Cherry Pecan Divinity

You know that candy that just melts on your tongue? That’s exactly what this Cherry Pecan Divinity feels like. It’s sweet, fluffy, and filled with the perfect mix of cherries and crunchy pecans.

I made it once for a holiday get-together, and everyone kept asking what it was. The cherry flavor adds a fruity pop, and the pecans bring that nutty crunch that makes it extra special.

If you love light and airy treats that taste like a cloud, this is for you. It’s pretty, festive, and perfect for gifting or snacking.

So, grab your mixer and a handful of cherries. Let’s make Cherry Pecan Divinity that feels like a bite of pure holiday joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: This Cherry Pecan Divinity is a showstopper! One reader shared, “This is the BEST divinity I’ve ever made!” Another said, “It’s so light, yet flavorful. Perfect balance of sweetness and crunch!”
• Sweet and Chewy: This candy has a unique, airy texture that is a true indulgence.
• Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special celebration, divinity adds that extra touch of homemade sweetness to your table.
• Impressive Appearance: With its soft, glossy finish and flecks of bright red cherries, it’s an edible centerpiece for your sweet spread.
• Quick and Easy to Make: If you’ve got a stand mixer, you’re halfway there! The ingredients come together in no time, and the process is fairly straightforward.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into making this Cherry Pecan Divinity, gather the following tools for the best results:

• Saucepan: A sturdy, heavy-bottomed saucepan for cooking your sugar syrup.
• Candy Thermometer: An essential tool to ensure you reach the perfect temperature for this recipe. Divinity requires precision to get that light, airy texture.
• Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer): The stand mixer or hand mixer will be used to whip the egg whites and make the candy fluffy. It’s a crucial part of the divinity process.
• Spatula: For stirring and scraping the sides of the bowl when mixing.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the divinity from sticking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this indulgent candy (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener that gives divinity its signature sweetness and crisp texture.
• Light Corn Syrup: Adds smoothness to the mixture and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Water: Dilutes the syrup slightly for the perfect candy base.
• Egg Whites: Whipping egg whites is essential for creating the light and fluffy texture in divinity.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: For an aromatic undertone that pairs beautifully with the pecans and cherries.
• Pecans: Chopped into small pieces to add a nutty crunch.
• Maraschino Cherries: The vibrant, red cherries provide color and a hint of sweet-tart flavor.

Variations for Cherry Pecan Divinity

While the Cherry Pecan Divinity recipe is already delicious, there are a few tweaks and variations you can try based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
• Add Coconut: If you love coconut, adding shredded coconut to the divinity mixture before setting it will give the candy a tropical flair.
• Use Dried Cherries: If maraschino cherries aren’t your favorite, substitute them with dried cherries for a chewier texture and a less sugary taste.
• Flavor Variations: Add a dash of almond extract or lemon zest to the mixture for an extra pop of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your workspace and ingredients. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the divinity from sticking. Chop your pecans into small, bite-sized pieces and drain your maraschino cherries, cutting them into halves or quarters.

2. Cook the Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and insert your candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until the temperature reaches 260°F (the hard ball stage).

3. Whip the Egg Whites

While the sugar syrup is cooking, begin whipping the egg whites. In the bowl of your stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the egg whites and salt on medium-high speed until they form stiff peaks. This will take a few minutes, so be patient. You want the egg whites to hold their shape and not collapse when the beaters are lifted.

4. Pour the Syrup into the Egg Whites

Once the sugar syrup has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the heat. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites. Make sure to pour it in a thin stream along the side of the bowl to avoid splattering.

5. Beat the Mixture Until Stiff and Glossy

Increase the mixer speed to high and continue to beat the mixture for about 8-10 minutes. The mixture should become thick, glossy, and hold its shape. It should also cool down enough to handle easily with a spatula.

6. Fold in the Pecans and Cherries

Once the divinity mixture has cooled slightly and thickened, gently fold in the chopped pecans and maraschino cherries. Be sure to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture without overmixing.

7. Drop onto Parchment Paper

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the divinity mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave a little space between each mound. Allow the divinity to set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it’s firm and no longer sticky to the touch.

Serving and Decoration

Once your Cherry Pecan Divinity has set, it’s ready to be served or packaged up as a gift! It’s best served at room temperature, where its airy, delicate texture will really shine. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy and serve it:

• Giftable Treat: Pack the divinity in small gift boxes or decorative tins to give away during the holidays or for birthdays.
• As a Candy Platter: Add it to a candy platter with other homemade treats like fudge, truffles, and toffee for an elegant dessert spread.
• Snack on It: Enjoy it as a simple, light treat with coffee or tea.
• Use in Desserts: Top cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream with pieces of Cherry Pecan Divinity for an extra sweet touch.

Storing Cherry Pecan Divinity

• Room Temperature: Store the divinity in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. It’s important to keep it in a dry place to prevent moisture from making it sticky.
• Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the divinity. Place it in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutrition Table

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for Cherry Pecan Divinity (per serving):

Nutrition Fact	Amount
Calories	130 kcal
Protein	1g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugars	25g
Fat	3g
Saturated Fat	1g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	40mg

Conclusion

Cherry Pecan Divinity is a perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it a treat like no other. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or looking to impress friends with your candy-making skills, this divinity is guaranteed to be a hit. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delightful candy that is both visually stunning and delicious.