Rose Turkish Delight Recipe

Turkish Delight, or “lokum” in Turkish, is a traditional sweet treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a chewy, fragrant candy, often flavored with rose water, and dusted with powdered sugar to keep it from sticking. The delicate texture and floral sweetness make it a perfect gift or a luxurious treat for special occasions. This Rose Turkish Delight recipe is simple to make at home, and the result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth candy that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Rose Turkish Delight is a perfect combination of floral rose water and subtle sweetness. The chewy texture of the delight, combined with the delicate flavor, makes it a sophisticated treat. It’s also highly customizable – while rose is the traditional flavor, you can experiment with other essences or add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits. Plus, making it from scratch means you can control the sweetness and ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this treat is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water (divided)

• 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon rose water (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for a tart kick)

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (plus extra for dusting)

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for a smoother texture)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the gelatin:

• In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of water with the powdered gelatin. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and swell.

2. Make the syrup:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cream of tartar (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 10 minutes, reducing the heat slightly to keep a low boil.

• After 10 minutes, remove the syrup from heat and add the bloomed gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved.

3. Prepare the starch mixture:

• In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water to create a smooth slurry. Once the gelatin has dissolved in the syrup, slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the pot, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

• Return the mixture to the stove over low heat and continue stirring constantly for 15-20 minutes. The mixture will thicken significantly. Once it reaches a smooth, glossy, and slightly gel-like consistency, remove it from the heat.

4. Add flavor:

• Stir in the rose water and citric acid (if using) to enhance the flavor of the Turkish Delight. Taste and adjust the rose water if you want a stronger floral flavor.

5. Set the Turkish Delight:

• Lightly grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with a bit of vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

• Allow the Turkish Delight to cool at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerate it for about 2-3 hours, until it has fully set and firmed up.

6. Cut and dust with powdered sugar:

• Once the Turkish Delight has set, dust a clean surface or cutting board with powdered sugar and turn the set delight out onto the surface. Use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or diamonds.

• Dust each piece with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.

7. Serve:

• Serve the Turkish Delight immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If storing, layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20-30 pieces (depending on how large you cut them)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus setting time)

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 3-4 hours (including setting time)

Variations

• Flavored with orange blossom water: For a fragrant twist, replace the rose water with orange blossom water.

• Add nuts: Add finely chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts into the mixture before setting for extra texture and flavor.

• Add color: You can tint your Turkish Delight with food coloring to make it more visually appealing. Add a few drops of pink or red food coloring for a more traditional look.

• With dried fruit: Chopped dried fruits like apricots or raisins can be added to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store your homemade Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, but let it come to room temperature before serving, as it will be firmer when cold.

FAQs

Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute powdered gelatin with gelatin sheets. Typically, 1 sheet of gelatin is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of powdered gelatin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blooming the sheets and dissolving them in the syrup.

Can I make this recipe without rose water?

Yes! You can experiment with other flavorings like orange blossom water, lavender, or even vanilla extract to give your Turkish Delight a unique flavor profile.

Is it necessary to use citric acid?

Citric acid adds a slight tartness to the Turkish Delight, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the floral notes. While it’s optional, it does help to achieve a more traditional taste and texture. If you don’t have it, you can skip it.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?

While the recipe is traditionally made with granulated sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly. For a sugar-free version, you would need to use a gelatin-compatible sugar substitute.

How can I make my Turkish Delight firmer?

To make your Turkish Delight firmer, you can increase the amount of gelatin slightly. Be careful not to add too much, as it could make the texture too rubbery.

Conclusion

Rose Turkish Delight is a delightful and indulgent treat that will transport you to the flavors of the Middle East with every bite. With its chewy texture, floral sweetness, and soft bite, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this homemade Turkish Delight will impress with its elegance and taste. Enjoy making and sharing this beautiful, traditional candy!

Rose Turkish Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3-4 hours
• Yield: 20-30 pieces
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Rose Turkish Delight, or “lokum,” is a delicate, chewy candy flavored with fragrant rose water, offering a perfect balance of floral sweetness. This homemade recipe creates soft, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of Turkish Delight, dusted with powdered sugar. With its smooth texture and traditional flavor, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion, and it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients.

---

Ingredients

For the gelatin and syrup:

• 1 1/2 cups water (divided)

• 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon rose water (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tartness)

For the starch mixture:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (plus extra for dusting)

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for smoother texture)

For dusting:

• Powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Prepare the gelatin:
  In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup water with the powdered gelatin. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water.

• Make the syrup:
  In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of water, sugar, lemon juice, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

• Add gelatin to the syrup:
  Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.

• Prepare the starch mixture:
  In another bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/2 cup water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the syrup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

• Cook the mixture:
  Return the pot to the stove on low heat. Stir continuously for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a glossy, gel-like consistency.

• Add flavor:
  Stir in rose water and citric acid (if using) for flavor. Adjust rose water to your preference.

• Set the Turkish Delight:
  Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.

• Cut and dust with powdered sugar:
  Once set, dust a surface with powdered sugar. Turn the Turkish Delight out and cut it into squares or diamonds. Dust each piece with more powdered sugar.

• Serve:
  Serve the Turkish Delight immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

---

Notes

Flavor variations: Swap rose water for orange blossom water, lavender, or vanilla for different flavor profiles.Add-ins: Add chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or dried fruits like apricots for extra texture and flavor. Coloring: Tint with food coloring for a vibrant presentation.