Grandma K'S Cherry Divinity
Grandma K's Cherry Divinity is a sweet, airy confection featuring chopped candied cherries and walnuts, perfect for festive occasions and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, light corn syrup, and hot water.
- Cook to hard ball stage, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually pour the hot syrup mixture into the beaten egg whites, beating constantly.
- Add vanilla and salt, continue beating until the mixture thickens and holds its shape.
- Fold in chopped candied cherries and walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you don’t have candied cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries soaked in warm water or use other dried fruits. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to work quickly once the syrup is ready, as it will cool and harden fast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma K's Cherry Divinity as a delightful treat for gatherings or holidays. They pair beautifully with Ice Cream Cones Cakes for a fun dessert table. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the divinity before serving. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can last up to a week. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make them sticky. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat is not necessary; simply enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma K'S Cherry Divinity contains roughly 696 calories, with 2g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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
What can I use instead of light corn syrup?
If you don't have light corn syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that both may slightly alter the flavor and color of the divinity. Maple syrup can also work, but it will impart a distinct maple flavor, which may not be desired.
How do I know when the syrup is at the hard ball stage?
The hard ball stage occurs at 250°F (121°C). To check, drop a small amount of the syrup into a glass of cold water; if it forms a firm ball that holds its shape but is still pliable, it's ready. A candy thermometer makes this process easier and more accurate.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Cherry Divinity, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for every egg white. Whip it until stiff peaks form and follow the recipe as directed. The texture will be similar, but the flavor may vary slightly.
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).