No Fail Microwave Divinity
No Fail Microwave Divinity is a classic, fluffy candy with a sweet, vanilla flavor and crunchy nut texture. Perfect for holiday treats or special occasions, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a foolproof, melt-in-your-mouth confection that appeals to both novice and experienced candy makers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, light corn syrup, and a dash of salt in a 2-quart casserole dish with 3/4 cup water.
- Microwave on High for 19 to 20 minutes or until the mixture reaches 260°F on a candy thermometer, stirring every 5 minutes.
- Pour hot syrup gradually over stiffly beaten egg whites, beating constantly at high speed until the candy thickens and loses its gloss.
- Stir in vanilla and chopped nuts.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper to set.
Tips & Substitutions
When making divinity, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with equal parts of honey or agave syrup, but this may slightly alter the flavor. For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or replace them with mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Divinity makes a delightful treat for parties and holidays, pairing beautifully with Chewy Brownie Cookies or Lemon Poppy Seed Bread Or Cake for a sweet table spread. Serve as a stand-alone treat or package them in decorative boxes for gifting. They also make a lovely addition to dessert trays alongside other homemade candies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, consider placing a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Reheat is not necessary for this candy, but if it hardens too much, you can leave it out for a short time to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fail Microwave Divinity contains roughly 309 calories, with 2g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg 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 make divinity without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is recommended for precision, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready to pour over the egg whites. However, this method requires practice to master, so using a thermometer is best for consistent results.
What can I use if I don't have corn syrup?
If you don't have corn syrup on hand, you can use an equal amount of honey, agave syrup, or even maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that these alternatives might impart a different flavor to the divinity, but they will still create a delicious candy.
Why did my divinity not set properly?
If your divinity didn't set, it may be due to undercooked syrup or not beating the egg whites long enough. Ensure the syrup reaches the correct temperature of 260°F and beat the mixture until it thickens and loses its gloss. Environmental factors like humidity can also affect the setting process.
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).