Jello Divinity: A Colorful Twist on a Classic Southern Candy

Prepare to be enchanted by this Jello Divinity recipe, a sweet treat so utterly delightful, it’s bound to vanish as quickly as you make it! By simply choosing a different Jello flavor, you can unlock an entirely new divinity experience, making every batch a unique adventure in taste and color.

This post and recipe were thoughtfully crafted for #EasterSweetsWeek. While I received samples from some of the sponsoring companies, rest assured that all opinions expressed here are 100% my own and genuinely reflect my experience with this fantastic recipe.

The Nostalgic Charm of Jello Divinity

Do you have certain recipes that, with every preparation, transport you back to a specific person or place? For me, this Jello Divinity is precisely that kind of recipe. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a direct link to cherished childhood memories and the warmth of family bonds.

Growing up in sunny Florida, our extended family predominantly resided in the Midwest, meaning visits were rare and incredibly special. However, my Dad’s grandparents – my beloved great-grandparents – lived conveniently in central Florida. This allowed us the wonderful opportunity to visit them more frequently, creating a treasure trove of lasting memories.

My Great Grandma was renowned for her exceptional divinity. Her kitchen, often filled with the comforting aroma of baking and candy making, was a haven of love and deliciousness. We could always count on a fresh batch of her famous divinity, carefully prepared and waiting for us upon our arrival. Each piece was a testament to her care, a soft, ethereal cloud of sweetness that truly melted in your mouth.

This Jello Divinity recipe, with its vibrant hues and irresistible texture, instantly takes me back to those precious moments in her kitchen. While it’s a delightful confection year-round, its appeal truly shines during Easter. The subtle, pastel colors introduced by the Jello gelatin make it an absolutely perfect and festive spring treat, evoking the freshness and joy of the season. Imagine a platter of these colorful candies gracing your Easter table, inviting everyone to share in a little piece of edible nostalgia.

What is Divinity, and Why Jello?

Divinity is a classic Southern confection, often likened to a meringue or nougat, known for its light, airy texture and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Traditionally, it’s made with egg whites, sugar syrup, and often pecans or other nuts. The secret to its heavenly texture lies in whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and then slowly incorporating a hot sugar syrup, beating until the mixture cools and holds its shape.

The addition of Jello gelatin to this classic recipe elevates it to a new level of fun and flavor. Jello not only imparts a beautiful, vibrant color – perfect for spring holidays like Easter – but also introduces a delightful fruity tang that complements the sweetness of the candy. This makes Jello Divinity incredibly versatile; you can match the flavor to your mood, the season, or the occasion. Think cherry for Valentine’s Day, lime for St. Patrick’s Day, or a mix of strawberry, lemon, and blue raspberry for a festive, multi-colored spread.

Mastering the Art of Divinity Making: Essential Tips

Making divinity, while incredibly rewarding, can be a bit tricky. It’s often considered a test of a candy maker’s skill, but with a few key tips, you can achieve perfect, non-sticky Jello Divinity every time:

• The Mighty Candy Thermometer: This is your best friend in divinity making. Precision in temperature is crucial. Before each use, test your thermometer by boiling water; it should read 212°F (100°C). Adjust your target temperatures accordingly if your thermometer is off. An accurate reading ensures your sugar syrup reaches the “hard-ball stage” necessary for proper setting.
• Humidity is the Enemy: Divinity is highly sensitive to humidity. For the best results, choose a dry, low-humidity day to make your candy. High moisture in the air can prevent the divinity from setting properly, resulting in a sticky, soft confection.
• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your large egg whites are at room temperature. They will whip up to greater volume and form stiffer, more stable peaks, which are essential for the airy texture of divinity. Also, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and free of any grease. Even a tiny speck of fat can prevent egg whites from whipping correctly.
• Slow and Steady Syrup Pour: When adding the hot sugar syrup to the whipped egg whites, pour it in a very slow, steady stream while the mixer is running on high speed. Avoid pouring it directly onto the beaters. This gradual addition allows the egg whites to temper and cook gently, incorporating the syrup evenly without deflating the meringue.
• Beating to Perfection: Continue beating the mixture after adding the syrup until it loses its glossy sheen and holds stiff peaks. This process, which can take 5-7 minutes (or longer depending on your mixer and humidity), allows the mixture to cool down and thicken. When you lift the beaters, the divinity should hold its shape without slumping.
• Work Quickly: Once the divinity reaches the right consistency, it sets rather quickly. Have your prepared baking sheets ready and work fast to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment paper. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform; homemade charm is part of the appeal!
• Proper Storage: Once fully set and dry to the touch (which may take several hours or even overnight at room temperature), store your Jello Divinity in an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky. It can typically last for up to two weeks when stored correctly.

Jello Divinity Recipe

Overall Rating: 4.43 out of 5 stars from 298 votes.

Servings:

50
servings

Jello Divinity

By
Jamie Sherman

Make this Jello Divinity and watch it disappear! Choose a different Jello flavor for a new divinity flavor!

Prep:

35 mins

Cook:

25 mins

Total:

1 hr

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Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites
• 3 cups Dixie Crystals granulated sugar
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• 1 package any flavor Jello gelatin, 3 oz.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line three 15x10x1-inch baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Continue to cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 250°F (this is the hard-ball stage).
3. Shortly before the sugar syrup reaches the target temperature, begin to beat the room temperature egg whites in your stand mixer until they are foamy. Gradually beat in the Jello gelatin powder and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. With the mixer running at high speed, carefully and slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the bowl. Be careful not to pour directly onto the spinning beaters. Beat just until the candy mixture loses its gloss and holds its shape, typically about 5-7 minutes. Immediately fold in the chopped walnuts.
4. Working quickly, drop the mixture by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared parchment-lined pans. Allow the candy to stand at room temperature overnight or until it is completely dry to the touch and firm.
5. Store the finished Jello Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness and prevent stickiness.

Notes

• It is highly recommended to test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a rolling boil. An accurate thermometer should read 212°F (100°C). If your thermometer reads differently, adjust the recipe’s target temperature up or down based on your test results to ensure accuracy.
• For best results, make divinity on a dry, low-humidity day. Humidity can significantly impact the setting of the candy, making it sticky.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors! Some popular choices include strawberry, cherry, lime, lemon, and orange for vibrant colors and distinct tastes.
• If walnuts are not preferred, pecans are a traditional and delicious alternative in divinity.

Nutrition

Calories:

75 kcal

Carbohydrates:

18 g

Protein:

0.5 g

Fat:

1 g

Saturated Fat:

0.1 g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

1 g

Monounsaturated Fat:

0.1 g

Sodium:

14 mg

Potassium:

8 mg

Fiber:

0.1 g

Sugar:

17 g

Vitamin A:

0.2 IU

Vitamin C:

0.02 mg

Calcium:

2 mg

Iron:

0.04 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Explore More Sweet Treats

If you’re a fan of classic confections and delightful desserts, you might also enjoy these other recipes:

• Old Fashioned Divinity – For those who love the traditional version.
• More than 100 Banana Recipes! – A vast collection for banana lovers.
• Jello Cookies – Another fun and colorful way to use Jello.
• Red Hot Jello Salad – A unique and spicy-sweet twist on Jello salad.
• Jello Popcorn from Love Bakes Good Cakes – An unexpected and delightful snack.