Turkish Delight (Rahat-Lokum)

Turkish Delight – recipe with photo, Turkish cuisine
Rating: 4.6 Votes: 33
Cooking Time:
30 min. Recipe Yield:
1 kg Difficulty:
Medium recipe

Turkish delight is one of the most famous Turkish sweets, traditionally made from sugar syrup and starch. Classic recipes often include lemon juice or citric acid, and for aroma – vanilla, cocoa, or fruit molasses. Turkish delight can be prepared with nuts, raisins, or even dried fruits, creating a variety of flavors. Traditionally, it is cut into small cubes and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients for Turkish Delight Recipe

Sugar 3,5 cups
Cornstarch 1 cup
Water 1,5 cups
Citric Acid 0,5 tsp
Cocoa Powder 1 tbsp
Walnut 5 pcs

How to Make Turkish Delight

The recipe for Turkish delight is very simple. Pour the sugar into a deep saucepan and add 1 cup of cold water. Stir and place over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, and once the syrup starts to boil, reduce the heat.

Dissolve the cornstarch in ½ cup of water. Slowly pour it into the boiling syrup in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps.

Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. Cook until it thickens and becomes stretchy. Then add the citric acid, vanilla sugar, and cocoa. Mix well.

Line a flat dish with parchment paper or foil. Pour in the hot mixture and spread it evenly. Optionally press walnut pieces into the surface. Let it set completely at room temperature.

Once fully set, carefully remove the mass from the dish, cut into small cubes with a sharp knife, and generously coat in powdered sugar. Store in a closed container in a cool place.

Tips for Making Turkish Delight

  • For a richer flavor, add a few drops of rose water or orange essence to the syrup.

  • If you want different tastes and aromas, divide the mixture and add different flavors to each part.

  • Do not overcook the syrup: overly thick lokum will be tough, not tender.

  • Lightly toast the nuts before adding – it enhances their flavor.

  • Turkish delight stays softer longer if stored in a container with an extra layer of powdered sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Delight

Turkish delight, or lokum, is made from sugar, water, and starch. The mixture is cooked into a thick, chewy base, then flavored with lemon juice, rose water, vanilla, or cocoa. Nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds are often added, along with dried fruit or candied peel, making each variety unique in taste and texture.

Turkish delight has a soft, chewy texture and a delicate sweetness. The flavor depends on the ingredients: classic lokum with rose water has a floral aroma, while versions with lemon, orange, or pomegranate are fruity and refreshing. Variants with nuts add a crunchy contrast, and cocoa or vanilla gives a deeper, dessert-like taste.

In the United States, Turkish delight is sometimes sold as “Turkish paste” or in chocolate-coated versions, especially popular in candies inspired by Middle Eastern desserts. The texture may be firmer, and flavors are often adapted to local tastes, such as cherry or strawberry, while traditional varieties keep rose water or pistachios as their base.

In moderation, Turkish delight can provide quick energy from natural sugars and some nutrients from nuts or dried fruit. However, it is high in sugar and calories, so overconsumption may harm teeth and weight. When enjoyed as an occasional treat, it’s a safe and delightful addition to a balanced diet.

Yes, lokum and Turkish delight are the same sweet. “Lokum” is the original Turkish name, while “Turkish delight” became common in English-speaking countries. Both refer to the same chewy, sugar-and-starch-based confection that has been a symbol of Turkish hospitality for centuries.

Lokum originated in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire and later spread across the Mediterranean, including Greece. Today it is cherished in both cuisines, but its historical roots are Turkish. In Greece it is often called “loukoumi,” and recipes can have local variations in flavors and preparation.

The word “lokum” comes from the Turkish phrase rahat al-hulqum, meaning “comfort for the throat” or “ease for the palate.” Over time, it came to symbolize a sweet treat that brings pleasure and comfort, making lokum not just a dessert but also a gesture of hospitality.
Turkish Cuisine
Baking and Desserts
Vegan
Vegetarianism