Turkish Delight Recipe (Lokum Recipe)

Close-up of several red Turkish delights dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on a blue plate. The cubes have a slightly translucent, chewy texture and are evenly coated with a fine layer of sugar, giving them a frosty appearance.
3.50 from 90 votes

Turkish delight (lokum) is a traditional Turkish candy. This recipe is very poplar and you can find this candy in different colors, flavors and with different filling (such as pistachios and almonds). This recipe is based on starch and sugar, and it’s pretty easy to prepare.
You also might recognize Turkish Delight as the candy from The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
So if you like to make candies at home, you should try this delicious and sweet candy.

Close-up of several red Turkish delights dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on a blue plate. The cubes have a slightly translucent, chewy texture and are evenly coated with a fine layer of sugar, giving them a frosty appearance.

Turkish Delight Recipe (Lokum Recipe)

3.50 from 90 votes
Prep Time 1 hour
WORK TIME 1 hour
DIFFICULTY Easy
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 20 yields

Ingredients
 

For the candies:

  • 3 cups 600g Sugar
  • ~3 1/3 cups 810ml Water, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons Rose water
  • ¾ cup 100g cornstarch
  • Red food coloring optional

For coating:

  • ½ cup 62g Powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup 32g Cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • DIRECTIONS
    1. Grease the sides and bottom of an 8-inch (20cm) square pan with vegetable oil. Line a parchment paper, grease the parchment as well. Set aside.
    2. In a large saucepan combine sugar, 270ml of water and lemon juice. Set over medium heat. Allow to boil and let the sugar dissolves. Then reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the mixture reaches 235-240F (112-115C) (soft ball stage). Remove from heat and set aside.
    3.In a separate saucepan combine cornstarch and 2¼ cups (540ml) water, stir until no lumps remains. Place over medium heat, stir constantly until mixture begins to boil and mixture has glue-like consistency.
    4. Gradually stir in the syrup to the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly for about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
    5. Stir in the rose water, food coloring and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spared evenly and allow to cool for at least 4 hours.
    6. In a big dish mix powdered sugar and cornstarch. Sprinkle some of the mixture over a clean surface. Turn the dough over and cut into little squares.
    7. Coat each square with the cornstarch mixture.

Video

YouTube video
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.

10 Comments

  1. Lorenna N says:

    Absolutely loved the taste, texture, smell and the shape of the delight in this recipe. Since my last visit to Grand Turkish Bazaar on 2019 before covid times, I was buying my delights from grandturkishbazaar.com But after that recipe, I see that how easy to make it at home on my own. Thank you!! 🙂

    October 8, 2020
  2. Never made these before… It’s this recipe that brought me here from youtube.
    I’ve just finished making 2 batches and i’m very impressed!
    A recipe I will cherish forever ♥

    February 11, 2021
  3. Hello!
    Do you have to use the vanilla extract? Thank you!!

    March 13, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      No, its just optional and adds extra flavor. You can omit it or use another extract that you like.

      March 18, 2023
  4. Do you have to add colouring?

    April 5, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      No, as I mentioned in the recipe, it’s optional.

      April 8, 2023
  5. What is the least time I can let it rest for. I need it very urgent🆘

    April 5, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      You don’t need to let it rest. You can consume it right away when it’s ready

      April 8, 2023
  6. To cook it until lightly golden but that definitely is not any shade of golden colour. so how to tell if it is done? I think I overcooked it. It is so thick that I can’t smooth out the surface nor spread out to fill the corner of the container.

    June 13, 2023
  7. Sooooooo goood

    March 10, 2024
3.50 from 90 votes (90 ratings without comment)

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