We’ve always loved Paula Deen’s hearty Southern flair and her timeless Divinity recipe brings that charm to life. This airy candy made with whipped egg whites sugar and pecans originated in the American South as a holiday staple offering a melt-in-your-mouth delight that’s perfect for festive gatherings.
In our kitchen we’ve simplified her classic version so you can whip up a batch with ease. Join us as we explore this nostalgic treat that adds a sweet touch to any occasion ensuring your table shines with homemade goodness.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the Paula Deen Divinity Recipe, we focus on the essential ingredients that create this iconic Southern candy. These components, when combined, deliver the light, airy texture and sweet flavor that make it a holiday favorite. We’ve organized them in the order they are typically used, with prep notes for clarity.
- Granulated sugar: 2 ½ cups – This forms the base of our syrup; ensure it’s finely measured for smooth dissolving.
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup – Used alongside sugar for the syrup mixture; opt for a high-quality brand to achieve the perfect glossy finish.
- Water: ½ cup – Added to the sugar and corn syrup to create the hot syrup; use filtered water for the best results.
- Egg whites: From 2 large eggs – Beaten to stiff peaks before incorporating; make sure the eggs are at room temperature for optimal volume.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Stirred in at the end for flavor; pure vanilla enhances the authentic taste of Paula Deen’s version.
- Pecans: 1 cup, chopped – Folded in last for a nutty crunch; toast them lightly if you want to intensify their flavor in this festive treat.
- Salt: ⅛ teaspoon – A pinch to balance sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
This lineup ensures our simplified Paula Deen Divinity Recipe remains true to its roots while being accessible for your kitchen adventures.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Paula Deen Divinity recipe to life after gathering the ingredients, we rely on essential tools that ensure precision and ease in creating this light airy candy. These items help us achieve the perfect texture and flavor while simplifying the process for home cooks.
We recommend the following equipment, listed in the order they are typically used during preparation:
- Medium saucepan: A sturdy 2-quart saucepan for heating the sugar syrup evenly and preventing scorching.
- Candy thermometer: This must-have tool clips onto the saucepan to monitor the syrup’s temperature accurately—aim for 250°F (hard-ball stage) to guarantee the candy’s signature fluffiness.
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: Our go-to for whipping egg whites into stiff peaks quickly and efficiently, ensuring the mixture incorporates air for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining beaten egg whites with the hot syrup; opt for a heat-safe glass or stainless steel bowl to handle the temperature changes.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise stainless steel sets for accurately measuring ingredients like sugar and corn syrup from the start.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring and folding the mixture without damaging the equipment.
- Baking sheet or waxed paper: Used at the end for dropping the candy mixture and allowing it to set properly into smooth glossy pieces.
By having these tools ready, we make the Divinity-making process straightforward and enjoyable, leading seamlessly into the preparation steps.
Instructions
We guide you through Paula Deen’s Divinity recipe with these straightforward steps, ensuring you capture the candy’s signature light and airy texture for a truly festive treat. With our ingredients and tools prepared, let’s create this Southern classic that delights with its fluffy sweetness and nutty crunch.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we gather and prep our ingredients to ensure everything flows smoothly. Begin by measuring out 2 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ½ cup of light corn syrup, and ½ cup of water into separate bowls for accuracy—granulated sugar forms the base for that perfect crystalline structure. Next, separate 2 large egg whites into a clean, dry mixing bowl, making sure no yolk contaminates them to achieve stiff peaks that contribute to the candy’s ethereal lightness. Chop 1 cup of pecans finely and set them aside along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, organizing them in the order we’ll use them to maintain efficiency and avoid any last-minute rushes.
Cook the Syrup
We focus on creating the glossy syrup that gives Divinity its signature shine and firmness. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a full boil—this ensures even dissolution without crystallization. Once boiling, attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring until it hits 250°F (hard-ball stage), a critical step that typically takes 10-15 minutes depending on your stove; monitor closely to capture that precise temperature for the syrup’s smooth, golden hue and ideal candy consistency.
| Step | Temperature | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Heat mixture to boil | N/A | 2-3 minutes |
| Cook to hard-ball stage | 250°F | 10-15 minutes |
Beat and Combine
With the syrup ready, we beat the egg whites and blend everything for that irresistible fluffiness. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take about 2-3 minutes and results in a glossy, voluminous foam that promises the candy’s melt-in-your-mouth delight. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites while mixing on medium speed, then add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, continuing to beat for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and loses its gloss—this step incorporates air for the light texture and nutty aroma from the pecans as you fold them in gently at the end.
Shape the Divinity
Finally, we shape the mixture into individual pieces to set and showcase its elegant form. Working quickly before it hardens, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the warm, sticky mixture onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper using a spoon or your hands lightly greased with butter, aiming for about 1-inch mounds that hold their shape with a delicate, snowy appearance. Let the Divinity pieces cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours until firm and dry to the touch, allowing the flavors to meld into a sweet, pecan-flecked treat ready for your holiday gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we wrap up our guide to Paula Deen’s Divinity recipe, let’s explore how to prepare this light, airy Southern candy in advance and store it to preserve its fluffy texture and sweet, pecan-flecked flavor. These tips ensure your homemade treats stay fresh for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Tips
We recommend making Divinity candy ahead to save time during busy seasons. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prepare the mixture early: After beating the egg whites and combining with the hot syrup, shape the Divinity into pieces as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Let them cool completely on waxed paper for about 1-2 hours until firm. This allows the candy to set without losing its signature melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Store immediately after cooling: Once the pieces are firm and no longer sticky, transfer them to an airtight container. We suggest making them up to 3 days in advance for the best texture, as this keeps the light, cloud-like consistency intact.
- Freeze for longer storage: For events further ahead, freeze the cooled Divinity. Place pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps maintain the candy’s delightful crunch from the pecans and prevents sogginess upon thawing.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Paula Deen Divinity recipe fresh and flavorful. Below, we outline guidelines based on environmental factors, with a focus on humidity control to preserve the candy’s airy structure.
- Room temperature storage: Store Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature (around 68-72°F) away from direct sunlight or moisture. This keeps the pieces light and prevents them from becoming sticky or limp.
- Refrigeration for humidity: In humid climates, refrigerate the candy in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to restore its soft, ethereal texture.
- Avoid common pitfalls: Do not expose the candy to high humidity, as it can cause the sugar to weep and alter the crisp exterior we love in this treat.
| Storage Method | Duration | Conditions for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Airtight container; cool, dry spot |
| Refrigerated | Up to 2 weeks | Airtight container; low humidity |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | Freezer-safe bag; thaw in fridge |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing Paula Deen’s Divinity recipe and how it brings a touch of Southern charm to your celebrations. It’s more than just candy—it’s a way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
By trying this simplified version, you’ll add a homemade twist that impresses everyone. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the process and the sweet results, making your holidays even brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Divinity candy?
Divinity is a classic Southern candy with a light, airy texture and sweet flavor, often made for holidays. It’s a nostalgic treat popularized by Paula Deen, featuring ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and pecans for a festive touch.
What are the key ingredients for Paula Deen’s Divinity recipe?
The main ingredients include granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, egg whites, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. These create the candy’s signature fluffy texture while keeping the recipe simple and true to its Southern roots.
What equipment is needed to make Divinity?
You’ll need a medium saucepan for the syrup, a candy thermometer for accuracy, a stand or hand mixer for whipping egg whites, a large mixing bowl, measuring tools, a spatula, and waxed paper for setting. These ensure an easy, precise process for home cooks.
How do I make Divinity step by step?
Start by preparing ingredients, then cook sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard-ball stage. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, combine with hot syrup, vanilla, and salt, then mix in pecans. Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool for a perfect treat.
Can I make Divinity ahead of time?
Yes, prepare Divinity in advance and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness, making it ideal for holiday planning without last-minute hassle.
How should I store homemade Divinity?
Store cooled Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its light texture. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to three months. Keep away from humidity to prevent stickiness and preserve flavor.