Homemade Orange and Walnut Turkish Delight: An Authentic Recipe for a Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sweet Treat

Prepare to be enchanted by this homemade Turkish delight, bursting with the vibrant zest of orange and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of delicate caramel flavor and earthy nuts, enveloped in a whisper of confectioner’s sugar that truly melts in your mouth. Simply delicious!

For many, Turkish delight, known as Lokum, conjures images of exotic bazaars and ancient traditions. This iconic sweet confection, deeply embedded in Middle Eastern and Balkan cultures, is a testament to the artistry of Turkish patisserie. Its translucent, chewy texture and often floral or fruity notes make it a unique and unforgettable treat. However, my personal journey with Turkish delight began with a somewhat different impression.

When I was younger, my neighbor’s girlfriend would occasionally bring home Turkish delight. In my youthful memories, it was overwhelmingly sweet, remarkably sticky, and frankly, not quite to my taste. At least, that was my perception at the time. The store-bought versions often felt mass-produced, lacking the nuanced flavors and delicate texture one might expect from such a legendary sweet. This experience, unfortunately, shaped my opinion for many years.

Since moving, I hadn’t encountered it much, and even when I spotted it in the local Turkish shop in the town center, I felt no particular urge to revisit it. It had become one of those things I simply didn’t gravitate towards. But a newfound curiosity, fueled by a desire to explore traditional recipes and rediscover flavors, led me to wonder if my initial impression was truly fair. Could the magic of authentic, homemade Turkish delight be something entirely different? It turns out, it absolutely could be.

Embarking on the journey to make Turkish delight from scratch offers a truly rewarding experience. Not only do you gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring purity and freshness, but you also get to tailor the sweetness and flavor profile to your exact preferences. This particular recipe combines the bright, zesty notes of orange with the rich, earthy crunch of walnuts, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the traditional Lokum to a new level of culinary excellence. The delicate caramel undertones, achieved through careful cooking of sugar syrup, pair perfectly with the vibrant additions, resulting in a confection that is both sophisticated and incredibly comforting.

The beauty of homemade Turkish delight lies in its exquisite texture – a soft, jelly-like chewiness that gives way to a smooth, melting sensation as the confectioner’s sugar coating dissolves on your tongue. It’s a far cry from the overly sweet and dense versions that might have shaped your previous perceptions. Crafting this treat at home allows you to appreciate the subtle complexities and the delicate balance of flavors that define truly exceptional Turkish delight.

Before diving into the detailed recipe, here are some essential tips and considerations to help you achieve perfect results and customize your Turkish delight:

• Gelatin vs. Vegetarian Options: This recipe traditionally uses gelatin to achieve its signature chewy texture. If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly version, simply replace the 4 teaspoons of gelatin with 1 ½ teaspoons of agar-agar powder. Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed and will provide a similar, though slightly firmer, consistency.
• Nut-Free Alternatives: The inclusion of walnuts adds a wonderful texture and nutty depth to this recipe. However, if you prefer a nut-free version or simply wish to experiment with different flavors, you can easily substitute the walnuts. Consider using dried cranberries for a tart and fruity contrast, or incorporate chunks of your favorite chocolate for an indulgent twist.
• Ensuring Easy Removal: To make sure your Turkish delight can be effortlessly removed from the tin once set, it’s crucial to line your baking tin thoroughly with plastic wrap. Ensure there’s enough overhang to easily lift the entire slab out. This simple step will save you a lot of hassle and help maintain the perfect shape of your confection.
• Color Customization: While traditional Turkish delight is often seen in vibrant reds and pinks, using natural ingredients will result in a lovely yellow hue, especially with orange zest. If you desire that classic red color, feel free to add a drop or two of red food coloring to the mixture during the cooking process. It’s entirely a matter of aesthetic preference!

Creating Turkish delight at home is not just about following a recipe; it’s about engaging in a process that transforms simple ingredients into something magical. The careful balancing of sugar and cornflour, the precise timing, and the patience required for cooling all contribute to the final, delectable outcome. This recipe, specifically designed for home cooks, breaks down each step into manageable actions, making the ancient art of Lokum making accessible to everyone.

The journey from a skeptical palate to a connoisseur of homemade Turkish delight has been truly transformative. It has taught me that sometimes, revisiting a food with an open mind and a homemade approach can reveal hidden delights. This orange and walnut variation is a testament to how traditional sweets can be adapted and perfected in one’s own kitchen, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless classic. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of Turkish coffee.

📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Turkish Delight with Orange and Walnuts

Andréa

This delightful homemade Turkish delight (Lokum) combines the sweet caramel notes with the bright zest of orange and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Each piece is dusted with confectioner’s sugar, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is truly unforgettable. Perfect for an authentic sweet treat.

5 of 2 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

cooling/stiffening 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Sweets and Sweet Baking

Cuisine Middle East

Servings 20 sweets

Calories 64 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 grams granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ▢ 270 ml water
• ▢ 40 grams corn flour (cornstarch), + 1 extra tablespoon for dusting
• ▢ 4 teaspoons gelatin powder, or 1½ teaspoon agar-agar powder for a vegetarian option
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 20 grams candied orange peel, finely sliced or minced
• ▢ 20 grams walnuts, roughly chopped
• ▢ 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

• ▢
  In a dry frying pan, gently roast the chopped walnuts over low heat until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. This enhances their nutty flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
• ▢
  In a small bowl, soak the gelatin powder in 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it blooms and thickens. If using agar-agar, skip this step for now.
• ▢
  Combine the granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and ¾ cup (180ml) of water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
• ▢
  In a separate bowl, whisk together 2¾ tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch) with ½ cup (120ml) of cold water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free slurry. If using agar-agar, add 1½ teaspoons of agar-agar powder to this cornflour mixture.
• ▢
  Gradually pour the cornflour mixture (with or without agar-agar) into the simmering sugar syrup in the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure it fully incorporates.
• ▢
  Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin (if using gelatin) until it’s completely dissolved.
• ▢
  Return the saucepan to low heat and simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The mixture will continue to thicken and become translucent.
• ▢
  Prepare a square or rectangular baking tin (approx. 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) by lining it generously with plastic foil, ensuring ample overhang on all sides. This will greatly aid in removing the set Turkish delight.
• ▢
  In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar with the extra 1 tablespoon of cornflour. This mixture will be used for dusting.
• ▢
  Lightly dust the lined baking form with a thin layer of the confectioners’ sugar/cornflour mixture. This helps prevent sticking and adds to the final appearance.
• ▢
  Remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes at room temperature before adding other ingredients.
• ▢
  Stir in the finely sliced candied orange peel, the roasted chopped walnuts, and the vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If desired, add a drop of red food coloring at this stage for a traditional vibrant red color.
• ▢
  Carefully pour the warm Turkish delight mixture into the prepared baking form.
• ▢
  Using a spatula, gently flatten the top of the mixture to create an even surface.
• ▢
  Allow the Turkish delight to cool and stiffen completely at room temperature for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Do not refrigerate, as this can alter the texture.
• ▢
  Once fully set, use the plastic wrap overhang to lift the Turkish delight slab out of the tin. Place it on a cutting board lightly dusted with the remaining confectioners’ sugar/cornflour mixture. Using a sharp, oiled knife, cut the Turkish delight into small, bite-sized cubes. Dust each cube generously with the sugar/cornflour mixture to prevent sticking and give it that classic appearance. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade delight!

Notes

• In this recipe, gelatin is used to achieve the traditional chewy texture. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the 4 teaspoons of gelatin powder with 1 ½ teaspoons of agar-agar powder. Add agar-agar along with the cornflour slurry in step 3.
• By using walnuts, this is not a nut-free recipe. You can make a nut-free version by replacing the walnuts with dried cranberries or small chunks of chocolate. This allows for diverse flavor profiles and caters to different dietary needs.
• To ensure your Turkish delight is easy to take out of the tin and prevents sticking, always cover the tin thoroughly with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to lift the set confection. This is a crucial step for a smooth process.
• Without food coloring, your homemade Turkish delight will naturally turn a beautiful light yellow hue due to the orange and caramelization. If you prefer the vibrant red color often seen in traditional stores, you can add a drop or two of red food coloring during step 11 when you mix in the vanilla extract and inclusions.
• For the best texture and flavor, allow the Turkish delight to cool and set at room temperature. Refrigerating it can sometimes lead to a tougher consistency, so patience is key for this delightful treat.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 4mgSugar: 12g

Keyword Homemade Turkish Delight, Orange Turkish Delight, Walnut Turkish Delight, Lokum Recipe, Sweet Dessert, Traditional Candy, Easy Candy Recipe, Vegetarian Sweet Treat Option

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