Homemade Divinity Candy

5 from 1 vote

Satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season with a batch (or two!) of pillowy soft homemade divinity candy.

Course Desserts

Cuisine American, Southern

Cook Time 15

Drying time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings dozen

Calories 140kcal

Combine the sugar, corn syrup and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the sugar mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue to boil without stirring until the sugar reaches hard ball stage, or 260 degrees F, on a candy thermometer. You may need to adjust the heat a little to reach the correct temperature. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
While the sugar is boiling, beat the egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form.
Switch to the paddle attachment on your mixer. With the mixer running, add the sugar mixture in a slow and steady stream.
Once all the sugar has been added, continue to beat the egg whites until the whites have lost their glossy sheen and the mixture holds a shape, about 10-15 minutes.
Add the vanilla and chopped pecans. Mix on low speed until the pecans are evenly incorporated throughout the divinity.
Spoon heaping tablespoons of divinity candy onto waxed or parchment paper.
Top each piece of candy with a pecan half.
Allow the divinity to dry at room temperature for a minimum of two hours, up to 24 hours.

Humidity matters: Divinity sets best on cool, dry days. High humidity can make the candy soft or sticky no matter how well you follow the recipe.
Use a reliable candy thermometer: Reaching 260°F (hard-ball stage) is essential for the candy to firm up properly.
Don’t stir once the syrup starts boiling: Stirring can cause sugar crystals to form, leading to a grainy texture.
Room-temperature egg whites whip better: Cold egg whites won’t reach full volume and may affect the candy’s light, fluffy texture.
Work quickly: Once the mixture thickens and loses its shine, it will begin to set fast. Have your parchment-lined surface ready before you start.
Switch to the paddle attachment: The mixture becomes very thick. The paddle prevents over-aeration and helps mix the pecans more evenly.
To prevent sticking: Lightly spray your spoons or cookie scoop with cooking spray before dropping the candy.
Small batches only: Divinity doesn’t scale well. For best results, make one batch at a time.
Let it dry fully: Depending on humidity, drying can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours. Don’t rush it—storing too soon can trap moisture.