(This post has been updated from the original April 2012 version to provide a better experience for you)
Ever wanted an easy Turkish Delight recipe? Well now you’ve found one! Complete with top tips and troubleshooting, this comprehensive recipe will have you mastering this delightful (pun intended) confectionery in no time. Not only is Turkish delight a wonderful treat, it also makes a beautiful homemade gift! Looking for even more homemade gift inspiration? Check out my super easy homemade chocolates recipe.
Last week it was my Dad’s birthday and I wanted to make a little surprise for him. He absolutely LOVES Turkish delight so I thought I would have a go at making it.
Turns out, it’s actually really simple to make! I ran into a hiccup or two (normal when you make something for the first time) but all that means is that I made the mistakes so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!
If you’re running into some bumps too, you can see my troubleshooting tips towards the end of the post.
This is what you will need to make about 20 pieces.
Essential Equipment
* see end of this post for possible changes to this.
Firstly, put the sugar, lemon juice & 300ml of water into a medium sized pan. Stir over a low heat until the sugar is dissolved then gently bring to the boil.
In a bowl or jug, mix the gelatine with 75g cornflour & 200ml water. Add it to the pan stirring all the time until the gelatine is dissolved. Then Simmer for approx 20 minutes until it resembles something like really thick but smooth wallpaper paste.
Remove from the heat & allow to cool. Then add the rosewater and food colouring. You can use pink if you have it. I used a couple of drops of red instead which still came out a light pink. (It seems to lighten in colour slightly once set.)
Lightly oil a square silicone pan. Mix together the remaining cornflour & icing sugar and lightly dust the tray. Tap out any excess.
Pour the cooled Turkish Delight mix into the silicone pan and leave to set for at least 4 hours.
When completely set, remove the Turkish delight from the tin and cut into cubes. Roll the pieces in what’s left of the cornflour & icing sugar mixture.
Store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container and consume within 1 week.
Unfortunately I found that after about an hour, the Turkish delight was expunging water and turning the powder into a sticky icing. I thought I would try rolling them in more powder but it still resulted in exactly the same thing. Not knowing what went wrong, I scoured the internet for a while to find out. I came across a web page called Seasoned Advice which had the answer to my specific problem.
Apparently, it was happening because of either the lack of strength in the gelatine or the presence of too little gelatine. Supposedly you can fix it by melting the mixture back down and adding a pinch of xanthan gum
(a stabiliser.)
Sadly I did not get a chance to try this though as by the time I had found out why this was happening, I was out of time.
So if you attempt this recipe, maybe try using a stronger gelatine or using slightly more of it. If not, make sure to have xanthan gum to hand in case what happened to me, happens to you.
I hope you enjoyed the post my lovelies, until next time! Miss KitchenMason x
This easy Turkish delight recipe will have you enjoying rose tinted treats quicker than you can say, where did they all go?!
* see end of the post for possible changes to this.
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Hi, I’m Emma. Let me help you impress with delicious dishes using my easy recipes, step by step pics, tips & videos.
Hello. I just bought one form a store. The delights smelled really good. Do you have any idea what scent these delights come in? Where can I get one? I really want to try it, the 90’s way. Thanks
Hi Frank. I’m not sure I understand your question? Emma x
Your recipe is really seems good. I eat Turkish delight all the time but I never cook myself. I’m gonna try your recipe, thank you!
Hi Simge. Thank you for your lovely comment! I hope it goes well for you 🙂 Emma x
I really want to try this recipe but don’t have a silicone pan. What do you recommend I do to make it easier with a metal pan with a pop out bottom?
Hi Bridget. Whatever you use I would line it with baking paper and grease the baking paper itself, just to give it the best chance of not sticking! (It really is super sticky stuff.) Emma x
This is a very yummy recipe. The texture and consistency is great. We can’t seem to get the dusting to stick. It dissolves after a while. We even left it overnight to dry but it didn’t work. Can you offer some advice?
Hi Lian. Funnily enough I ran into the exact same issue. Apparently you can melt it back down and add a pinch of xanthan gum to stabilise it which should fix the issue. I haven’t actually tested this myself though so not 100% sure if it works. Hope this helps? Emma x
I am loving your blog! I have made this using both gelatin and cornstarch but this time, I am going to try with xantham gum and see if it makes it any easier.
Wow, thank you! Let me know how you get on 🙂