Strawberry Divinity
Strawberry Divinity offers a delightful blend of sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors with a soft, chewy texture. The bright strawberry preserves and jello complement the crunch of chopped nuts, making it an ideal treat for those who enjoy classic confectionery with a fruity twist. Perfect for special occasions or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook strawberry preserves over low or medium heat until the mixture gets thin or melts.
- Combine sugar, light corn syrup, and the melted preserves in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- If sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, wipe them off.
- Continue cooking to the hard-ball stage (252°F).
- Meanwhile, beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry, then blend in jello.
- When the syrup reaches 252°F, pour in a thin stream over the egg whites, beating constantly with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Beat as long as possible, using a wooden spoon if the mixture becomes too stiff for the mixer.
- Add chopped nuts and pour into a lightly buttered square pan.
- When cool and firm, cut into 36 pieces.
- If divinity has not hardened by the time it is completely cool, put it in the freezer for an hour or so.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved before reaching the hard-ball stage. If you're out of strawberry preserves, raspberry or cherry preserves can work as substitutes. Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites, as they should be stiff but not dry. For added flavor, consider mixing in a splash of vanilla extract just before adding the nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the divinity into bite-sized pieces and serve it as a delightful treat with coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Peach Crazy Crust Pie for a sweet dessert spread. For a festive touch, you can garnish with fresh strawberries or serve alongside whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If the divinity hardens too much, you can soften it slightly by placing it in a warm area for a short time before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Divinity contains roughly 79 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g 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
Can I use a different flavor of jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of jello to create unique twists on this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color will change based on your choice. For example, using lemon jello will give it a refreshing citrus taste.
What should I do if my divinity doesn't harden?
If the divinity doesn't set after cooling, try placing it in the freezer for about an hour. This can help it firm up. If it still doesn't harden, it may be due to undercooking the syrup, so be sure to reach the hard-ball stage next time.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the chopped nuts entirely or substitute with crushed seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. The divinity will still hold its delightful texture and flavor without the nuts.
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).