Name: The BEST Divinity Candy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490130H39M46S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 egg whites, room temperature; 2 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup water; ½ cup light corn syrup; ⅛ tsp salt; ½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional); 1½ tsp vanilla extract

I recently tried this recipe and fell in love instantly! This divine, snow-white candy is chewy, sweet, and utterly indulgent—a perfect holiday treat that brings a nostalgic charm to my dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe uses a microwave method to bring the syrup to the perfect hardness, making it easier and safer than stovetop methods. The result is pillowy, chewy centers with a glossy exterior—classic divinity perfection. It’s a holiday staple that I look forward to each year, and I know it’ll become one of my favorites too.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 egg whites, room temperature
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup water
½ cup light corn syrup
⅛ tsp salt
½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
1½ tsp vanilla extract

directions

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and butter two teaspoons.
Let egg whites sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
In a large microwave-safe glass measuring cup, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt.
Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir, then continue in 2-minute intervals, stirring until the syrup reaches 250 °F. Then use 1-minute intervals until it hits 260 °F (hard-ball stage).
When syrup is nearing temperature (about 240–250 °F), start beating egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form.
Increase mixer to high and carefully pour the hot syrup into the egg whites.
Beat for 15–20 minutes until the mixture loses its gloss and holds shape when dropped.
Quickly stir in pecans and vanilla extract.
Use the buttered teaspoons to drop rounded teaspoons of mixture onto the parchment.
Let sit at room temperature until dry to the touch (usually overnight).

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 30 pieces
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes, plus overnight drying if desired

Variations

I sometimes use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
I’ve tried making it on the stovetop by heating sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan until it reaches the hard-ball stage—then continuing as usual.
I skip the nuts entirely for a smooth, nut-free candy.
A drop of food coloring or flavored extracts like almond can add a fun twist.

storage/reheating

I store the divinity in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper. It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. No need to reheat—just enjoy it at room temperature for the perfect chewy texture.

FAQs

What if my divinity turns out runny or doesn't set?

I make sure the syrup reaches the correct temperature and beat it long enough. If the mixture doesn’t hold shape after 20 minutes, I beat it a bit longer until it does.

Can I make divinity on a humid day?

I avoid making it on rainy or humid days because it can affect how the candy sets and dries.

Why is my candy brittle instead of chewy?

That usually happens if I overbeat the mixture. I test at 15 minutes and stop once it holds shape and loses its gloss.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes, I’ve used walnuts before and they work just as well. It’s all about personal preference.

How long will leftovers stay good?

They keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. I store them in a cool, dry spot and use parchment between layers.

Conclusion

This divinity candy has become one of my favorite holiday treats. The microwave method simplifies candy making, and the result is sweet, chewy, and beautifully nostalgic. I’m always excited to whip up a batch and share it with family and friends.

The BEST Divinity Candy

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes plus overnight drying
Yield: 30 pieces
Category: Candy
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This snow-white divinity candy is a chewy, sweet holiday treat made easy with a microwave syrup method. With a pillowy texture and classic flavor, it's perfect for festive gatherings and nostalgic indulgence.

Ingredients

2 egg whites, room temperature
2 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup water
½ cup light corn syrup
⅛ tsp salt
½ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
1½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and butter two teaspoons.
Let egg whites sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
In a large microwave-safe glass measuring cup, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt.
Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir, then continue in 2-minute intervals, stirring until the syrup reaches 250 °F. Then use 1-minute intervals until it hits 260 °F (hard-ball stage).
When syrup is nearing temperature (about 240–250 °F), start beating egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form.
Increase mixer to high and carefully pour the hot syrup into the egg whites.
Beat for 15–20 minutes until the mixture loses its gloss and holds shape when dropped.
Quickly stir in pecans and vanilla extract.
Use the buttered teaspoons to drop rounded teaspoons of mixture onto the parchment.
Let sit at room temperature until dry to the touch (usually overnight).