This Old Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe is a wonderful, Southern confection that is perfect for adding to a plate of goodies to share with loved ones during the holidays!
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT15M
Total time: PT20M
Rating
4.95 stars (174 reviews)
Keywords
divinity, divinity candy, how to make divinity
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Categories
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Steps
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, just until the mixture starts to boil. Then clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and continue to cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 260°F, about 8-10 minutes.
While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites on high speed using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Then switch to the paddle attachment.
Once the sugar mixture reaches 260°F, remove from heat and very slowly pour it in a thin, steady stream, over the egg whites while mixing on high speed. It should take about 2 minutes to pour the hot liquid over the egg whites, so go slow and don't rush this step.
Continue to beat on high speed for another 5-8 minutes until the candy loses some of its glossiness and starts to hold its shape. You can stop mixing and test a small amount of candy by dropping a small spoonful of it onto the parchment paper to see if it holds its shape in a nice mound with nice swirls on top or if it melts down into a puddle. Continue to beat a minute or two longer if the divinity doesn't hold its shape yet, test again.
Mix in the vanilla and the chopped pecans when the candy stays in a mound instead of melting into itself.
Using two spoons sprayed lightly with cooking spray, drop tablespoon size scoops of divinity onto the prepared baking sheet, using one spoon to scrape the hot candy off the other spoon. You will want to work quickly while the candy is still hot.
Let the candy set, then store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 31 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Sodium: 12 mg
Sugar: 3 g
Reviews
Susie on 2026-04-11 (5 stars): My grandmother used to make divinity, but she didn't use a mixer. She used a long handled spoon and the strength of her arm. Pouring the hot syrup with one and beating with the other. I wouldn't believe it possible if I hadn't seen it many times.
Diane on 2026-02-20 (5 stars): Easiest recipe I have ever done. First time making divinity with my 93 year old aunt and she loved them. We will be making this one again.
Judy on 2026-01-03 (5 stars): My first time making any Divinity. Seems good. Once it starts to turn it happens fast. Made it for my mom’s birthday. She turned 94 on Friday. It will be a great gift. Her favorite.
Tess J on 2025-12-29 (5 stars): Great fluffy perfect divinity! Easy to make too!
Kathy H on 2025-12-21 (5 stars): Easy peasy! I'm no pro but this recipe is fantastic. Sets up fast even while raining hard here.
SalGal83 on 2025-12-20 (5 stars): Great instructions! I’ve never made any kind of candy and my husband’s mom loves divinity. So we decided to try making her some for Christmas and it turned out wonderful!! We just followed your recipe and instructions carefully and Voila ! It was very helpful to have an extra hand when it came to pouring the syrup into the egg whites - lol ! TY for helping make an old Southern woman’s Christmas!
Diane on 2025-12-20 (5 stars): Used your recipe and instead of pecans I used pinons and it came out great. I toasted the nuts to give it color and a nutty flavor Thankyou
