Southern Divinity Candies Recipe

Homemade candy is so much better than anything you can buy at the store. And what better way to tell someone that you love them than by making them airy and delicious candies? These southern divinity candies are the perfect treat to wow a crowd and once you start eating them, you won't be able to stop. This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, making it super simple.  According to Slurrp, Turkey and Europe often take credit for the recipe though many others believe it originated in the United States in the 20th century.

Recipe developer Catherine Brookes developed this no-bake candy recipe that's great for a crowd. "This recipe is something super fun and original to make on the weekend or to prepare as a gift. I love the light, fluffy texture and nutty taste of these delicious sweet treats," Brookes shares. "They're great to enjoy as a snack or dessert, or to package up as gifts for friends and family."

To make this candy, you will only need a few things. Head to the store and get light corn syrup, white sugar, water, salt, egg whites, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract.

Take out a large saucepan and place it on your stove. Toss in the corn syrup, sugar, water, and salt and stir together to combine. Turn the heat to medium and cook the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 260 F. While you wait for it to reach that temperature, make sure you do not stir the contents of the saucepan. It should take 10-15 minutes for the mixture to reach 260 F. Just use a candy thermometer to check the temperature.

"Ensuring the sugar reaches the temperature of 260 F creates just the right texture to allow the candies to set firm while remaining soft and fluffy. A candy thermometer is essential here," Brookes notes. "I would definitely recommend using a thermometer for this recipe."

While the sugar mixture cooks in the saucepan, grab the eggs. Add just the whites to the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk together until stiff peaks form. This shouldn't take long at all. 

Change the whisk attachment on your stand mixer to a paddle attachment for this step. Once the sugar mixture reaches the proper temperature, slowly pour it into the bowl with the egg whites. Keep the beater on high speed as you mix the two together. Continue beating for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy. You can also check it's done by scooping it out with a spoon and making sure it holds its shape.

Next, add the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Mix just enough so the pecans are distributed evenly through. "When beating the mixture before adding the pecans and vanilla, make sure it's holding its shape well; otherwise, the candies may not firm up properly," Brookes notes. "Continue mixing until you get to this stage."

Lightly grease two spoons and scoop the mixture by the spoonful onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the candies sit at room temperature until they set. Try to be patient, as this can take 5-12 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity. "When the candies are set, the outside will no longer be sticky, and they'll hold their shape when you pick them up," Brookes notes.

It's time to dig in! These are spectacular on their own, but Brookes provides a few additional serving suggestions. "They are great served with fruit, ice cream, and chocolate sauce," she notes. 

This is also a good recipe to make ahead of time. "These should keep well up to 2 weeks at room temp. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place," Brookes notes. We hope you enjoyed this classic candy.