When I first ventured into Turkish cuisine, baklava was the first thing I tried. It’s world-famous, and rightly so—golden, flaky layers of pastry soaked in syrup.
But here’s the thing: Turkish desserts offer so much more than just baklava! Whether you’re craving something rich, creamy, or syrup-soaked, the variety of Turkish sweets can easily satisfy any sweet tooth.
Let’s go beyond the famous baklava and explore some other mouthwatering Turkish desserts that deserve a spot on your dessert table.
What Makes Turkish Desserts So Special?
If you’re a fan of desserts that combine textures, flavors, and a bit of history, Turkish sweets are definitely for you. What sets them apart is the use of natural ingredients like pistachios, honey, rosewater, and fruits—each adding a unique depth of flavor.
Turkish desserts aren’t just about sugar; they balance sweetness with crunch, creaminess, and even a little bit of savory in places. So if you’re ready to switch it up and try something new, here are some amazing Turkish desserts beyond baklava that you absolutely need to try.
How to Make Künefe: A Cheesy, Crispy Delight
Let’s start with künefe, a sweet treat that had me hooked from the very first bite. It’s cheesy, crispy, and syrupy, all in one bite—so satisfying.
This dessert is made with shredded pastry, or kadayıf, that’s fried until crispy and then layered with unsalted melting cheese. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- 350g kadayıf pastry
- 150g unsalted melting cheese (like mozzarella)
- 100g melted butter
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- Lemon juice
How to Make It:
- Make the syrup: Combine sugar and water, boiling it for 10-12 minutes until thickened. Add a few drops of lemon juice to cut through the sweetness. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the kadayıf: Shred the kadayıf and mix with the melted butter until it’s well-coated.
- Layer it up: Press half of the pastry into a greased pan, then layer the cheese on top. Cover with the rest of the pastry.
- Cook it: Fry it on low heat for about 10-12 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Add syrup: As soon as it’s done, pour the cooled syrup over the hot künefe. Garnish with crushed pistachios.
This dessert is definitely one that’ll impress your friends and family, and once you’ve had it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved in Turkish culture.
Why Fırın Sütlaç (Baked Rice Pudding) Should Be Your Next Comfort Dessert
If you’ve got a soft spot for rice pudding, fırın sütlaç will quickly become your favorite. This baked version has a beautifully caramelized top that adds a bittersweet contrast to the creamy, comforting rice pudding beneath it.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 2-3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
- Cook the rice: Boil rice in water until it’s soft and slightly watery.
- Prepare the pudding: Add milk and vanilla to the rice, and bring it to a boil. Stir in the sugar and let it dissolve.
- Thicken it up: Mix the cornstarch with some cold milk and whisk it into the pot. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into individual bowls and place them in a water bath. Bake at 180°C (356°F) until the tops are beautifully caramelized.
This dessert is my go-to when I want something sweet but not too heavy. It’s a classic that’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re looking to impress someone with your baking skills!
What’s the Deal with Tulumba? Crunchy, Syrupy Perfection
I’d never heard of tulumba before I tried it, but I’m glad I did! These small, deep-fried dough cylinders are crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. Soaked in syrup, they’re absolutely addicting.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 eggs
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
- Make the dough: Boil water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir in flour until a dough ball forms. Let it cool completely.
- Mix in the eggs: Beat the eggs one by one into the dough until smooth.
- Fry: Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Soak: Toss the hot tulumba into cold sugar syrup for about 5 minutes to soak up all that sweet goodness.
Tulumba is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, and it’s always a hit at gatherings. Just be prepared: people won’t stop at one!
Can Candied Quince Be Your Next Fruity Obsession? Ayva Tatlısı!
Looking for something a little less traditional? Ayva Tatlısı (candied quince) is a beautiful fruit dessert that’s slow-cooked in syrup, turning the quinces into a deep ruby red. The quince halves soak up all the syrup, making them tender and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 3 quinces
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- Quince seeds (for thickening and color)
- Clotted cream (kaymak)
How to Make It:
- Prepare the quinces: Peel and halve the quinces, removing the cores but saving the seeds.
- Simmer: Place the halves in a pan, sprinkle with sugar, and add water and the seeds.
- Cook: Cover and cook over very low heat for 2 hours until tender and deep red.
- Serve: Serve the quinces with clotted cream and crushed pistachios for extra richness.
This dessert is not only tasty but also gorgeous to look at—perfect for impressing guests or for a special treat!
Why Kazandibi (Caramelized Milk Pudding) Is a Must-Try!
I had no idea how amazing kazandibi (burnt milk pudding) could be until I tried it. The burnt, caramelized layer on the bottom adds so much depth to the creamy milk pudding, and the chewy texture makes it super satisfying.
How to Make It (Quick Version):
- Make a simple milk pudding with milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Grease a tray with butter and sprinkle generously with sugar.
- Pour a thin layer of pudding over the sugar, then place the tray directly on the stovetop burner, moving it constantly until the sugar caramelizes.
- Pour the rest of the pudding on top, chill overnight, and serve in strips with the burnt side up.
Your Ultimate Sweet Turkish Journey Starts Here
If you haven’t ventured beyond baklava yet, trust me, you’re in for a treat. Turkish desserts like künefe, sütlaç, tulumba, and ayva tatlısı will introduce you to new textures, flavors, and experiences that I can’t wait for you to try.
So, what’s stopping you? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! These desserts are a true reflection of Turkish culinary art, blending history, tradition, and of course, deliciousness.
FAQ Section: All Your Turkish Dessert Questions Answered
1. What is the most popular Turkish dessert after baklava?
Künefe is one of the most loved desserts in Turkey after baklava. Its crispy pastry, gooey cheese, and syrup are a hit at any gathering.
2. Can I make Turkish desserts ahead of time?
Yes! Many Turkish desserts like sütlaç (rice pudding) and ayva tatlısı (candied quince) can be made ahead and refrigerated. They even taste better the next day!
3. Are Turkish desserts very sweet?
Turkish desserts like künefe and baklava are typically sweet, but they balance their sweetness with nutty flavors or a slightly bitter contrast (like the caramelized top of sütlaç).
4. How do I store leftover Turkish desserts?
Store your Turkish desserts in airtight containers in the fridge. Most can last for 2–3 days, though some, like tulumba, are best enjoyed fresh.