whites are completely dry before beating. If humidity is unavoidable, consider using a dehumidifier in your kitchen.
What can I add to divinity puffs for extra flavor?
You can customize your divinity puffs by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or folding in dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the sweetness, while a few drops of citrus zest can provide a refreshing twist to this classic treat.
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).