5 from 6 votes
ByTrisha HaasPublished: Updated:
4 Comments
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Light and Fluffy Southern Divinity Candy with bits of pecan is the perfect Christmas holiday candy. Super sweet and fun to eat, this slightly chewy delicious confection takes a little patience but is worth the wait.

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Divinity Candy Recipe
Divinity candy, named because of how “divine” the light and fluffy sugar based candy really is, is a Southern based pecan filled cloud.
Before setting out to make divinity, please note that working with egg whites requires patience. Additionally, the temperature in your home cannot be too humid or hot and because of this, Divinity candy is often a Christmas treat (especially for the South).
If you have never had divinity before, its like a meringue and is considered a classic, old fashioned family treat.
Scroll to the bottom for a printable version of this post, including all measurements and instructions,so you can follow along in your kitchen without being on your phone.
Here is what you need to gather to get started:
- white sugar
- corn syrup
- water
- salt
- egg whites
- chopped pecans or walnuts
- vanilla
RELATED CANDY RECIPES: Butter Mints, Peanut Butter Fudge, Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe, Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Divinity Candy Tips
You need to use a large saucepan because at about 225 degrees the mixture begins to triple in size as it boils and bubbles up and can boil over!
You need a candy thermometer because it will take a bit to come to 260 degrees.
I let mine set overnight, but if made in winter, can usually let it set for 4-6 hours to harden.
This takes about 20-25 minutes to make and then time to harden.
Note on shape: This is a recipe that you have to make over and over again and then you’ll perfect the dollop. I am not that great at making a perfect dollop!

How to make Divinity Candy
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Add sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to a large saucepan and heat on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until a candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees.
*While the mixture above is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and slowly stream sugar mixture into egg white mixture while mixer is beating on high speed.
It will take 2-3 minutes to pour the candy into the egg whites.
Continue to beat candy on high for 6 minutes or until mixture holds shape.
Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla and mix well.

Butter two spoons and drop rounded tablespoons of candy onto prepared parchment sheet.
Let divinity candy set, overnight until dry.
Store in an airtight container.
Makes 20-24 candies.

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5 from 6 votes
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Light and Fluffy Divinity Candy
Author Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 day d 40 minutes mins
Divinity candy is a light and fluffy Southern confection that is a staple for holiday candy desserts and with loads of pecan pieces, a very common confection in the south.
Ingredients
- 2-1/4 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
How to make Divinity Candy
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
*While the mixture below is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
Add sugar, corn syrup, water and salt to a large saucepan and heat on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until a candy thermometer reaches 260 degrees.
Remove from heat and slowly stream into egg white mixture while mixer is beating on high speed.
It will take 2-3 minutes to pour the cand
y into the egg whites.
Continue to beat on high for 6 minutes or until mixture holds shape.
Fold in chopped nuts and vanilla and mix well.
Butter two spoons and drop rounded tablespoons of candy onto prepared parchment sheet.
Let divinity candy set, overnight until dry. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 20-24 candies.
Notes
Can you freeze Divinity Candy? This candy is made of sugar and egg whites, so its very susceptible to breakage. While you COULD freeze it, I do not recommend it.
How long can you Store Divinity Candy? Typically, if kept dry, 1-2 weeks.
My divinity is not Setting: If its too hot or humid, its difficult for the egg whites to dry and set.
Additional Divinity Tips that may help you while cooking
- You need to use a large saucepan because at about 225 degrees the mixture begins to triple in size as it boils and bubbles up and can boil over!
- You need a candy thermometer because it will take a bit to come to 260 degrees.
- I let mine set overnight, but if made in winter, can usually let it set for 4-6 hours to harden.
- This takes about 20-25 minutes to make and then time to harden.
- Note on shape: This is a recipe that you have to make over and over again and then you'll perfect the dollop. I am not that great at making a perfect dollup!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 32mg | Sugar: 39g
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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5 from 6 votes