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Turkish Delight Recipe (Lokum)

Turkish delight, also known as lokum, is a classic Turkish candy that’s soft and so delicious. Learn how to make Turkish delight at home using a handful of ingredients. I’ve included variations and several tips to make these perfectly every time. 

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 175 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 6 drops red food coloring
Topping
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9x9 baking pan a bit of oil. Then line it with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a 4 quart saucepan place the water, sugar and cornstarch. Place the saucepan over medium high heat. Once it comes to a simmer, lower the heat to medium and stir constantly until it’s thickened and has the consistency of gel. The mixture will be thick, but still pourable.
  3. Add drops the food coloring and stir to combine. If you like it darker, add more food coloring. Cook for another 10 minutes and then turn the heat off.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and let it sit at room temperature for 4 hours or until solid.
  5. Mix the powdered sugar with some cornstarch and sprinkle half of it on a clean surface such as a cutting board. Gently flip the solid lokum onto the board and top it with more cornstarch and powdered sugar mixture. Using a large knife, slice the lokum vertically and horizontally into 1 inch cubes.
  6. Toss in the cornstarch and powdered sugar mix again and plate.

Notes

  • Store the Turkish delight in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Keep them at room temperature and don’t refrigerate. Turkish delight keeps for up to 2 weeks in a cool dry place. 
  • It takes at least 4 hours for the Turkish delight mixture to set. If you have the time, let it sit at room temperature overnight. Don’t refrigerate or freeze it because it would release moisture.  
  • Store the Turkish delight in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. Keep them at room temperature and don’t refrigerate. Turkish delight keeps for up to 2 weeks in a cool dry place. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 175kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 45g (15%) Protein 0.02g (0%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Saturated Fat 0.001g (0%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g Sodium 4mg (0%) Potassium 1mg (0%) Fiber 0.1g (0%) Sugar 37g (74%) Calcium 2mg (0%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 175

% Daily Value*

Calories 175kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 45g 15%
Protein 0.02g 0%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Saturated Fat 0.001g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.001g 0%
Sodium 4mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
Fiber 0.1g 0%
Sugar 37g 74%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.