Microwave Divinity
Microwave Divinity is a classic, fluffy candy with a sweet, vanilla flavor and optional nutty crunch. Its light, airy texture makes it perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions. Quick to prepare in the microwave, it appeals to those seeking a nostalgic treat or a simple homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, corn syrup, water and salt in a 1 1/2 quart casserole.
- Cook in microwave on full power for 20 to 22 minutes or until hard ball stage is reached, stirring once or twice during cooking.
- While syrup cooks, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour hot syrup over egg whites while beating at high speed until mixture is thickened and candy starts to lose its gloss, about 12 minutes.
- Add vanilla and nuts (if using).
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating. If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but it may alter the flavor slightly. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds for added texture. Be careful when pouring the hot syrup into the egg whites to avoid cooking them.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity makes an excellent treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. It pairs beautifully with Yummy Fruit Dip as a refreshing complement. Serve alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon snack, or use it as a topping for ice cream or desserts for added texture and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating it to maintain its texture. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds if it becomes too hard, but be cautious not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Divinity contains roughly 868 calories, with 2g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1763mg 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 is the hard ball stage and how do I know when I've reached it?
The hard ball stage is when the syrup reaches 250°F (121°C) and forms a hard ball when dropped into cold water. You can test this by placing a small amount of syrup in cold water; if it forms a ball that holds its shape but is still pliable, you’ve reached the right stage.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer for the egg whites?
Absolutely! A stand mixer is a great option and can save time and effort. Just ensure the bowl is clean and dry for the egg whites to whip up properly. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gradually add the syrup as instructed.
What can I do if my divinity doesn’t set properly?
If your divinity doesn’t set, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. You can try re-cooking the mixture slightly to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use it as a topping for cakes or ice cream instead of standalone candy.
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).