Name: Irresistible Cranberry-Rose Turkish Delight Recipe Perfect for Holidays Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) cranberry juice; 1 cup (240ml) water; 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice; 1 tablespoon (15ml) rose water; 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (65g) cornstarch; Powdered sugar for dusting; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped dried cranberries; 1/4 cup (30g) pistachios

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Introduction

This cranberry-rose Turkish delight offers a delightful twist on a classic Middle Eastern treat. With the tartness of cranberry juice and the floral hint of rose water, it’s a perfect festive sweet to share during the holidays. Soft, chewy, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, it’s sure to impress your guests.

This image shows five square jelly desserts stacked on a round white plate with a gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each dessert has two visible layers: a thick, solid white base layer, and a translucent red top layer with white swirls blending between the two layers. The top surface of each dessert is dusted with a layer of white powdered sugar, with a sprinkle of green crushed nuts in the center on some pieces. Around the jelly cubes on the plate, there are several whole dark red cranberries scattered. The background is softly blurred with warm bokeh lights. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) cranberry juice
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
1/2 cup (65g) cornstarch
1 cup (240ml) water
1 tablespoon (15ml) rose water
1/4 cup (30g) chopped dried cranberries (optional)
1/4 cup (30g) pistachios (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly dust the parchment with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 cup (240ml) water until smooth. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberry juice, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Step 4: Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the rose water, adjusting the amount to your preference.
Step 6: If desired, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 8: Once set, lift the Turkish delight out using the parchment paper. Dust it generously with powdered sugar and cut into small squares using a sharp knife.
Step 9: Toss the squares in more powdered sugar to coat all sides evenly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Don’t rush the stirring process to avoid lumps or burning the mixture.
Measure ingredients precisely to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Adjust the rose water gradually to suit your taste; its floral aroma is key to the flavor.
For the best texture, chill the Turkish delight thoroughly, preferably overnight.
Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier.
Try adding other nuts like almonds or pistachios to vary the crunch.

Storage

Store Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep it away from humidity to prevent it from becoming sticky. If refrigerated, allow the pieces to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Re-coat with powdered sugar if needed before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a gold rim holding several cube-shaped pinkish-red Turkish delight pieces dusted heavily with white powdered sugar. Each cube has a smooth, jelly-like texture with visible whole red fruit bits inside. The cubes are stacked in layers, with some pieces leaning on others, creating a slightly uneven pile. Around the base of the cubes, there are whole fresh cranberries and halved green pistachios scattered, adding a mix of deep red, shiny, and green colors to the scene. The plate sits on a white marbled surface that softly reflects the colors of the sweets. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute cranberry juice with another fruit juice?

Yes, you can use pomegranate or cherry juice for a similar tartness and color. Adjust sweetness accordingly as different juices vary in sugar content.

How do I know when the mixture has thickened enough?

The mixture should become glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with a pudding-like consistency. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes on low heat while stirring.