Great Grandma'S Divinity
Divinity is a classic, fluffy candy with sweet, sugary flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday treats or special occasions. It suits those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat sugar, water, white syrup, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches hard-ball stage.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, beating constantly.
- Add vanilla and chopped nuts if desired, then continue beating until thick and glossy.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool until set.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the hard-ball stage, which is around 250°F (121°C). If you don’t have white syrup, you can substitute with corn syrup, though it may slightly alter the texture. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are free of grease for the egg whites to whip properly. If you want a different flavor, consider adding almond extract instead of vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity makes a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. For festive occasions, consider serving it alongside other homemade confections like coconut fudge pie or brownies. It also makes a charming gift when arranged in a decorative box or tin.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the humidity is high, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the texture. If you need to reheat, gently warm in a microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Grandma'S Divinity contains roughly 493 calories, with 11g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 495mg per serving (22% 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
Why did my divinity not set properly?
If your divinity didn’t set, it could be due to not reaching the correct temperature during cooking or not beating the egg whites long enough. Always use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup's temperature closely, and ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before combining with the syrup.
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution throughout the divinity, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Is there a way to make divinity without eggs?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of divinity by using aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a substitute for egg whites. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace each egg white and whip it until it forms stiff peaks. This will provide a similar texture without using eggs.
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).