🍬 Best Divinity Candy (Classic Southern Style)
⏱ Time
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Prep: ~20 minutes
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Cooling/setting: ~1 hour
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Makes: ~30–40 pieces
🧺 Ingredients
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2 cups sugar
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½ cup light corn syrup
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½ cup water
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2 large egg whites (room temp)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup chopped nuts (optional; pecans or walnuts are classic)
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Pinch of salt
Important: A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accurate results.
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare First
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non‑stick mat.
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Have your candy thermometer ready.
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Separate egg whites and let them come to room temperature.
2️⃣ Beat Egg Whites
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In a large, clean bowl, whip the egg whites and pinch of salt to stiff peaks.
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They should stand up straight when the beaters are lifted.
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Set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Syrup
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In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
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Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
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Clip on your candy thermometer and cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115–116°C) — the soft‑ball stage.
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(At soft‑ball stage, a bit of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft, pliable ball.)
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4️⃣ Combine & Beat
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As soon as the syrup hits 240°F, remove from heat.
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With mixer on low, slowly pour hot syrup into the whipped egg whites in a thin stream (careful — it’s hot!).
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Once all syrup is added, increase speed to high and beat until candy becomes glossy, thick, and starts to lose its sheen — about 6–10 minutes.
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Add vanilla and nuts (if using) in the final minute.
5️⃣ Drop & Set
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Quickly drop spoonfuls onto the prepared sheet.
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Let cool and set at room temperature (about 1 hour).
🍭 Tips for Perfect Divinity
✔ Humidity matters: Divinity sets best on dry, cool days — moisture can prevent proper crystallization.
✔ Sugar thermometer: Crucial for hitting soft‑ball stage.
✔ Egg whites at room temp: Improve volume and texture.
✔ Don’t rush beating: You want a glossy, fluffy peak.
✔ Add‑ins: Stir in chopped cherries, orange zest, or coconut for fun twists.
🍫 Variations
🍒 Cherry Almond Divinity
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Add ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
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Use almond extract (½ tsp) with the vanilla
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Sprinkle chopped almonds on top
🍊 Orange Cream Divinity
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Add zest of 1 orange
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Use ½ tsp orange extract instead of vanilla
🍬 Peppermint Divinity (Holiday)
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Add ½ tsp peppermint extract
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Press crushed candy canes lightly on top right after dropping
📦 Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature
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Keeps ~1–2 weeks (divinity can harden if exposed to humidity)
If you want, I can also show you a step‑by‑step candy‑thermometer guide or a video‑style breakdown to make this extra easy!