Pecan Divinity
Pecan Divinity is a classic American candy featuring fluffy, glossy meringue-like texture combined with toasted pecans, perfect for holiday treats or sweet gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 252°F (hard-ball stage).
- Remove from heat and pour in a fine stream into two stiffly beaten egg whites, stirring constantly.
- Continue beating until the mixture holds its shape and loses gloss.
- Add vanilla and broken pecan pieces.
- Drop quickly from the tip of a spoon onto waxed paper in peaks.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. For a flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a dash of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a more complex taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Divinity bites are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert platters, especially during festive occasions. For a creative pairing, try them with a light salad drizzled with Pussy Willow Salad Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its texture. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the candies to become sticky. If you need to reheat, gently warm in a microwave for a few seconds to soften before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Divinity contains roughly 105 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 the syrup not reaching the right temperature. Make sure to use a candy thermometer and cook the mixture until it reaches 252°F for the hard-ball stage. If it still fails to set, consider using it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just ensure that the nuts are broken into small pieces and lightly toasted to enhance their flavor. This will give your divinity a unique twist while maintaining the overall texture.
How long will Pecan Divinity last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Pecan Divinity can last for about 1-2 weeks at room temperature. It's best to consume them fresh for the best texture and flavor, but they can still be enjoyed within this timeframe if stored correctly.
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).