Why You’ll Love Turkish Delight Rose & Lemon — A Taste of Classic Treat Recipe
You’ll love this treat because it combines two beloved flavours — delicate rose and zesty lemon — in a gentle, melt‑in‑the‑mouth dessert. It’s nostalgic, elegant, and offers a pleasant contrast between floral and citrus notes. Its soft texture and sugary coating make every bite satisfyingly traditional yet refreshing, ideal for gifting or enjoying at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sugar
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Corn starch (cornflour)
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Water
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Lemon (juice or extract)
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Rose (rose petals or rose water)
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Acidity regulator (e.g. cream of tartar)
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Optional natural or food colouring (for a traditional look)
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Icing sugar (and/or additional cornflour) for dusting
Directions
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In a heavy-bottomed pan, dissolve sugar and lemon juice in part of the water over medium heat; bring to a gentle boil to form a syrup.
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In a separate pot, mix cornflour with the remaining water and heat, stirring, until it becomes a thick paste.
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Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the cornflour paste while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and semi‑translucent.
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Remove from heat and stir in rose water (or finely chopped rose petals) and any optional colouring.
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Pour the mixture into a lined, oiled dish, smooth the top, and let it set at room temperature — ideally for several hours or overnight.
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Once set firm, cut into small cubes and toss generously in a mixture of icing sugar (and optionally cornflour) to prevent sticking.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 30–40 small cubes (depending on the size).
Prep time ~ 10–15 minutes, cooking ~ 1 hour, plus setting time 6–12 hours (best left overnight).
Variations
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Swap lemon for other citrus (orange, bergamot) for a different twist.
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Add chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for crunch.
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Use different flavourings (mint, cinnamon, mastic) instead of rose.
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Colour the cubes with natural food colouring or omit colouring for a more traditional appearance.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Turkish delight in a cool, dry place, dusted with sugar, in an airtight or loosely covered container. It keeps well for several weeks. Do not refrigerate — cold and humidity may affect texture.
FAQs
What is Turkish Delight?
Turkish delight (lokum) is a soft, jelly‑like confection made from a gel of starch and sugar, traditionally flavoured with rosewater, lemon, mastic or other subtle aromatics.
Is Turkish Delight vegan / vegetarian?
Yes — classic Turkish delight recipes use starch and sugar instead of gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians and even vegans.
Why is the candy dusted with sugar (or cornflour)?
Dusting prevents the cubes from sticking together and absorbs surface moisture, keeping them easy to separate and handle.
How long does it need to set before cutting?
For best results, allow it to set for at least 6 hours — overnight is ideal — to reach the proper firm, jelly‑like consistency.
Can I add nuts or fruit to it?
Yes — chopped nuts (e.g. pistachios, walnuts) or small pieces of candied fruit can be mixed in before setting for added texture and flavour.
What’s the shelf‑life?
Properly stored in a cool, dry place, the delight can stay good for several weeks (up to 1–2 months), thanks to the high sugar content and low moisture in the finished candy.
Can I make it without food colouring?
Absolutely — colouring is optional. Without it, the candy will have a more traditional, pale look that’s still delicious.
Why do some pieces stick together over time?
If stored in a humid or warm environment, or without enough dusting sugar/cornflour, the candies can absorb moisture and stick. Proper dusting and cool, dry storage prevents that.
Can I refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer?
It’s not recommended — cold, moist air from the fridge may affect the texture and cause sweating. Better to store at room temperature in a dry place.
What drinks or occasions go well with Turkish Delight?
It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee, and is often served as a small sweet after meals, or as a gift or treat during holidays and festive occasions.
Conclusion
Rose‑and‑lemon Turkish delight is a timeless treat — elegant, aromatic, and pleasantly sweet. Whether you make it at home or enjoy a ready-made package, its delicate balance of floral and citrus flavour, soft jelly‑like texture, and sugary coating make it a simple yet deeply satisfying dessert. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm drink when you want a gentle, traditional sweet.
Turkish Delight Rose & Lemon — A Taste of Classic Treat
A classic Turkish confection, this Turkish Delight is delicately flavored with rose and lemon, offering a soft, chewy texture dusted with powdered sugar. Traditionally enjoyed with tea or as a sweet treat, it embodies the rich history of Ottoman-era desserts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 1/2 cups water, divided
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1/4 tsp lemon extract
- Few drops of red food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Additional cornstarch, for dusting
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, 1/2 cup water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the syrup reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage).
- In a separate pot, mix remaining 2 cups water with cornstarch and cream of tartar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until mixture becomes golden and jelly-like.
- Add rose water, lemon extract, and food coloring if using. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased or lined 8-inch square pan. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for 6–8 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Dust a surface with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch. Turn out the Turkish Delight, cut into cubes, and roll each piece in the sugar-starch mixture.
- Store in an airtight container, layered with parchment and dusted with more sugar-starch mix to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or sweating.
- Do not refrigerate, as it may affect the texture.
- Flavor can be adjusted with other extracts like orange or mint.
- Use a candy thermometer for best results with syrup temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
