Turkish Delight Ice Cream – A Frozen Twist On A Classic Treat

Love Turkish Delight? Imagine it in ice cream form! This indulgent frozen dessert blends the floral, nutty flavours of the classic sweet with creamy, velvety ice cream.

A Love-It-Or-Hate-It Sweet, Reinvented as Ice Cream!

I’ll be honest – I was never the biggest fan of Turkish Delight as a kid. Something about the combination of its floral flavour and that jelly-like texture just didn’t sit right with me. But, like Marmite, it’s one of those sweets that completely splits the crowd – some people adore it, while others can’t stand it!

Recently, I came across an article listing some of the best British chocolate bars of all time, and sure enough, Fry’s Turkish Delight made the cut. That got me thinking – what if I transformed it into ice cream? Without the chewy texture, perhaps the floral notes would shine in a smoother, creamier form.

Of course, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a go. And you know what? I was pleasantly surprised. The flavours, once overpowering to me in sweet form, took on a whole new life in ice cream – delicate, fragrant, and balanced with a nutty crunch.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and flavour profile of Turkish Delight, before diving into a delicious, easy-to-make Turkish Delight Ice Cream recipe that just might convert even the sceptics. As a bonus, we’re also including a simple homemade Turkish Delight recipe, so you can create your own from scratch!

You can jump straight to the recipes using the links below, or read on to discover more about this iconic treat transformed into ice cream.

The Sweet Story of Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight, known as “lokum” in Turkey, has been an integral part of Turkish culture dating back to the 18th Century. It was first found in İstanbul and spread to western and eastern lands through the Ottoman Empire ruling period. In the Ottoman-Turkish language, it is called Rahat ul-hukum, which means throat reliever in English.

It’s traditionally offered as a gesture of hospitality during social gatherings and celebrations, symbolising warmth and friendship. This sweet treat confection remains a proud emblem of Turkish culinary heritage and hospitality.

The art of making Turkish Delight has been passed down through generations, with families preserving secret recipes and techniques.

Turkish Delight, or Lokum, is far more diverse than the pink, rose-flavoured jelly sweets commonly found in Western markets. Traditionally, this confection comes in a wide array of colours, flavours, and textures. From vibrant greens and yellows to deep purples and browns, Lokum can be flavoured with various ingredients such as pistachios, hazelnuts, walnuts, dates, and citrus fruits. Some varieties are dusted with powdered sugar, while others are rolled in desiccated coconut or chopped nuts. This rich diversity reflects the centuries-old craft of Turkish confectionery, with each region often boasting its own unique twist on this beloved treat

Turkish Delight Meets Ice Cream – The Ultimate Fusion!

Turkish Delight is one of the world’s most iconic sweets – fragrant, chewy, and dusted in powdered sugar. But what if you could enjoy its delicate rose, pistachio, and citrusy flavours in ice cream form?

Say hello to our Homemade Turkish Delight Ice Cream! A luxurious frozen treat that takes inspiration from the traditional confection while delivering a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

This flavour combination is a dream for those who love a balance of floral, nutty, and subtly spiced notes.

Whether enjoyed as a scoop on its own or paired with warm, crispy baklava, it’s a dessert worth savouring.

What Makes Turkish Delight Ice Cream Special?

Unlike classic vanilla or chocolate, Turkish Delight Ice Cream is all about delicate flavours and rich texture.

Here’s what makes it unique:

• Floral and Aromatic Notes: Rose water and orange blossom are the stars, giving this ice cream its signature Middle Eastern-inspired fragrance. These floral essences provide an elegant and exotic touch.
• A Nutty Crunch: Turkish Delight often contains nuts, so incorporating crushed pistachios or almonds into the ice cream adds a wonderful contrast in texture – a smooth, creamy base with a satisfying crunch.
• A Luxurious, Chewy Texture (If You Want It!): For an extra nod to its namesake sweet, some versions include tiny chunks of real Turkish Delight, adding a subtle chewiness that makes each bite even more exciting.
• Spiced & Sweet Balance: Hints of cardamom and cinnamon complement the floral flavours, making this ice cream even more layered and indulgent.

How Easy Is It to Make Turkish Delight Ice Cream?

If you’re tempted to try this at home, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Here’s an overview of how it comes together:

1. Infuse the Base – A classic ice cream base (milk, cream, and sugar) is gently warmed and infused with rose water and orange blossom water for that unmistakable flavour.
2. Add the Extras – Once cooled, finely chopped pistachios, Turkish Delight pieces, and a pinch of cardamom are folded in for texture and depth.
3. Churn & Freeze – The mixture is churned until thick and creamy, then left to set in the freezer for a few hours before serving.
4. Serve & Enjoy! – Scoop into bowls or cones and top with extra pistachios, rose petals, or even a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.

Turkish Delight Ice Cream Recipe

Here’s our recipe for a deliciously floral, nutty and creamy ice cream inspired by the classic Turkish sweet.

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

• 500ml double cream
• 250ml whole milk
• 100g caster sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp rose water (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• A pinch of salt
• A few drops of pink food colouring (optional)

Add-Ins

• 100g Turkish Delight, chopped into small cubes
• 50g pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Method

Step 1: Infuse the Base

• In a saucepan, heat the double cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
• Stir in the rose water, orange blossom water (if using), cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.

Step 2: Make the Custard

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and creamy.
• Gradually pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.

Step 3: Chill & Churn

• Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a clean bowl to remove any solids. Stir in the pink food colouring if using.
• Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Once chilled, pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 25-30 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Turkish Delight & Freeze

• In the last 5 minutes of churning, add the chopped Turkish Delight and pistachios so they are evenly distributed.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, sprinkle with extra pistachios, and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

11. Remove from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve in bowls or cones, garnished with extra pistachios or a drizzle of honey if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 360 kcal | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Sugars: 24g | Protein: 5g | Salt: 0.2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Servings: 6-8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling) | Churn Time: 25-30 minutes | Freezing Time: 4 hours

👉🏽 Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe;

Simply pour your ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

👉🏽 Don’t have an ice cream maker, but thinking about buying one? Not sure which one would suit you best? Head over to our article – What is the Best Ice Cream Maker? A Detailed Review. This provides information and guidance on what you want to look for in an ice cream maker and reviews a selection of appliances.

Tips & Variations

• Want it extra floral? Add a little more rose water, but go slowly – too much can make it taste soapy!
• Chocolate twist? Swirl in melted dark chocolate before freezing for a richer flavour.
• Nut-free option? Simply omit the pistachios for a smoother ice cream.

This delicious Turkish Delight Ice Cream is luxuriously creamy, delicately floral, and beautifully speckled with nuts and soft chewy pieces of Turkish Delight. Perfect for a Middle Eastern-inspired dessert or just a unique twist on a classic treat!

The Perfect Pairings to Serve with Turkish Delight Ice Cream

Want to take your dessert to the next level? Here are some delicious pairings:

• Baklava – The buttery, flaky layers of baklava pair beautifully with the floral ice cream.
• Warm Semolina Cake (Revani) – A light, syrup-soaked cake that complements the delicate sweetness.
• Turkish Coffee – The bold, slightly bitter notes of Turkish coffee contrast perfectly with the creamy, floral flavours.
• Dark Chocolate – For a modern twist, try serving a scoop alongside a square of rich, dark chocolate.

Make Your Own Turkish Delight – Bonus Recipe!

If you really want to embrace the Turkish Delight experience, why not make your own? It’s surprisingly simple, requiring just a few ingredients to create that signature floral, chewy, and slightly sticky texture. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you get the perfect flavour balance for your homemade ice cream.

Here’s how to do it.

Homemade Turkish Delight Recipe

Ingredients

(Makes approximately 36 small squares)

• 300g caster sugar
• 250ml water
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp rose water (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• 75g cornflour
• ½ tsp pink food colouring (optional)
• 50g chopped pistachios (optional)

For Dusting:

• 50g icing sugar
• 25g cornflour

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Tin

• Line a 20cm square baking tin with greaseproof paper and lightly dust with a mix of icing sugar and cornflour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

• In a saucepan, combine the caster sugar, lemon juice, and 150ml of the water. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Once dissolved, increase the heat and bring to a boil. Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches 115°C (soft ball stage) on a sugar thermometer.

Step 3: Make the Thickening Paste

• In another saucepan, mix the cornflour, cream of tartar, and the remaining 100ml of water to form a smooth paste.
• Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a glue-like consistency.

Step 4: Combine & Flavour

• Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the thickened cornflour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture turns golden and sticky.
• Stir in the rose water, orange blossom water (if using), and food colouring. Add chopped pistachios, if desired.

Step 5: Set & Slice

• Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Let it set at room temperature for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
• Once set, dust a surface with the icing sugar and cornflour mix, turn out the Turkish Delight, and cut it into small squares. Toss each piece in the sugar mixture to prevent sticking.

Using Your Homemade Turkish Delight in Ice Cream

Now that you’ve got fresh, homemade Turkish Delight, you can chop it into small pieces and fold it into your ice cream just before freezing. This gives you that signature chewy texture without store-bought additives.

Or, of course, you can simply enjoy it as is – perhaps with a cup of Turkish coffee or alongside your Turkish Delight Ice Cream!

The Final Scoop

Turkish Delight Ice Cream is more than just a flavour – it’s a fusion of history, culture, and indulgence. With its floral notes, nutty crunch, and velvety smoothness, it offers a truly unique ice cream experience.

👉🏽 Have you ever tried Turkish Delight Ice Cream? Or do you have a favourite flavour inspired by a classic sweet treat? Let us know in the comments!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Turkish Delight Ice Cream – A Sweet, Fragrant Frozen Treat – and that we have inspired you to give this delicious recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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