Turkey has a rich culinary tradition, with a diverse range of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. One aspect of Turkish cuisine that has gained global popularity is its sweets and treats. From sticky-sweet baklava to chewy Turkish delight, Turkish desserts are beloved for their unique textures and flavors.
Perhaps the most famous Turkish sweet is baklava, a rich, buttery pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with chopped nuts, usually pistachios or walnuts. The pastry is then soaked in a sweet syrup made with honey, sugar, and lemon juice. The result is a mouthwatering treat that is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with nutty sweetness.
Another popular Turkish sweet is lokum, more commonly known as Turkish delight. This chewy confection is made from sugar, water, and starch, then flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other extracts. The candy is often dusted with powdered sugar or coconut flakes and comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Turkish delight has been a favorite sweet in Turkey for centuries, and has gained worldwide fame thanks to its appearance in the novel and film adaptations of "The Chronicles of Narnia."
For something a little less sweet, Turkish cuisine offers a range of savory pastries filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables. One popular pastry is borek, made with layers of phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese. Another savory treat is gozleme, a flatbread stuffed with meat or vegetables and grilled over an open flame.
Finally, no discussion of Turkish sweets would be complete without mentioning the iconic Turkish coffee. This strong, rich brew is traditionally made in a small pot called a cezve and served with a small glass of water. The coffee is usually served with a small piece of Turkish delight or other sweets on the side.
Overall, Turkish sweets and treats offer a unique culinary experience, with a range of flavors and textures to suit any palate. Whether you're a fan of sweet pastries, chewy candies, or savory snacks, Turkish cuisine has something to offer.
Top 15 Turkish Desserts and Sweets
Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious desserts and sweets. Here are the top 15 Turkish desserts and sweets:-
Turkish Baklava
Turkish baklava is a sweet and rich dessert made of layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts, typically pistachios or walnuts, and soaked in a sweet syrup. Baklava is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served during special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
To make baklava, layers of phyllo dough are brushed with melted butter or oil and stacked on top of each other. A layer of chopped nuts is added on top of each layer of phyllo dough. The process is repeated until several layers of phyllo dough and nuts are formed.
Once the layers are complete, the baklava is cut into pieces and baked in the oven until golden brown. After baking, a sweet syrup made of sugar, water, and lemon juice is poured over the hot baklava, allowing it to soak into the layers and create a deliciously sweet and sticky texture.
Baklava is often served with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or tea, and it is a beloved dessert in Turkey and around the world.
Tavuk Gogsu
Tavuk göğsü is a traditional Turkish dessert made with shredded chicken breast, milk, sugar, and rice flour. This unique dessert has a pudding-like consistency and a subtle chicken flavor.
To make tavuk göğsü, chicken breast is boiled until tender and then shredded into fine pieces. The shredded chicken is then mixed with milk, sugar, and rice flour in a saucepan and heated over medium heat until it thickens into a creamy pudding-like consistency.
The mixture is then poured into a shallow dish and allowed to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, the tavuk göğsü is cut into small squares or diamond shapes and garnished with ground cinnamon before serving.
Despite its unusual ingredient of chicken breast, tavuk göğsü has a mild, creamy taste and is a popular dessert in Turkey. It is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals, and is enjoyed as a comforting and satisfying treat.
Firin Sutlac
Fırın sütlaç is a classic Turkish dessert that is similar to rice pudding. It is made with milk, sugar, rice, and cornstarch and is often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. The dessert is baked in the oven until it develops a golden-brown color on top.
To make fırın sütlaç, the rice is first cooked in water until it is tender. Then, milk and sugar are added to the rice and it is cooked until it thickens. Cornstarch is then mixed in to give the mixture a creamier texture. The mixture is then poured into individual oven-safe bowls and baked in the oven until it develops a golden-brown color on top.
Once the fırın sütlaç has cooled down, it is often garnished with ground cinnamon or other toppings such as chopped nuts or dried fruit. Fırın sütlaç is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served during special occasions and festivals. Its rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Kunefe
Künefe is a popular dessert in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine that is made with a layer of cheese sandwiched between two layers of shredded phyllo dough, soaked in sweet syrup, and then baked until golden and crispy. It is often served hot, and it is a beloved dessert for special occasions and celebrations.
To make künefe, shredded phyllo dough is layered with a layer of cheese, traditionally made from a type of Turkish cheese called "tel kadayıf," and sometimes mixed with semolina or flour to add texture. The layers are then soaked in a sweet syrup, typically made from sugar, water, and lemon juice, and baked in the oven until golden and crispy.
Once the künefe is baked, it is usually topped with a sprinkling of crushed pistachios or other nuts and served hot with a dollop of clotted cream or ice cream. The combination of the crispy phyllo dough, gooey cheese, and sweet syrup makes künefe a delicious and indulgent dessert.
Künefe is a beloved dessert in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, and it is often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays. Its unique and delicious flavor makes it a must-try dessert for anyone visiting the region.
Turkish Delights
Turkish delights, also known as lokum, are a type of chewy candy made from starch and sugar, typically flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other fruit essences. They are a popular sweet treat in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, and they come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and flavors.
To make Turkish delights, sugar, water, and cornstarch are heated together in a saucepan until they form a thick, sticky mixture. The mixture is then flavored with rosewater, lemon, or other fruit essences, and food coloring may be added to give it a vibrant color. The mixture is then poured into a mold and left to cool and set.
Once the Turkish delights have set, they are removed from the mold and cut into small cubes or other shapes. They are often dusted with powdered sugar or coconut flakes to prevent them from sticking together.
Turkish delights are a beloved dessert in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, and they are often served with tea or coffee. They are also a popular souvenir for visitors to bring back from their travels to the region.
Kazandibi
Kazandibi is a classic Turkish dessert that is similar to crème brûlée. It is made with milk, sugar, and rice flour, and is traditionally cooked in a copper pot or "kazan" (hence the name "kazandibi," which means "bottom of the pot"). The dessert is characterized by a crispy, caramelized layer on top and a creamy, pudding-like texture underneath.
To make kazandibi, milk and sugar are heated in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Rice flour is then mixed in and the mixture is cooked over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a creamy pudding-like consistency. The mixture is then poured into a greased baking dish and baked in the oven until a golden-brown crust forms on top.
Once the kazandibi is cooked, it is usually flipped over onto a serving dish, revealing the caramelized layer on top. The dessert is often garnished with ground cinnamon or other toppings such as chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Kazandibi is a popular dessert in Turkey and is often served during special occasions and celebrations. Its rich, creamy texture and caramelized crust make it a beloved dessert among locals and visitors alike.
Turkish Tulumba
Turkish tulumba is a sweet pastry that is similar to churros or doughnuts. It is made from choux pastry dough that is deep-fried until golden brown and crispy, then soaked in a sweet syrup.
To make tulumba, a batter is made from flour, water, and eggs, and is piped into hot oil in long, thin strips using a pastry bag or a special tulumba-making tool. The strips are then deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once the tulumba is cooked, it is removed from the oil and soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. The syrup infuses the pastry with a sweet flavor and helps to keep it moist and tender.
Tulumba is often served cold, and it is a popular dessert in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries. It is often garnished with ground cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Its crispy texture and sweet flavor make it a beloved dessert for special occasions and celebrations.
Pismaniye
Pismaniye is a traditional Turkish sweet that is made from pulled sugar and flour. It is similar to cotton candy in texture, but it has a unique flavor that comes from the addition of flour to the sugar.
To make pismaniye, sugar and flour are heated together in a large pot until they melt and form a thick, sticky mixture. The mixture is then poured onto a large flat surface and pulled and stretched by hand until it becomes thin and fibrous.
As the sugar and flour mixture is pulled, it becomes aerated and takes on a cotton candy-like texture. It is then rolled into small, bite-sized pieces and dusted with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
Pismaniye is a popular sweet in Turkey and is often served as a snack or dessert. It comes in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio. Its unique texture and sweet flavor make it a must-try treat for anyone visiting Turkey.
Ashure
Ashure, also known as Noah's Pudding, is a traditional Turkish dessert that is typically served during the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It is a type of porridge made with a variety of grains, nuts, and dried fruits, and is often considered to be a symbol of unity and sharing.
To make ashure, a mixture of grains such as wheat, barley, and rice are boiled together in water until they are soft and tender. Sugar, dried fruits such as raisins and apricots, and nuts such as walnuts and pistachios are then added to the mixture, along with spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
The mixture is then cooked over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a porridge-like consistency. Once it is cooked, it is typically garnished with additional nuts and dried fruits, and served cold.
Ashure is a popular dessert in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, and it is often shared among friends and family as a symbol of unity and togetherness. It is also considered to be a healthy dessert, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins.
Zerde
Zerde is a traditional Turkish dessert that is made with rice, sugar, saffron, and other ingredients. It is typically served during special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals, and is considered to be a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
To make Zerde, rice is cooked in water until it is soft and tender. Sugar, saffron, and other flavorings such as rosewater and cinnamon are then added to the mixture, and the ingredients are stirred together until they are well combined.
The mixture is then boiled until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Once it is cooked, it is typically garnished with chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds, and served cold.
Zerde is a popular dessert in Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, and it is often served alongside other sweet treats such as Turkish delight and baklava. Its sweet flavor and vibrant yellow color make it a beloved dessert for special occasions and celebrations.
Cezerye
Cezerye is a traditional Turkish sweet made with carrots and sugar. It is often flavored with nuts such as pistachios or walnuts, and is a popular dessert during the winter months.
To make cezerye, grated carrots are cooked in sugar syrup until they become tender and caramelized. The mixture is then combined with ground nuts and shaped into small, bite-sized pieces.
Once the cezerye has been shaped, it is typically rolled in coconut flakes or powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking together. It is then left to cool and set, and is served cold as a sweet treat.
Cezerye is a popular dessert in Turkey, and is often given as a gift during the winter months. Its sweet and nutty flavor, along with its unique texture, make it a beloved treat for those who enjoy traditional Turkish sweets.
Gullac
Gullac is a traditional Turkish dessert made with layers of thin, delicate pastry sheets and a sweetened milk syrup. It is a popular dessert during the holy month of Ramadan and is also served during other special occasions and celebrations.
To make gullac, thin pastry sheets made from wheat flour and corn starch are soaked in a mixture of milk and sugar until they become soft and pliable. The sheets are then layered in a shallow dish, alternating with a sweetened milk syrup that has been flavored with rose water or vanilla.
Once the layers have been assembled, the dessert is typically chilled in the refrigerator until it has set and the flavors have melded together. Just before serving, it is often garnished with chopped nuts such as pistachios or almonds.
Gullac has a delicate and creamy flavor, and the addition of the rose water or vanilla gives it a subtle floral aroma. Its unique texture, which is soft and slightly chewy from the pastry sheets, makes it a favorite dessert among those who enjoy traditional Turkish sweets.
Katmer
Katmer is a traditional Turkish pastry that is made with thin layers of dough that are rolled out, filled with a mixture of ground pistachios and sugar, and then baked until crispy and golden brown. It is typically served for breakfast or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
To make katmer, a dough made from flour, water, and oil is rolled out into thin sheets, which are then brushed with butter and folded over on themselves to create multiple layers. The layers are then rolled out again and filled with a mixture of ground pistachios and sugar.
Once the filling is added, the dough is rolled up into a spiral and flattened slightly, and then baked until it is crispy and golden brown. It is typically served warm, often drizzled with honey or syrup and sprinkled with additional pistachios.
Katmer is a popular pastry in Turkey and is often found in specialty bakeries and cafes. Its delicate layers and sweet, nutty filling make it a favorite among those who enjoy traditional Turkish sweets.
Ayva tatlisi (quince dessert)
Ayva tatlisi, also known as quince dessert, is a traditional Turkish sweet made with quince fruit that has been stewed in a sugar syrup until it becomes tender and fragrant. It is typically served cold as a dessert, often garnished with whipped cream or chopped nuts.
To make ayva tatlisi, quince fruit is peeled, cored, and cut into slices, which are then stewed in a sugar syrup until they become tender and caramelized. The quince is then allowed to cool in the syrup until it has absorbed the sweet flavors and aromas.
Once it has cooled, the ayva tatlisi is typically served chilled, often garnished with whipped cream or chopped nuts. Its sweet and fragrant flavor, along with its soft and tender texture, make it a beloved dessert in Turkey.
Ayva tatlisi is a popular dessert during the fall and winter months when quince fruit is in season. Its unique flavor and aroma, which is reminiscent of apples and pears, make it a delightful sweet treat that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Cevizli Sucuk (walnut sausage)
Cevizli sucuk, also known as walnut sausage, is a traditional Turkish sweet that is made with a mixture of walnuts and sugar that has been shaped into a sausage-like log and then coated in flour or cocoa powder. It is typically served as a sweet snack or dessert, often paired with tea or coffee.
To make cevizli sucuk, walnuts are ground into a fine powder and mixed with sugar and a variety of spices, such as cinnamon and cloves. The mixture is then shaped into a log or sausage shape and coated in flour or cocoa powder to prevent it from sticking together.
Once it has been shaped and coated, the cevizli sucuk is typically left to dry for several hours or overnight until it has hardened and can be sliced into thin rounds. The resulting slices have a sweet and nutty flavor, along with a slightly chewy texture.
Cevizli sucuk is a popular snack and dessert in Turkey and is often given as a gift during special occasions and celebrations. Its unique combination of flavors and textures make it a beloved treat among those who enjoy traditional Turkish sweets.
Turkey is renowned for its rich culture and history, and its delicious cuisine is no exception. One of the most popular aspects of Turkish food is its desserts and sweets. These treats are famous for their unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, which make them a delight for the taste buds of anyone who tries them. Tourists who visit Turkey are not only mesmerized by its stunning scenery and the combination of modern and ancient architecture, but they also indulge in the country's wide variety of traditional sweets and desserts.
From the flaky layers of baklava to the creamy texture of firin sutlac, Turkish desserts offer a wide range of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Traditional treats like kunefe and Turkish Delight are made from a variety of ingredients, such as shredded phyllo dough, pistachios, and honey, while more modern sweets like cezerye and gullac are made from carrots and rice flour, respectively.
Turkish desserts and sweets are not only a favorite among tourists, but they are also an important part of Turkish culture and tradition. Many of these sweets have been passed down for generations and are an integral part of family gatherings and celebrations. For example, ashure, a dessert made with grains, nuts, and dried fruit, is traditionally served during the month of Muharram as part of a religious observance.
When visiting Turkey, tourists are often encouraged to try traditional sweets and desserts, which are readily available at bakeries and cafes throughout the country. Many shops specialize in making fresh, handmade sweets that are made using traditional techniques and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
In conclusion, Turkish desserts and sweets are a beloved aspect of Turkish cuisine and culture. With their unique blend of sweet and savory flavors and textures, they offer a delicious and unforgettable experience for anyone who tries them. So, if you ever have the chance to visit Turkey, be sure to indulge in some of the country's famous sweets and desserts.