Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the delightful Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity! This candy is a total showstopper with its light, fluffy texture and that vibrant cherry-vanilla flavor that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a sweet cloud of happiness! I remember making this treat for my family during the holidays, and the kids would gather around the kitchen, eyes wide, waiting for those fluffy bites to cool. It’s perfect for special occasions or just to indulge yourself on a cozy afternoon. Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up, and the smiles it brings are absolutely priceless. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this sweet gem!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- Red food coloring, as needed
How to Prepare Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Alright, let’s get started! In a saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. This is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Now, it’s time to heat things up! Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Once that’s done, bring it to a boil—but don’t stir anymore! Let it bubble away until it reaches a temperature of 250°F. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; this is where a candy thermometer comes in handy!
Step 3: Prepare Egg Whites
While the syrup is cooking, let’s whip those egg whites! In a clean bowl, beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. This is where you’ll get that lovely, airy texture—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Step 4: Combine Syrup and Egg Whites
Here comes the exciting part! Once your syrup hits that magical temperature, slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while mixing continuously. This is where the fluffy goodness starts to happen, so keep mixing until everything is well combined!
Step 5: Add Flavors
Now, let’s bring in those delicious flavors! Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries to the mixture, stirring gently to incorporate them. The aroma is going to be divine!
Step 6: Form the Divinity
Grab a spoon and let’s make some candy! Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto sheets of wax paper. Don’t worry about making them perfect; each piece will have its own unique charm.
Step 7: Cooling
Finally, let your Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity cool completely before diving in. This is the hardest part—waiting! But I promise, once you taste them, you’ll agree that the wait was totally worth it!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity turns out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature. This little trick really helps them whip up to that lovely, airy volume we’re after—trust me, it makes a difference!
Also, don’t skip out on using a candy thermometer. It’s your best friend here! Accurate temperature is key to achieving that fluffy texture, so keep an eye on it as the syrup cooks. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can do the cold water test: drop a bit of the syrup into a glass of cold water, and if it forms a soft ball, you’re good to go!
Lastly, be patient while mixing the hot syrup into the egg whites. Pour it slowly and keep that mixer running. This helps to create the light and fluffy consistency that makes this candy so irresistible. With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a divinity-making pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional side of things? Here’s the estimated breakdown for each piece of Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity:
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, with all that fluffy deliciousness, it’s nice to know you can indulge a little without too much guilt! Enjoy those sweet bites!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity? I’ve got answers! Let’s tackle some of the most common queries that might pop up as you whip up this delightful treat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long with how delicious they are!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This candy is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it as mentioned above. It’s a great option for holiday treats or party favors!
What variations can I try?
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not mix things up a bit? You can experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut for a unique flavor twist. Adding chopped nuts or swapping out the maraschino cherries for dried cherries can also give you a whole new vibe!
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to chop them finely and drain any excess liquid. Fresh cherries will bring a lovely pop of flavor, especially if you’re aiming for a more natural taste.
What if my divinity doesn’t set?
If your divinity isn’t setting properly, it might be due to not reaching the right temperature during cooking. Using a candy thermometer is key here! If it still seems too soft, you can try letting it sit longer to firm up.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. I’m always here to help you make the best Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I begin? You’re going to absolutely adore making Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity! First off, it comes together so quickly—prep time is just 15 minutes, and before you know it, you’ll have a delightful batch of candy ready to impress. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you don’t have to be a master chef to achieve that fluffy, cloud-like texture.
The flavor profile is just delightful! The sweet cherry and creamy vanilla blend together beautifully, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and special. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. And trust me, there’s something magical about homemade candy that store-bought just can’t match. Your friends and family will be raving about it, and you’ll feel like a rock star in the kitchen!
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up some joy with this Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity. You won’t regret it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity is super simple! Just place the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and fluffy for about a week—if they last that long! Honestly, I’m always amazed at how quickly they disappear when I make them!
Now, about reheating—this candy is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s really no need to heat it up. If for some reason you find yourself with some leftover divinity that’s been in the fridge (though I doubt it!), just let it sit out for a bit to soften up. But really, once you taste that cherry-vanilla goodness, you’ll be reaching for seconds before you even think about storing them!
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Cherry Vanilla Swirl Divinity: 7 Steps to Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
Description
A sweet and fluffy candy made with cherry and vanilla flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- Red food coloring, as needed
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil without stirring until mixture reaches 250°F.
- Beat egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites while mixing.
- Add vanilla and chopped cherries, mixing well.
- Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use fresh cherries for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cherry, Vanilla, Divinity, Candy