Cherry flavored confectionery with a nougat-like smoothness. This art sugar based Cherry Divinity is fabulous for gift giving or having all for yourself!
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Christmas, I love making special sweet treats all year long.
Especially candy!
Please, don’t be intimidated by the sense of making candy. It’s easier than you think.
Divinity is a type of candy that no matter the size, shape or form, it’s so delicious!
This was the type of candy I grew up on. The good old fashion homemade kind.
We rarely got to go to the store and buy a candy bar or some sort of treat. Everything was homemade. The only time we had store bought cookies, even the sandwich kind, was when we’d raid our grandmother’s cookie jar. Other than that, it was always homemade cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. Maybe that’s why I love baked goods from scratch.
We lived very close to all of our cousins, growing up. In fact, they were the only ones we’d play with because our school friends lived too far away. I became very close to my Aunt Penny.
My aunt was the one that would french braid my hair before the school bus came to pick all of us up. She would be my mother when my own mother was checked out. She did everything for us kids.
But, among everything that my aunt was to me, she was always making divinity candy in every flavor, and color.
My favorite was always Cherry Divinity.
This divinity recipe is very versatile. You may substitute the Jello for any flavor and color. Stir in some coconut or your favorite kind of nuts!
There are a few stages to making this fun divinity.
The divinity has a fluffy and marshmallowy kind of texture, because of the egg whites are mixed in with hot sugar. Make sure to have your eggs at room temperature.
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large sauce pan. Just stir it all over medium heat until all of the sugar has dissolved. This takes about 6-7 minutes.
If you remember, I don’t own a candy thermometer. So, if you just happen to have one laying around while you’re whipping up this Cherry Divinity… then clip it to the pan and let it get to 252 degrees Fahrenheit without stirring.
But, if you’re like me, I test the temperature the old fashion way. Let the sugar mixture continue to boil in the pan without stirring it. Check it every few minutes with the back of a small spoon. If it is still watery as it slides off the spoon, then it still needs to cook. When it is at a brittle ball stage, you’ll be able to see how it is turning into a syrup. It will hold a ball shape, but still be sticky. You may drop some in a tiny bowl of cold water to test the sugar. Please be very careful! Sugar burns are not fun at all!
While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites in the mixing bowl until you have stiff peaks. Gradually beat in the Jello and cherry juice.
When the syrup is ready, start the beater again on high. Slowly drizzle in the hot syrup into the egg white mix. Do not scrape down the sides of the bowl or the pan. Just keep beating until the mix looses its gloss.
This all moves along very quickly. Make sure to have some wax paper already laid out and nearby. Or, on a clean marble slab.
Quickly stir in the nuts, optional. Drop the mixture by teaspoons with two small spoons. Or, you could pipe through a bag like I did. If piping, the divinity will set up (and hold it’s defined shape) better if cooled for 2 minutes in a large piping bag.
The divinity is ready to enjoy instantly!
- 3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 2 egg whites, room temperature
- 1 (3 ounce) package Cherry favored Jello
- 1 tablespoon cherry maraschino juice
- your favorite kind of nuts, optional
- Place egg whites in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. This takes about 6-7 minutes.
- Clip on a candy thermometer to the pan and let it get to 252 degrees Fahrenheit without stirring.
- Or, Let the sugar mixture continue to boil in the pan without stirring it. Check it every few minutes with the back of a small spoon. If it is still watery as it slides off the spoon, then it still needs to cook. When it is at a brittle ball stage, you’ll be able to see how it is turning into a syrup. It will hold a ball shape, but still be sticky. You may drop some in a tiny bowl of cold water to test the sugar.
- While the mixture is cooking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually beat in Jello, then cherry juice. Set aside.
- When syrup is ready, start beater again on high speed.
- Slowly drizzle the hot syrup into egg white mix as you continue beating on high speed.
- Do not scrape sides of bowl or pan. Let it just beat and let the hot sugar pour out.
- Continue beating until mix loses its gloss.
- Quickly stir in the nuts (optional) and drop by teaspoons (or bigger) onto a waxed paper or a marble slab.
- Let stand until firm.
- Enjoy!
- If putting sprinkles on the divinity, do it as you put each one onto the wax paper. Otherwise the divinity sets up too fast and the sprinkles won't stick.
Have a blast with this fun candy!
What would you mix into your creation?
This recipe was included in with this collection:
12 Homemade Easter Candy Recipes
Sharing this Cherry Divinity with: Roubinek Reality
These look beautiful Gloria! Aunt Penny sounds like a lovely lady and how wonderful that she would make these all the time. Pinning, they remind me of light pink fluffy clouds – such a pretty color and piped to perfection! Happy Friday and hope you have an amazing weekend Gloria 🙂
Kelly recently posted…Shrimp Stir-Fry Lo Mein Noodles (Happy Shrimp Longevity Noodles)
Thank you so much, Kelly! She meant the whole world to us when she was on this earth.
(=
These candies are simply gorgeous, Gloria! I love their cherry pink tint—so pretty!
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven recently posted…Homemade Marshmallows (gluten-free and refined sugar-free)
Pink is just a fun color, anyways. Don’t you agree? Thanks, Sarah!
I’ve never heard of cherry divinity before…have I been living under a rock?! These are seriously gorgeous. I’d sit, stare, and marvel if I had a box of these pink perfections. I’m a sweet junkie, so I’d eventually devour them. 😉
Tina @ Tina’s Chic Corner recently posted…Zucchini Spice Bars With Spice Frosting
You and me, both. Sugar is just our friend! I’m happy you think these are stare-able worthy! xoxo
You do beautiful work, Gloria!! I need a dozen of these!
Paula recently posted…Hamburger Steak with Onions and Brown Gravy Recipe
Thanks so much, girlfriend! I’ll definitely trade you for those RV Cookie Dough Truffles you just put up today!
The color is gorgeous! And the way you described the texture – mouthwatering. They are so pretty, I don’t know if I could eat them! (just kidding, I never seem to have a problem with consuming excessive amounts of sugar 🙂
Mary Frances, I’m the same way when it comes sugar. Although, I could easily replace it for a meal!
Gloria these are just stunning!
Heather @ French Press recently posted…Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Box Cupcakes
Thank you, Heather!
I love that these are pink (My favorite color) Gloria…. they look fantastic and love your story about your aunt. I have a special aunt too – special times! Pinning this yummy sweet treat!
Deb@ Cooking on the Front Burner recently posted…Tangy BBQ Sauce
It is my very most favorite color, too, Deb! And, thank you. Aunts are very special people.
Wow, these really intrigue me! What do they look like inside? Are they like meringue or are they chewy? They look so pretty.
Julia @ hungryandconfused recently posted…The Pantry Restaurant Santa Fe
Julia, they are kind of both of a meringue and with a little bit of a chew. These are dry on the outside, but when you bite into them, they have a little kind of chewy, creamy consistency. They literally melt in your mouth. You can make them as little or as big as you’d like. I usually like to go with the size of one to two teaspoons. They’re really fun to make. I like mine plain. No nuts. But, if you’re a big nut fan… throw them in! Let me know if you give these a try. (=
Can’t wait to try these! What a wonderful Valentine’s Day treat!! Love the PINK!!
Jina @ Pink Piccadilly Pastries recently posted…Raspberry Macaron Petits Fours
Thank you, Jina! Gotta love the pink action! 😉
I am in love with these, Gloria! SO pretty! I have never had divinity candy before, but the texture sounds awesome. Totally adding to my list of things to try – I think the hubs would love it! Thanks! 🙂
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar recently posted…Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Lindsay, if your husband has a sweet tooth, then he’ll LOVE these. They are very light… and I don’t mean lite! Have a great weekend!
The color of these is so pretty, I wish I could get my hair this color!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl recently posted…Pepper Jack Jalapeno Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese
I love your hair! This color would be gorgeous on you, Pamela! (=
These look almost too pretty to eat, Gloria! I love the pretty pick color…so perfect for Valentines Day! Would you believe that I have never had divinity candy before? I think I need to give these a try, it looks really simple and delicious! Pinned! 🙂
Christina @ Sweet Pea’s Kitchen recently posted…Mini Bell Pepper Chicken Nachos
Yes, Christina, you’re going to have to give these a try! They’re so fun to make. (=
Gloria, these sweet treats are just beautiful! Truly divine. Love the pink color and the white sprinkles. The piping is so pretty! Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Have a great weekend, my dear (whether you’re into football or not.) Pinning! 🙂
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen recently posted…Best Ever Cream Cheese Buttercream
Thank you so much, Stacy! I’m so not into football… just the food and commercials! You have fun, too!
Gorgeous divinity Gloria! I just love the color, divinity is so yummy 🙂
Emily recently posted…Chocolate Mousse Tarts
Emily, thank you! Have a great day!
These are so beautiful Gloria! I’ve never tried divinity candy before but I love how versatile the recipe is.
Zainab @ Blahink Baker recently posted…Molten Chocolate Mocha Cakes
You’ll love making (and eating) these, Zainab!
I have never either eaten or made divinity before. These are so beautiful and “heavenly” looking!!! I love them!!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen recently posted…Crescent Pizza Triangles
Renee, give it a try and I know you’ll love them!
These are simply gorgeous Gloria, I don’t know how you do it! Everything you make looks so perfect…and delicious!! I’m a bit jealous, we didn’t have any family around when I was growing up. No grandmothers or aunts to have those special memories with, or to teach me how to cook. 😉 My mother is anti-domestic! I will have to give these a try and see what I missed out on growing up.
Lisa@ Cooking with Curls recently posted…Let’s Get Social Sunday {February}
Lisa, all I really have are the memories now. But I now only speak to one sister out of six of us kids. Sad how sometimes family grows apart. I get very envious of families that have large family parties and gatherings. Or even family reunions! I’ve just figured through the years to make my own family. AND choose my family… my friends.
xoxo
This is amazing Gloria! Divinity is pretty much my all time favorite treat and I go crazy for anything cherry-flavored. I definitely have to try this! Pinned!
Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted…Share the Love $600 VISA Gift Card Giveaway!
Yes, I’ve noticed you love cherries! (Me, too!)
I love making candy and these are absolutely beautiful!
Laura Dembowski recently posted…Microwave Caramel Popcorn #SundaySupper
This is such a beautiful post, Gloria! I’ve heard of divinity but never tried it, or even really knew what it was. Yours are just so sweet and pretty! And such a lovely story to go along with them too. <3
Allie | Baking a Moment recently posted…Rice Pudding with Blood Oranges in Vanilla Cardamom Syrup
Allie, thank you so much! You’ll really have to try them! Have a wonderful day!
looks to pretty and delicious can’t wait to try it!
Diane (createdbydiane) recently posted…Chocolate Cannoli Cones
I just recently made my grandmother’s divinity recipe and since I’d never made it before, it took me 3 tries to get it right. BUT, I didn’t even know you could pipe through a bag, nor did I know you could make flavors and change the color. These are BEAUTIFUL! I learn something new everyday and I’m so glad I learned that! 🙂 Such a beautiful story, too!
Jamie @ Roubinek Reality recently posted…DIY St. Patrick’s Day Decor
Jamie, you’ll have to try it with the piping bag. For me, it’s my go to tool… I feel it’s easier, faster, and less messy for whatever I use it for. (i.e. especially cupcakes…I don’t have the patience with an icing knife!)
how did you get the nice shape. I would like to make these for my daughters sweet 16. Can you put this mixture into a piping bag? Thank you, lisa
Lisa, what a cute idea for your daughter’s sweet 16! Yes, just put it through a piping bag. Just to also let you know, the first few may look a little droopy because of the heat still. But, as the candy cools a a minute or two in the bag, the rest will turn out perfectly! It’ll make more than enough. Also, one more thing, if you are going to use the sprinkles, make sure to sprinkle it on as soon as you pipe each one out. You’ll have fun making these.
Thank you! 🙂
Gloria recently posted…Bananas Foster Cookie Pizza
Hello to all, the contents present at this web site are truly amazing for people experience, well,
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Hey!
I was just wondering if I could substitute the cherry jello for vanilla jello and the cherry juice for vanilla extract?
Thanks!!
Of course, the flavors are endless! (That sounds really delish!)