Jello Divinity Candy: Prepare to be amazed by this delightful twist on a classic confection! Have you ever imagined combining the airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of divinity with the vibrant flavors of Jell-O? Well, stop imagining and start creating! This recipe transforms the traditional divinity candy into a colorful and flavorful treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Divinity candy itself boasts a rich history, often associated with the holiday season and family gatherings. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, where resourceful cooks sought to create a light and fluffy candy using simple ingredients. While the exact origins are debated, its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its irresistible texture and sweet taste. Now, we’re taking this beloved classic and giving it a modern, fruity upgrade.

What makes Jello Divinity Candy so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures the airy lightness of divinity combined with the slight chewiness from the gelatin. The vibrant colors and fruity flavors from the Jell-O add a playful twist that appeals to both children and adults. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unique and delicious candy that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

1 (3 ounce) package Jell-O gelatin (any flavor, but I love using strawberry, raspberry, or lemon!)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great your choice!)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparing the Jell-O Mixture:

First, we need to bloom the gelatin. In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the Jell-O gelatin in 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir it well to make sure there are no clumps. Set this aside for at least 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to soften and bloom. This step is crucial for the right texture!

Cooking the Sugar Syrup:

Now, let’s make the sugar syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir everything together until the sugar is moistened.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. We’re aiming for a soft-ball stage, which is around 235-240°F (113-116°C). It’s really important to use a candy thermometer for this! Clip it to the side of the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom.
Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches the soft-ball stage. Stirring can cause sugar crystals to form, which we definitely don’t want. Just let it bubble away happily.
While the sugar syrup is cooking, keep a close eye on it. If any sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, you can brush them down with a wet pastry brush. This will prevent them from seeding the entire batch.

Whipping the Egg Whites:

While the sugar syrup is nearing the soft-ball stage, it’s time to whip the egg whites. Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature this helps them whip up to a greater volume.
In a clean, grease-free bowl (stainless steel or glass works best), beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are when the tips of the peaks gently fold over when you lift the beaters.
Once soft peaks have formed, gradually increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stiff peaks are when the tips of the peaks stand straight up when you lift the beaters. Be careful not to overwhip, or the egg whites will become dry and grainy.

Combining the Mixtures:

Once the sugar syrup reaches the soft-ball stage, immediately remove it from the heat.
With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly and steadily pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites in a thin stream. Be very careful, as the syrup is extremely hot! Avoid pouring the syrup directly onto the beaters, as this can cause splattering.
Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds its shape. The mixture will also cool down slightly during this process.
Now, add the bloomed Jell-O mixture to the bowl. Beat on medium speed until the Jell-O is fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly colored. This will give the divinity its signature flavor and color.
Finally, gently fold in the chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the mixture. We want to keep it light and airy.

Shaping and Setting the Divinity:

Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent the divinity from sticking and make it easy to remove later. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray for extra insurance.
Pour the divinity mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Dust the top of the divinity generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent it from being sticky and add a touch of sweetness.
Let the divinity set at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow it to firm up completely. Don’t try to rush this process, or the divinity will be too soft.

Cutting and Storing:

Once the divinity is fully set, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang.
Place the divinity on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. You can dust the knife with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking.
Dust the cut pieces of divinity with more powdered sugar. This will help them stay fresh and prevent them from sticking together.
Store the divinity in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for several days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Tips and Variations:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors of Jell-O to create unique divinity candies. Lemon, lime, orange, and cherry are all great options. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the color.
Nut Variations: Feel free to use any type of nuts you like. Toasted nuts will add a richer flavor. You can also add dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, for extra texture and sweetness.
Chocolate Divinity: For a chocolate version, add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar mixture.
Peppermint Divinity: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture along with the Jell-O. You can also crush some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top.
Troubleshooting: If your divinity is too soft, it may not have been cooked to the soft-ball stage properly. If it’s too hard, it may have been overcooked. Make sure to use a candy thermometer and follow the instructions carefully.
Humidity: Humidity can affect the setting of divinity. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to let it set for a longer period of time.
Room Temperature Egg Whites: Using room temperature egg whites is crucial for achieving maximum volume when whipping. If you forget to take them out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Grease-Free Bowl: Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free before whipping the egg whites. Even a small amount of grease can prevent them from whipping properly.

Enjoy your homemade Jell-O divinity candy! It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you’re craving something delicious.

Conclusion:

This Jello Divinity Candy recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a delightful journey back to simpler times, a burst of nostalgic flavor, and a surprisingly easy way to impress your friends and family. Trust me, once you taste the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the vibrant fruitiness, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about it. It’s the perfect combination of classic candy making with a modern, accessible twist. Why is this a must-try? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly simple. You don’t need to be a seasoned candy maker to achieve perfect results. The ingredients are readily available, and the instructions are straightforward. But beyond the ease of preparation, it’s the unique flavor and texture that truly sets this candy apart. The Jello adds a wonderful fruity dimension that complements the traditional divinity base beautifully. It’s sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and the light, airy consistency makes it utterly irresistible.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and customizing this Jello Divinity Candy. For a classic presentation, simply cut the candy into squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a special treat for yourself. But don’t stop there! Get creative with your variations. Try using different flavors of Jello to create a rainbow of colors and tastes. Strawberry, lime, orange, and grape are all fantastic options. You could even swirl two or three different flavors together for a marbled effect. Another fun variation is to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch. Or, for a more decadent treat, dip the candy in melted chocolate. White chocolate pairs particularly well with the fruity flavors. You could also sprinkle the candy with edible glitter for a festive touch. Consider adding dried cranberries or chopped maraschino cherries for added texture and flavor. For a more sophisticated flavor profile, a dash of almond extract can elevate the candy to a whole new level. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a hint of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor. And don’t forget about presentation! Package the candy in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Or, arrange them in a decorative tin for a charming hostess present. I truly believe that this recipe is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I’m confident that you’ll love this Jello Divinity Candy as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try a different flavor of Jello? Did you add any special ingredients? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with! Happy candy making! Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to help you every step of the way. Enjoy! Print