Perfect Turkish Delight Recipe Easy Authentic Lokum for Sweet Bliss
An authentic and easy Turkish Delight (Lokum) recipe that delivers soft, chewy candy with delicate floral and citrus notes, perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: About 36 cubes (approx. 12 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water, divided
- 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) rosewater (or orange blossom water, vanilla extract)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pistachios, walnuts, or dried rose petals
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly dust with a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, and lemon juice. Stir gently and bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to reach 240°F (115°C), the soft-ball stage. Remove from heat immediately.
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch, 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, and the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) water. Stir continuously over medium heat until thick and glossy, about 10 minutes.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly. Return to low heat and cook, stirring frequently, for 30-40 minutes until thick and sticky.
- Remove from heat and stir in rosewater or alternative flavoring. Fold in nuts or dried petals if using.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan, smooth the top, and let cool uncovered at room temperature for several hours or overnight until firm.
- Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar and cornstarch mix. Turn Lokum out, peel off parchment, and cut into small cubes with a knife dusted with the coating mixture.
- Toss cubes gently in the powdered sugar blend to coat all sides and prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer to ensure syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (240°F/115°C) to avoid grainy texture. Stir gently and consistently to prevent lumps. Dust knife with powdered sugar mixture between cuts for clean slices. Avoid refrigeration to keep Lokum soft. Let set overnight for best texture. Adjust rosewater amount to taste to avoid overpowering flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (30 g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 22
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, rosewater candy, homemade candy, Middle Eastern sweets, gluten-free dessert, vegan candy, easy Turkish Delight