Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (2024)

Home | Course | Desserts | Turkish Delight (Lokum Recipe)

By Kevin

published Aug 09, 2023

4.20 from 5 votes

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Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a sweet confection made from a gel of cornstarch and sugar featuring various flavors like orange and rose with crunchy pistachios. The intense sweetness of this jelly-like dessert is balanced by the bright tanginess of pomegranate and lemon juice.

Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (2)

When you make this Turkish Delight recipe, you will be creating a dessert that has been beloved for centuries. I think of these as a larger gum drop confection, this classic confectionary treat might even be described as one of Turkey’s national treasures!

Don’t fret, though — as exotic as lokum may seem, it is really quite simple to make. You only need a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience to create your own Turkish Delight. I do also recommend a candy thermometer for this recipe. You only need it when making the syrup, but it is important to get the temperature right from the beginning.

Table of Contents

  • Turkish Delight Video is in the Recipe Card
  • Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
  • How to Make Turkish Delight
  • Turkish Delight is sweet as can be
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Turkish Delight (Lokum Recipe) + Video Recipe

I love to make a big batch of these candies to give away as gifts during the holiday season or any special occasion. For more gift-worthy candy recipes check out this Pistachio Brittle, Sesame Seed Candy, or Tahini Chocolate Bark.

Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (3)

Turkish Delight Video is in the Recipe Card

Be sure to watch the video to see the step by step way to make this incredible Middle Eastern confection!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Sugar – Provides sweetness and encourages a thick, syrupy texture. Plain white sugar is perfect.
  • Lemon Juice Balances the intense sweetness with a complimentary pop of bright citrus flavor.
  • Pomegranate Juice Adds a tantalizing tartness with a hint of sweetness.Other fruit juices or flavors like bergamot or cinnamon can be used.
  • Cornstarch – Thickens the confection and prevents the cut candy pieces from sticking together.
  • Orange Water – Also called orange blossom water, this ingredient adds a delicate, floral essence. Look for it in the international foods aisle at the supermarket or at a Middle Eastern market. If you choose to substitute in rosewater, look for it in the same places and double-check to make sure it is food grade.
  • Pistachios – Gives the Turkish delight a hint of crunchiness and an earthy, nutty flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar Mixed with equal parts cornstarch, this provides a coating to keep the candy cubes from getting sticky.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (4)

How to Make Turkish Delight

  1. Prepare the Pan. Spray an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom. Set aside.
  2. Make the Syrup. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Combine and dissolve the water, lemon juice, and sugar together, then bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Continue cooking for around 15 minutes, or until the syrup reaches a temperature of 240 degrees F (the soft ball stage).
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (5)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (6)
  1. Make the Base. Whisk together the pomegranate juice, water, cornstarch, rose or orange water, and lemon juice for the base in a separate Dutch oven or saucepan. Place over low heat and cook until thickened, stirring often.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (7)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (8)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (9)
  1. Stir in the Syrup. Working in half-cup increments, carefully stir the syrup into the base until all is incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps, then continue cooking on low for 45 minutes. Stir often and expect the mixture to thicken and reduce quite a bit.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (10)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (11)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (12)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (13)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (14)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (15)
  1. Transfer & Chill. Mix in ¼ cup of chopped pistachios, then carefully pour the lokum mix into the pan. Spread it to the edges and leave the pan to cool for one hour at room temperature. Then, cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (16)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (17)
  1. Prepare the Coating. Add the cornstarch and powdered sugar to a medium bowl and mix to combine. Sprinkle some of the mix onto a clean dry cutting area. Loosen the candy by running a rubber spatula around the edges of the pan before turning the pan over on the prepared cutting area. Discard the parchment paper.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (18)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (19)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (20)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (21)
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (22)
  1. Cut and Coat. Use a very sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the candy into 36 squares. Sprinkle the cut Turkish delight with some of the sugar mix, then gently scoop it into the bowl and toss it with your hands to evenly coat.
  2. Serve or Stash. Feel free to enjoy this locum recipe right away. Stash any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.
Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (23)

Tip From Kevin

Turkish Delight is sweet as can be

This lokum recipe makes candies that are quite sweet. You may want to cut tiny squares to be enjoyed one at a time.

Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (24)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Lokum Taste Like?

Lokum is a divinely delicious candy boasting a soft, succulent, gumdrop-like texture.

Rosewater is the most popular and traditional flavor of these starch, sugary confections, but it’s certainly not the only one. Other common flavors of Turkish delight include lemon, orange, bergamot, pomegranate, mint, and honey. Premium locum recipes might contain chopped dates, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and more.

Why Is My Turkish Delight Sticky?

This confection is sticky by nature, which is why it gets coated in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. It adds a layer of protection that helps keep the pieces from sticking together (or to your fingers!) and becoming a big mess.

If things are still too sticky after making this locum recipe, apply more of the sugar mixture or even just a bit more cornstarch for a less sweet option. Alternatively, you can use finely chopped pistachios to accomplish the same goal.

Should You Put Turkish Delight In The Fridge?

Turkish delight should be chilled to help it set, but it should not be stored in the refrigerator after that. The cold environment will make the candy sweat, lose moisture, and end up with a tougher, chewy texture.

For the best taste and texture, be sure to keep your candy leftovers at room temperature. Ideally, you want to store it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.

Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (25)

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Turkish Delight (Lokum Recipe) + Video

4.20 from 5 votes

My Turkish Delight is a sweet confection made from a gel of starch and sugar that features tart pomegranate and crunchy pistachios.

Servings: 36

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Chill Time: 4 hours hrs

Total: 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

For Syrup

Base

  • 2 cups pomegranate juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp orange water optional (or rose water)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup pistachios roughly chopped

Coating

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Coat the inside of a 8×8″ pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with a square of parchment paper. Set aside.

  • Dissolve the sugar, water and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, turn heat to low and continue cooking until syrup reaches the Soft Ball stage with a temperature of 240°F (about 15 minutes).

  • In another saucepan or Dutch oven, whisk together the base ingredients of pomegranate juice, water, cornstarch, orange or rose water and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, whisking often, until thickened.

  • Carefully whisk in the syrup in half cup increments, making sure there are no lumps until all is incorporated. Continue to cook on low for 45 minutes, stirring often. This will reduce and thicken considerably.

  • Stir in 1/4 cup pistachios. Carefully pour the Turkish Delight confection into pan, spreading to edges. Let rest at room temperature 1 hour, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

  • In a medium bowl mix together the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Use a rubber spatula and run it around the inside edges of pan to loosen. Turn the pan over onto a cutting area sprinkled with some of the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. Remove the parchment paper and discard. Cut into 36 squares (I use a pizza cutter or sharp knife).

  • Sprinkle the exposed cut Turkish Delight with some of the powdered mixture. Scoop it all into the bowl, and gently with your hands, toss to coat evenly. Store the coated Turkish Delight in an airtight container, and keep at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

Video

Notes

  1. To prevent pieces from sticking together, Turkish delight is coated in a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and powdered sugar. If desired, you could use finely crushed pistachios instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: desserts

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Author: Kevin

Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!

Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (27)

Kevin

I was bitten by the cooking bug as a kid cooking and baking along side my mom. After an ROP restaurant course in high school, I went to work in restaurants and catering. My love of travel and food has led me across the world and I love to share those foods with family and friends.

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Simple to make and SO delicious! Turkish Delight Recipe + Video (2024)

FAQs

What is the best Turkish delight in the world? ›

Haci Bekir is a legendary name in the world of Turkish delight, credited with popularizing this delectable confection. Founded in 1777, Haci Bekir has been dedicated to producing high-quality, authentic Turkish delights for centuries.

What is original Turkish delight made of? ›

Turkish delight or lokum (/lɔ. kʊm/) is a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts or walnuts bound by the gel; traditional varieties are often flavored with rosewater, mastic gum, bergamot orange, or lemon.

What does cream of tartar do in Turkish delight? ›

Ingredients used in this Easy Turkish Delight

Cornflour: The one made with corn. I use proper cornflour, not wheaten; trust me, it's a thing, so check your label. You use less of this than the traditional method. Cream of tartar: used as an acid to help with taste and texture.

Is Turkish delight healthy? ›

Because Turkish delights are made primarily with sugar, they're not very healthy. They're the same as many other popular candies and gummy treats when it comes to their effects on your health.

What is Turkish delight called in USA? ›

In most of the world, "Aplets & Cotlets" were based on a treat called lokum, a word derived from Arabic, but the British and Americans know it as "Turkish delight."

What is the most popular Turkish delight Flavour? ›

The two most popular flavours in one, rose and lemon brings you mild aromatic rose and zesty lemon, all wrapped up in a sweet and soft bundle of delight.

Why is my Turkish delight sweating? ›

One reason why this candy may sweat is that it was not left to sit long enough before cutting and dusting with the cornstarch-sugar mixture. Make sure to leave the Turkish delight at room temperature for at least 8 hours; if your kitchen is hot and humid, you should place it in the refrigerator.

How long does homemade Turkish delight keep? ›

Because Turkish delight is made from sugar and then dusted in extra sugar, it keeps for up to three months. Layer it between sheets of baking paper sprinkled with more icing sugar and store in a cool dark place - not the fridge, though, as the moisture in the fridge will make the Turkish delight sweat and break down.

What is the famous brand of Turkish delight? ›

HazerBaba has become a well-known brand in over 30 countries, single-handedly producing the majority of all Turkish delight exports.

Why is my Turkish delight sticky? ›

So you've made your own Turkish delight, but you can't eat it all in one go. So how do you store it? Let us help. Turkish delight can be fussy to store, often turning into a puddle of sticky syrup if it becomes moist or warm.

What is special about Turkish delight? ›

Turkish Delight, or lokum, is a sweet treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It has a unique texture that's both soft and chewy, and it's available in a variety of flavours. In this post we're going to explore the history, ingredients, cultural significance, and health benefits of this beloved candy.

What is another name for Turkish delight? ›

What is Turkish Delight? Turkish Delight or Turkish Delights also called Lokum are a fragrant jelly candy recipe native to Turkey. I make these delicate candies in a variety of ways including with rosewater, bergamot, cinnamon or orange and sometimes include coconut, dried fruits and nuts.

Why is Turkish delight good for kidneys? ›

Due to the fact that Turkish Delight is a carbohydrate source, doctors actually recommend that kidney patients eat this tasty treat. It has also been known to help acne, boils & scars. The chewy textures help to strengthen the teeth and reduce tonsillitis.

Should you refrigerate Turkish delight? ›

Although it's important to keep your Turkish delight cool, don't store it in the fridge. Your refrigerator will draw more moisture out of your Turkish delight, causing it to sweat even after it has stabilized at room temperature. Turkish delight is best stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

How should you eat Turkish delight? ›

We adore the sweet, bright flavours in these bites. They're perfect for enjoying as a sugary treat alongside an aromatic coffee or hot chocolate. It's so irresistible, you'll really have to try not to eat it all in one sitting.

What is the famous Turkish delight? ›

Turkish Delight or Lokum as it's known in Turkey is a delicately flavored jelly candy, perfect for serving any time of year. This recipe is scented with rosewater but you can use cinnamon, orange, vanilla or bergamot instead.

What company makes the best Turkish delight? ›

Cerez Pazari lives up to its name by delivering the best product. Turkish Delight by Cerez Pazari is well known for their delicious flavors. Their Gluten Free Turkish Delights are free of additives and preservatives. Their authenticity and price give them the edge over other brands of Turkish Delights.

What is the most popular Turkish sweet? ›

Turkish Baklava

This is the most famous traditional Turkish dessert that people around the world know and enjoy. The introduction of Baklava dates back to the Byzantine Empire. However, its recipe was developed and refined during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Which Turkish delight shop is the oldest? ›

In 1777, Haci Bekir Effendi migrated to Istanbul and opened his own confectionery shop where he sold Turkish delights for more than two centuries. His business became a success and has grown significantly – it is the oldest company in Turkey and one of the 100 oldest companies in the world.

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