Grandma’s Classic Divinity Candy: A Sweet Southern Tradition

Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy

If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s fluffy, sweet, and full of nostalgia, this old-fashioned divinity recipe is for you. Perfect for holiday cookie trays or a Southern dessert spread, homemade divinity brings back fond memories of kitchen laughter and candy thermometers.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy

• 2 cups white sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup hot water
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans (for a nutty crunch)

How to Make Divinity Candy

1. In a heavy-bottomed 2-quart saucepan, combine the white sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Clip a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Without stirring, let the mixture come to a boil and reach 250°F (120°C), or until a drop in cold water forms a firm ball.
3. As the syrup heats, frequently brush down any sugar crystals from the pan sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization.
4. While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites in a chilled, clean bowl until they hold stiff peaks. This creates that signature fluffy texture.
5. Once the syrup hits the right temperature, carefully remove the pan from the heat. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites, beating continuously on medium-high speed until the mixture thickens and holds its shape.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract (and pecans, if using) until evenly distributed. The candy should look glossy and substantial.
7. Using two spoons or a small cookie scoop, drop dollops of divinity onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between each piece.
8. Let the candies set at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight. Once firm, store in an airtight container between layers of wax paper.

Why This Southern Dessert Stands Out

• Fluffy Texture: Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks ensures the light, cloud-like consistency.
• Classic Candy Thermometer Use: Mastering the 250°F mark is key for that perfect chew.
• Customizable: Add chopped pecans or a dash of almond extract for your own twist.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Divinity

• Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters for the egg whites to whip up properly.
• Wipe down pan sides often to avoid unwanted sugar crystals.
• Don’t skip the room-temperature eggs—they incorporate more air.
• If it’s humid, set your candies in a low-humidity room to prevent stickiness.

Enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite of homemade divinity—this nostalgic treat will steal the show at any holiday gathering.