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:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar.
Add cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring the dough together.
Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a mini muffin tin or tartlet molds.
Press dough circles gently into the molds and prick the bottoms with a fork.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Assemble the Tarts:
Place a cube of Turkish delight in the center of each cooled tart shell.
If using, whip the cream or mascarpone with rosewater until soft peaks form.
Pipe or spoon a small dollop of cream over the Turkish delight.
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.