This Divinity recipe from VRP 014, attributed to Dorothy Clerment, is a delicate and airy candy that embodies the essence of traditional homemade sweets. While we don’t know much about Dorothy Clerment, her recipe reflects the rich tradition of sharing beloved dishes among friends and family. Made with beaten egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup, this Divinity has a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with its sweet flavor.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Divinity
Food History
Divinity has been a cherished treat in American kitchens since the early 20th century, especially in the South. The candy’s name comes from its “divine” taste and texture. Typically made during the holiday season, Divinity is a labor of love that involves carefully boiling sugar and syrup to precise temperatures and then combining them with whipped egg whites. The introduction of corn syrup, like the KARO syrup used in this recipe, made the process more reliable by preventing the sugar from crystallizing. Over the years, many home cooks have passed down their versions of Divinity, making slight tweaks to suit their tastes or regional preferences.
Discover the sweet secrets of divinity! From classic divinity recipes to expert cooking tips, learn how to make this fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth candy that’s perfect for any occasion.
Timeline
- Early 20th Century: Divinity becomes a popular homemade candy, especially in the southern United States. It is often made for holidays and special occasions.
- Mid-20th Century: Recipes like Dorothy Clerment’s, using corn syrup to stabilize the sugar, become widespread. These handwritten recipes are treasured family heirlooms.
- Present Day: Divinity continues to be a favorite candy for many, often made during the holiday season and passed down through generations as part of family traditions.
Recipe Discussion
This Divinity recipe is prepared in two stages, each involving careful temperature control and precise mixing. The first stage involves boiling a mixture of sugar and water until it reaches the “thread” stage, where it forms thin threads when dropped from a spoon. This syrup is then slowly poured into stiffly beaten egg whites, which are being whipped by hand to incorporate the hot syrup without scrambling the eggs.
In the second stage, a larger batch of sugar, water, and light KARO syrup is boiled to the same “thread” stage. This syrup is also poured into the egg whites, and the mixture is beaten until it becomes thick and creamy. Beating by hand, as this recipe instructs, allows for better control over the texture of the Divinity, ensuring it turns out light and airy, yet firm enough to hold its shape.
This recipe requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is a candy with a delicate texture and a rich, sweet flavor. When it’s ready to be shaped into small pieces and allowed to cool, the Divinity should have a smooth, creamy consistency and a light, fluffy feel.
Check out our other Vintage Dessert Recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Preparation Tips
- Monitor the Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar syrup reaches the “thread” stage, which is between 230°F and 235°F. This is crucial for getting the right texture in your Divinity. If the syrup is undercooked, the candy may be too soft and sticky; if overcooked, it may harden too quickly and become grainy.
- Beat the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks: Make sure the egg whites are beaten until they hold stiff peaks before adding the hot syrup. This is essential for achieving the light, airy texture that makes Divinity so special. Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the peaks stand straight up without collapsing.
- Add Syrup Slowly: Pour the hot syrup into the egg whites in a slow, steady stream while continuing to beat. Pouring too quickly can cause the egg whites to deflate, resulting in a denser candy. A slow pour also helps the syrup to incorporate more smoothly, preventing clumps or grainy texture.
- Beat by Hand for Better Control: Beating the mixture by hand, rather than with an electric mixer, gives you more control over the texture. Watch closely as the Divinity thickens and loses its gloss; this is the sign that it’s ready to be shaped. When dropped onto wax paper, the candy should still be pliable but firm enough to hold its shape.
Recommended Kitchen Items
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Candy Thermometer: This essential tool helps you monitor the temperature of the syrup to ensure it reaches the perfect stage for making Divinity.
- Copper Saucepan: A high-quality copper saucepan provides even heat distribution, which prevents the sugar from burning or crystallizing as it cooks.
- Hand Whisk: A sturdy whisk is crucial for beating the egg whites and incorporating the hot syrup, giving you more control over the final texture of the candy.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Favorites: Divinity is a classic choice for holiday dessert spreads, where it can be served alongside other homemade candies like fudge, pralines, and caramels.
- Sweet Gifts: Wrap Divinity in decorative cellophane or place it in gift boxes to share with friends and family during the holidays. This candy’s beautiful appearance and delightful flavor make it a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a piece of Divinity with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Sweet tooth, assemble! November 4th is National Candy Day—time to channel your inner kid and celebrate with a candy stash worthy of a treasure hunt!
View other Food Holidays.
A Timeless Sweet Treat
This Divinity recipe from VRP 014, shared by Dorothy Clerment, captures the essence of a classic homemade confection. With its delicate texture and rich sweetness, this candy is perfect for holiday celebrations or as a special treat to share with loved ones. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or trying your hand at candy-making for the first time, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy one of America’s most beloved candies.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Divinity Recipe
Divinity
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites, beaten stiff
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup light KARO syrup
Instructions
- Beat 2 egg whites stiff.
- Boil 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water until it threads.
- Pour very slowly into egg whites. Beat.
- Boil 3 cups sugar and ½ cup water & 1 cup light KARO Syrup.
- Boil, until it threads.
- Pour slowly into egg whites, stirring while pouring and beat until creamy.
- Beat by hand not an electric mixer.