Excellent Divinity
Delicious homemade divinity candy with a light, airy texture and rich nutty flavor, perfect for sweet celebrations or gifting to loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a heavy saucepan, dissolve sugar, brown sugar, water, and light Karo syrup over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the candy thermometer reaches 236°F.
- Pour half of the hot syrup slowly, while beating continuously, over the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Cook the remaining syrup to 252°F.
- Beat the remaining hot syrup into the egg whites.
- Add broken nuts and vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Continue beating until the gloss of the candy lessens and it will stand up in peaks.
- Drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper before it sets up completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperatures while cooking the syrup, as accuracy is crucial for achieving the right consistency. If you're looking to substitute ingredients, consider using agave syrup in place of Karo syrup for a unique flavor. When beating the egg whites, ensure your mixing bowl is clean and dry to achieve the best volume.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity makes a delightful treat on its own but can also be served alongside a scoop of Vern'S Ice Cream for an indulgent dessert. Consider pairing it with a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, use decorative waxed paper to present the candy during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can cause the candy to become sticky. If you need to reheat, gently warm it in a microwave for a few seconds to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Divinity contains roughly 657 calories, with 15g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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
Why did my divinity not set properly?
If your divinity didn't set, it may be due to not cooking the syrup to the correct temperature. Ensure you reach 236°F before adding to the egg whites and 252°F for the remaining syrup. Humidity can also affect the setting; avoid making it on a rainy day.
Can I use other nuts in divinity?
Absolutely! While broken nuts add great texture, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts. Just ensure they are roughly chopped to maintain the candy's consistency.
How do I know when the divinity is ready to drop onto paper?
The divinity is ready when it has a glossy appearance and can hold soft peaks when you lift the beaters. This usually occurs after continuous beating for about 10-15 minutes. If it starts to lose its shine, it's time to drop it 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).