Holiday Divinity
Holiday Divinity is a classic, fluffy candy with sweet sugar, coconut, and pecans, perfect for festive occasions and satisfying those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a 2-quart saucepan. Cover with a tight lid and bring to a boil.
- Remove lid; place thermometer in pan and cook at 250°F without stirring.
- Remove from heat; set aside.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add gelatin and beat into egg whites.
- Pour hot syrup slowly over the beaten egg whites, beating constantly on high speed of an electric mixer until soft peaks form and hold.
- Add vanilla, coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls from a teaspoon onto waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this will help them whip up to their fullest volume. If you're looking for a variation, consider substituting the flavored gelatin with fruit juice concentrate for a natural flavor. Be mindful of the temperature when pouring the syrup; doing it too quickly can cause the mixture to deflate.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity makes a delightful addition to holiday dessert platters and pairs beautifully with Pfeffernuse Cookies(German Christmas Cookies) for a festive treat. Try serving it alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy evening. This candy also makes an excellent gift when packaged in decorative boxes, perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the candy to become sticky. To maintain its texture, place parchment paper between layers of divinity. If you need to reheat, use a microwave in short bursts to avoid melting the candy completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Divinity contains roughly 1041 calories, with 16g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1954mg per serving (85% 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 should I do if my divinity doesn't set properly?
If your divinity doesn't set, it may be due to undercooking the syrup. Make sure to use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup to 250°F. If it still doesn't firm up, you can reheat the mixture gently and try whipping in more egg whites to stabilize it.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used, but it might take longer to achieve the desired peaks. Ensure you beat the egg whites until they are fluffy and hold soft peaks before slowly incorporating the hot syrup. Be prepared for a bit of a workout if using a hand mixer!
Is there a way to make divinity without corn syrup?
While corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, you can substitute it with light brown sugar or honey to achieve a similar consistency. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the divinity, so experiment in small batches first.
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).