Make a Divinity!
Make classic divinity candy using egg whites, sugar, and vanilla. Learn safe stirring, measuring, and cooling techniques with adult supervision.
Step-by-step guide to make classic divinity candy
Step 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it nearby as your candy landing pad.
Step 2
Measure 2 cups granulated sugar ¾ cup light corn syrup and ⅔ cup water and place the measured ingredients by the stove.
Step 3
Pour the measured sugar corn syrup and water into a large saucepan.
Step 4
Clip the candy thermometer to the saucepan making sure the tip sits in the syrup without touching the bottom.
Step 5
Turn the burner to medium-high to start heating the sugar mixture.
Step 6
Let the mixture come to a steady boil without stirring.
Step 7
Have an adult watch the thermometer and continue boiling the syrup until it reaches 250°F (121°C).
Step 8
In a clean mixing bowl beat 3 egg whites and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
Step 9
When the thermometer reads 250°F have the adult remove the pan from heat and set it on a heatproof surface.
Step 10
With the mixer running have the adult slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin steady stream into the beaten egg whites.
Step 11
Beat the mixture until it becomes thick glossy and holds its shape on a spoon.
Step 12
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup chopped pecans if you want nutty bites.
Step 13
Use two spoons to drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the prepared parchment.
Step 14
Let the candies cool at room temperature for about 1 hour until they are fully set.
Step 15
Share your finished divinity creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I can't find light corn syrup or a candy thermometer?
If you can't find light corn syrup, substitute an equal amount of golden syrup or glucose syrup, and if you don't have a candy thermometer use the cold-water 'soft-ball' test to check when the boiling syrup reaches the same stage as 250°F (121°C).
What should I do if the syrup starts to crystallize or the final divinity is grainy or runny?
If the syrup crystallizes or the divinity turns grainy, wipe any sugar crystals off the saucepan walls with a wet pastry brush while boiling, make sure the mixture reaches a steady boil to 250°F without stirring, and pour the hot syrup in a thin steady stream into the beating egg whites while the mixer runs to prevent cooking the eggs and ensure it becomes thick and glossy.
How can I adapt the steps for different age groups safely?
Have preschoolers measure sugar and use two spoons to drop cooled spoonfuls onto parchment while an adult handles the stove and the 250°F pouring step, and let older kids (8–12+) clip the candy thermometer, watch the boil under supervision, and stir in the vanilla and pecans.
How can we extend or personalize the divinity once we've made the basic recipe?
To personalize, swap or add flavors at the 'stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla' step—try almond or orange extract, fold in pistachios or dried cranberries instead of pecans, or drizzle melted chocolate over the candies after they cool at room temperature for about 1 hour for a decorated finish.
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Facts about candy making for kids
🥚 Beaten egg whites trap tiny air bubbles that make divinity light and fluffy—it's basically a candy cousin of meringue.
🧁 Divinity candy is an American confection that became especially popular in the Southern United States in the early 20th century.
🍬 Let the hot sugar syrup cool a bit before adding it to the egg whites—otherwise the eggs can cook and become lumpy.
🧪 Making divinity is a tasty kitchen science experiment: sugar + heat + whipped air = a fluffy sweet treat!
🌡️ Many recipes call for heating sugar syrup to the 'soft‑ball' stage (about 235–240°F / 112–116°C); a candy thermometer helps you get it right.
How do you make classic divinity candy with a child?
What materials and ingredients do I need to make divinity candy?
What ages is making divinity candy suitable for?
What safety tips and fun variations are there for making divinity with kids?
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