Vegan Traditional Turkish Delight
Indulge in the sweetness of tradition with this Vegan Traditional Turkish Delight recipe—a plant-based twist on the classic confection. Using simple ingredients like granulated sugar, cornstarch, and rosewater (or your favorite flavor), this recipe creates irresistibly soft and chewy treats with a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings, these delightful squares are flavored with a touch of bright lemon juice and can be enhanced with optional vegan food coloring for a vibrant, eye-catching look. Whether dusted generously with powdered sugar or packed into an airtight container, these charming Turkish delights are ideal for sharing at gatherings or gifting during the holidays. With easy-to-follow steps and tantalizing results, this vegan recipe is your go-to for homemade elegance.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams granulated sugar
- 240 milliliters water (for sugar syrup)
- 75 grams cornstarch
- 360 milliliters water (for cornstarch mixture)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1.5 tablespoons rosewater (or any other flavor, such as orange blossom or vanilla)
- 3 drops vegan food coloring (optional)
- 100 grams powdered sugar
- 50 grams more cornstarch (for dusting)
Instructions
Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) square pan with a small amount of neutral oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, 240ml water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Insert a candy thermometer and cook until the temperature reaches 115°C (240°F), also known as the soft-ball stage. This will take around 10–15 minutes. While the sugar syrup is cooking, move to the next step to prepare the cornstarch mixture.
In a separate large saucepan, whisk together 75g cornstarch and 360ml water until smooth and free of lumps.
Place the cornstarch mixture over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until it turns thick and paste-like. This will take about 5–6 minutes.
Once the cornstarch mixture is ready, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, whisking continuously to incorporate. Be careful as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture for 45–50 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The mixture will thicken and turn glossy. Ensure you scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to prevent burning.
After 45–50 minutes, remove the pan from heat and stir in the rosewater (or your chosen flavor) and vegan food coloring, if using. Mix until fully combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 4–6 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
Once set, mix the powdered sugar and additional cornstarch (50g) in a shallow bowl. Dust a work surface with some of the mixture, then turn the Turkish Delight out onto the surface.
Using a sharp knife dusted with the powdered sugar mixture, cut the Turkish Delight into small squares. Toss each piece in the powdered sugar mixture to coat evenly and prevent sticking.
Store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. Dust with more powdered sugar if they become sticky over time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 9 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 664.8 g | 242% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 548.2 g | ||
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 20 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
