Turkish Delight Tarts Recipe – Turkey Special

Turkish Delight Tarts combine the fragrant, chewy charm of traditional rose-scented Turkish delight with the buttery crispness of a tart shell. These bite-sized delights are a fusion of Middle Eastern and European desserts, featuring soft jelly centers nestled inside golden pastry cups and topped with a touch of cream or pistachio. Perfect for tea parties, festive occasions, or as an elegant sweet treat, they’re as beautiful to serve as they are delightful to eat.

  • Prep Time30 min
  • Cook Time25 min
  • Perform Time20 min
  • Total Time1 hr 15 min

For the Tart Shells:

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1–2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

For the Filling:

  • 12–15 small cubes of rose or lemon-flavored Turkish delight
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon rosewater (optional)
  • Crushed pistachios, dried rose petals, or powdered sugar (for garnish)

Prepare the Tart Shells:

1

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.

2

Add cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

3

Add egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring the dough together.

4

Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.

5

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6

Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a mini muffin tin or tartlet molds.

7

Press dough circles gently into the molds and prick the bottoms with a fork.

8

Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Assemble the Tarts:

9

Place a cube of Turkish delight in the center of each cooled tart shell.

10

If using, whip the cream or mascarpone with rosewater until soft peaks form.

11

Pipe or spoon a small dollop of cream over the Turkish delight.

12

Garnish with crushed pistachios, dried rose petals, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Recipe Notes :

Turkish Delight Options : Rose, lemon, or pomegranate-flavored delights work best. Ensure they’re soft and fresh.

Tart Shells : Can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Flavor Twist : For a richer filling, add a layer of white chocolate ganache before placing the Turkish delight cube.

Presentation : These tarts look lovely with delicate toppings like edible gold flakes or a drizzle of honey.

Serving Tip : Serve at room temperature with mint tea or Arabic coffee for an authentic experience.