Classic Turkish Delight

This homemade Classic Turkish Delight is a chewy, sweet, and lightly floral candy made with cornstarch, sugar, and flavor extracts. Featuring a tender bite and delicate texture, these treats are dusted in powdered sugar and optionally studded with pistachios for a nutty crunch. A truly timeless confection, Turkish Delight makes an elegant addition to any dessert table or gift box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique and nostalgic – This Middle Eastern classic candy is unlike anything else in texture and flavor.

• Customizable flavors – Choose from rosewater, orange, raspberry, or a mix for your perfect flavor profile.

• No gelatin or eggs – Just cornstarch, sugar, and flavorings make this an easy plant-based treat.

• Impressive homemade gift – Turkish Delight looks as beautiful as it tastes, perfect for sharing.

• Long shelf life – Keeps well at room temperature for several weeks.

Ingredients

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

• 4 cups granulated sugar

• 4 ¼ cups water, divided

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 ¼ cups cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar

• 2 tablespoons rosewater (optional)

• 1 ½ teaspoons raspberry extract

• 1 ½ teaspoons orange extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup chopped pistachios (optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 4–6 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Equipment
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with foil and spray generously with nonstick spray. Set aside. Place two large 4–6 quart pots on the stove. Attach a candy thermometer to one.

2. Make the Sugar Syrup
Add 4 cups sugar and 1 ½ cups water to the pot with the thermometer. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue cooking until the syrup reaches 240°F.

3. Make the Cornstarch Paste
Meanwhile, in the second pot, whisk together the remaining 2 ¾ cups water, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cream of tartar until completely smooth with no lumps. Heat on high and whisk continuously until it becomes a thick, white paste similar in texture to petroleum jelly.

4. Combine Syrup and Paste
Slowly and carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the thick paste a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. This step is easier with two people.

5. Simmer the Mixture
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will become a thick, golden-orange jelly.

6. Add Flavor and Color
Turn off the heat and stir in the rosewater, raspberry and orange extracts, salt, and food coloring if using.

7. Pour and Layer
Pour half the candy mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the surface, then pour the remaining mixture on top. Alternatively, mix pistachios into the batch before pouring.

8. Chill
Refrigerate the dish for 30–60 minutes or until fully set.

9. Cut and Coat
Turn the set candy out of the pan and remove the foil. Cut into small squares (about 100 pieces) using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

10. Powder Sugar Coating
Toss the candy pieces in powdered sugar until fully coated. This keeps them from sticking together.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 100 bite-size pieces
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit pistachios for a smoother texture.

• Different Flavors: Use lemon, mint, or almond extract instead of raspberry or orange.

• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for brightness.

• Colorful Delight: Divide the mixture into separate bowls, add different food colors and flavors for a rainbow assortment.

• Holiday Style: Use green and red coloring with peppermint for festive treats.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store Turkish Delight in an airtight container, dusted with powdered sugar, for up to 4 weeks. Do not refrigerate after initial chilling as it will cause moisture to form and make them sticky.

Freezing: Not recommended, as it alters the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Turkish Delight without rosewater?

Yes. Rosewater is traditional but optional. Use any extract you like—orange, raspberry, lemon, or almond all work well.

Why is my Turkish Delight grainy?

This can happen if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or if there were cornstarch clumps. Be sure to stir constantly and whisk thoroughly at every step.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses no gelatin, butter, or dairy.

Why is cream of tartar used?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the cornstarch paste and prevents crystallization in the sugar syrup.

How do I get smooth texture without lumps?

Whisk thoroughly when mixing cornstarch and water, and keep stirring constantly when adding the hot syrup to prevent clumping.

Can I add food coloring?

Yes, food coloring is optional and purely for presentation. A few drops go a long way.

How do I know when the candy is ready to pour?

After 45 minutes of simmering, the mixture should be thick, glossy, and golden. It should fall slowly off a spoon in a jelly-like consistency.

Can I use gelatin instead of cornstarch?

Traditional Turkish Delight uses cornstarch. Gelatin gives it a different texture and is not authentic.

What’s the best way to cut Turkish Delight?

Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears coated with a little oil or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Why is powdered sugar used?

It prevents the candy pieces from sticking to each other and adds a lightly sweet finish.

Conclusion

Homemade Turkish Delight is a classic confection that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. With its tender, chewy texture and customizable flavors, this candy is a unique treat you can enjoy year-round. Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or gifting it during the holidays, this recipe delivers sweet, nostalgic charm in every bite.