Fluffy Pecan Divinity Candy
This easy Southern holiday treat features cloud-like, chewy candy studded with buttery toasted pecans. Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or adding nostalgic comfort to your holiday table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours cooling)
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped (toasted if desired)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: Food coloring, a few drops
- Optional: Other nuts (walnuts or almonds), chopped and toasted
Instructions
- Measure out sugar, corn syrup, and water. Chop pecans and toast if desired. Separate eggs and let whites come to room temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves (3-4 minutes). Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil without stirring.
- Cook syrup until it reaches 250°F (firm ball stage), about 8-10 minutes. If no thermometer, drop a little syrup into cold water—it should form a firm, pliable ball.
- While syrup boils, beat egg whites and salt in a mixer until stiff, glossy peaks form (3-4 minutes).
- With mixer running on medium, pour hot syrup into egg whites in a thin, steady stream. Once all syrup is added, increase speed to high and beat until mixture thickens and holds shape (5-7 minutes). Add vanilla extract and mix for 30 seconds.
- Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in chopped pecans with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Use a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons to drop spoonfuls onto parchment-lined sheet. Work quickly—divinity sets fast. Top each piece with a whole pecan if desired.
- Let candy sit at room temperature until completely cool and firm (1-2 hours).
Notes
Make divinity on dry days for best results; humidity can prevent proper setting. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Work quickly when shaping, as candy sets fast. If mixture thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of hot water. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: divinity candy, pecan divinity, Southern candy, holiday treat, gluten-free dessert, Christmas candy, easy candy recipe, homemade candy, nut candy, egg white candy