Maple Sugar Divinity
Maple Sugar Divinity offers a rich, sweet treat with nutty crunch and smooth texture, perfect for holiday gifting or indulgent snacking for those who love maple flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, maple syrup, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan.
- Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and crystals are wiped off the sides of the pan.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage (265°F).
- Spread the mixture on a greased cookie sheet and let it cool before breaking into pieces.
- Stir in vanilla and broken pecans or walnuts before pouring into the pan, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent scorching the sugar mixture. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, though it may alter the flavor slightly. For a nut-free version, consider adding dried fruits or leaving out the nuts entirely. Using a candy thermometer will help achieve the perfect hard ball stage for consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Maple Sugar Divinity as a delightful sweet treat during holidays or special occasions. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider packaging the pieces in decorative bags for gifts. This candy also complements desserts like Best Sweet Potato Pie or can be enjoyed alongside a slice of Col. Sanders' Style Kentucky Fried Chicken for a sweet and savory experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Maple Sugar Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain its texture, avoid refrigerating the candy, as humidity can make it sticky. If it becomes hard, you can try gently warming it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Sugar Divinity contains roughly 236 calories, with 1g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar in this recipe?
Using brown sugar will change the flavor and texture of the divinity, making it chewier and giving it a molasses flavor. If you prefer a similar taste, consider combining equal parts brown and white sugar for a balanced result.
What should I do if my divinity doesn't set properly?
If your divinity remains too soft, it may not have reached the hard ball stage during cooking. You can try re-cooking the mixture, ensuring it reaches the correct temperature. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator until it firms up.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in a 3:1 ratio. Whip the aquafaba until frothy and follow the recipe as instructed. Note that the texture 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).