Microwave No-Fail Divinity
A classic, airy confection made by whipping hot sugar syrup into stiffly beaten egg whites. This recipe uses a microwave to simplify the cooking process, resulting in a light, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth candy that's perfect for holidays or special occasions.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 25 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Per serving
- 410 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
- 2 cupgranulated sugar
- 0.5 cuplight corn syrup
- 0.33 cupwater
- 0.25 tspsalt
- 2 pcsegg white, from large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 0.5 cuppecan, chopped(optional)
Equipment
microwave · large microwave-safe bowl · measuring cups · baking sheet · parchment paper · spatula · measuring spoons · stand mixer · candy thermometer
The method
Step by step
- 1
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
About 2 min
- 2
In a large, microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until the sugar is moistened.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use a bowl at least 2 quarts (8 cups) in size, as the mixture will bubble up significantly during cooking.
- 3
Microwave the syrup mixture on high power for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and stir well.
About 5 min
- 4
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 5 minutes on high. Stir again.
About 5 min
- 5
Continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals, checking the temperature with a candy thermometer after each interval, until the syrup reaches 260°F (127°C), the hard-ball stage.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Be extremely careful as the syrup is dangerously hot. Total cooking time will vary from 12-18 minutes depending on your microwave's power.
- 6
While the syrup is in its final cooking phase, beat the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For best results, make divinity on a dry, low-humidity day, as moisture in the air can prevent it from setting properly.
- 7
Turn the mixer to low speed. Very slowly and carefully, pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream down the side of the bowl into the beaten egg whites.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Avoid pouring the syrup directly onto the beaters, as this can cause it to splash or harden instantly.
- 8
Add the vanilla extract. Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat until the mixture becomes thick, loses its glossy sheen, and starts to hold its shape.
About 6 min
Cook’s note: This can take 5-8 minutes. The candy is ready when a spoonful dropped back into the bowl holds its form.
- 9
Quickly fold in the chopped pecans, if using.
About 1 min
- 10
Working quickly before the candy sets, drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Use two spoons: one to scoop the mixture and the other to push it off onto the paper.
- 11
Let the divinity stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm and dry to the touch.
About 2 hr
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 410.1kcal
- Protein
- 2.1g
- Carbs
- 88.7g
- Fat
- 7.3g
- Fibre
- 1g
- Sugar
- 87.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers.
Best enjoyed at room temperature.