Heavenly Homemade Divinity Candy with a Touch of Vanilla Recipe

Sweet dreams take shape when homemade divinity candy meets pure vanilla magic.

Fluffy clouds of sugary perfection dance between classic technique and nostalgic charm.

Southern kitchens whisper secrets about this delectable treat passed through generations.

Powdered sugar and egg whites combine in a delicate symphony of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Crisp winter afternoons feel warmer with these elegant confections cooling on parchment paper.

Lightweight and pillowy, each piece promises a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Let’s uncover the simple steps that turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary confectionery delight.

Why Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla Is A Classic Sweet

• Craft Sweet Memories: This homemade divinity candy lets you create delightful treats that spark nostalgia and bring families together around a classic dessert.
• Master Candy-Making Skills: Perfect for home cooks wanting to challenge themselves with a traditional candy recipe that requires precision and technique.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily personalize the candy by adding different nuts or experimenting with flavor variations like peppermint or almond extract for unique twists.
• No-Fuss Sharing Treat: Portable and simple to pack, these candies make excellent gifts for holidays, potlucks, or as a special homemade surprise for loved ones.

Ingredients For Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that provides the candy's foundational sweetness and structure.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy texture for the divinity.
• Water: Assists in dissolving and heating the sugar mixture to the correct temperature.

• Egg Whites: Provides the light, airy texture and helps create the signature fluffy consistency of divinity candy.

• Vanilla Extract, Chopped Pecans: Vanilla adds a warm, classic flavor to the candy, while pecans contribute a rich, nutty crunch and depth to the overall taste.

How To Make Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

Step 1: Whip Up Sweet Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. Let it simmer without stirring until the temperature hits 250F on a candy thermometer, which signals the hard ball stage.

Step 2: Transform Egg Whites

Grab a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer. Beat the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff, cloud-like peaks that stand up straight and proud.

Step 3: Merge Molten Syrup with Fluffy Whites

Remove the sugar syrup from heat. Carefully pour the scorching liquid in a thin, steady stream into the beaten egg whites. Continue whipping at high speed during this process.

Step 4: Flavor and Fluff

Drizzle in vanilla extract. Keep beating the mixture until it becomes thick and loses its shiny appearance. This magical transformation takes about 5-7 minutes. The divinity should hold its shape when dropped from a spoon. Optional: Gently fold in chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Step 5: Create Candy Clouds

Use a spoon to drop dollops of the divinity onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Let the candies rest and set at room temperature for 1-2 hours until they become firm.

Step 6: Preserve Your Sweet Creation

Transfer the divinity to an airtight container. These delightful treats will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.

Pro Tips For Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• Check sugar temperature precisely with a reliable candy thermometer to ensure perfect texture and prevent crystallization.
• Beat egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks for a light, airy divinity that holds its shape beautifully.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help achieve smoother mixing and more consistent candy results.
• Work quickly when dropping divinity onto parchment paper, as the mixture starts setting fast and can become difficult to shape.
• Keep candy in a cool, dry place to maintain its delicate texture and prevent stickiness or melting.

Variations For Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• Coconut Divinity: Replace pecans with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor profile. Mix sweetened coconut flakes into the candy for added texture and island-inspired taste.
• Chocolate Swirl Divinity: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set divinity candies. Create marbled patterns by swirling chocolate through the white candy surface for a rich visual appeal.
• Peppermint Crunch Divinity: Crush candy canes into small pieces and sprinkle over the divinity while still soft. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to intensify the cool, refreshing flavor.
• Salted Caramel Divinity: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the candies immediately after forming. Drizzle a light caramel sauce over the completed divinity for a sweet and salty combination.

Pairing Suggestions For Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• Savor Sweet Wine Companions: Moscato d'Asti's light, sweet bubbles perfectly complement the divinity's sugary texture, creating a delightful dessert pairing that enhances the candy's delicate vanilla notes.
• Nutty Coffee Contrast: Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel undertones to balance the divinity's sweetness, providing a rich counterpoint that highlights the pecans' earthy flavor.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Port wine's rich, smooth profile matches the candy's creamy consistency, offering a sophisticated sip that elevates the homemade treat's luxurious feel.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Chamomile tea's gentle, floral essence softens the divinity's intense sweetness, creating a soothing accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Advice For Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• Seal divinity in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks, ensuring candy remains cool and dry.
• Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Store in sealed container with tight lid, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Maintain consistent temperature around 65-70°F for best texture and flavor preservation.
• Place silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess moisture, preventing candy from becoming sticky or losing its delicate texture.

FAQs About Homemade Divinity Candy With A Touch Of Vanilla

• What is divinity candy made of?

Divinity candy is primarily made with sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, vanilla extract, and optional pecans. The key is creating a sweet, fluffy candy by carefully combining hot sugar syrup with whipped egg whites.

• Is divinity hard to make?

Divinity requires precision and patience. The most challenging part is achieving the right sugar syrup temperature and beating the egg whites to the perfect consistency. A candy thermometer and careful attention are crucial for success.

• Why did my divinity turn out sticky?

Sticky divinity often results from humidity or not cooking the sugar syrup to the correct temperature. High moisture in the air can prevent the candy from setting properly, so make the candy on a dry day and ensure the syrup reaches exactly 250F.

Homemade Divinity Candy with a Touch of Vanilla Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern divinity candy whispers nostalgic memories of holiday kitchens. Marshmallow-like clouds of sugary perfection melt delicately, inviting you to savor classic Southern comfort in each heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (500 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 2 large egg whites, room temperature

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a precise sugar solution by combining sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium flame without stirring, monitoring until it reaches precisely 250°F on a candy thermometer, representing the hard ball stage.
2. Simultaneously, whip egg whites using an electric mixer at high speed until they form sturdy, glossy peaks with defined structure.
3. Carefully stream the scorching sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites, continuously beating at high velocity to maintain consistent integration and prevent sugar crystallization.
4. Introduce vanilla extract and continue aggressive whipping, transforming the mixture into a dense, glossy confection that maintains its shape when dolloped from a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes of consistent beating.
5. Gently incorporate chopped pecans, folding delicately to distribute evenly throughout the luminous candy mixture without deflating the aerated base.
6. Gracefully deposit spoonfuls of the divinity onto parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing natural air circulation to gradually solidify the candies at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
7. Transfer the completed divinity to an hermetic container, preserving its delicate texture and ensuring optimal freshness for up to one week at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Humidity Matters: High moisture in the air can prevent divinity from setting properly, so choose a dry day for making this candy.
• Precision is Key: Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the hard ball stage at 250F, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Beating Technique: Continuously beat the mixture until it loses its shine and becomes thick enough to hold its shape, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
• Nut Variations: Swap pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile, or omit nuts entirely for a classic vanilla divinity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 110 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg