Thanks to its diverse and delicious dessert cuisine, which is bursting with natural ingredients, fresh fruits, and vegetables, Türkiye is a dessert lover's paradise. These long-lasting Turkish desserts are like a gem to try if you wish to introduce your loved ones back home to Turkish food. Choosing which dessert to give to whom when you get back home is going to be a bit tricky!

Pişmaniye, with its cotton-candy-like texture, is one of Türkiye's most popular desserts. We can trace its origins to Persia, where it was known as "peşmek" or "wool." To form pişmaniye, toasted flour in butter is combined with caramelised sugar, resulting in a white sugar batter. This batter is formed into a cotton-candy-like texture known as pişmaniye.

Kocaeli is the location to try pişmaniye due to its trademarked preparation method. Kandıralı Hayri Usta is the first known artisan to produce traditional pişmaniye in Kocaeli. The recipe for Pişmaniye appears simple, but one minor error might spoil the entire batch, which is why its name (Pişman meaning regret) has inspired countless rhymes. To share this exquisite texture with your loved ones, pack a box of Pişmaniye, a delicacy with a long shelf life that is an excellent way to introduce Turkish sweets to them.

Cezerye is another delicious Turkish dessert that you can enjoy with your loved ones. The ingredients used in its creation will surprise you. Cezerye, one of Türkiye’s healthier desserts, is created with carrots. Carrots are boiled, mixed with sugar, walnuts, and shredded coconut, then sliced into little rectangular pieces. Lokman Hekim, the renowned physician of the Islamic Golden Age, is said to have prescribed cezerye to his patients due to its nutritional properties.

Mersin Cezeryesi, renowned for its preparation method and qualities, is a must-try. Mersin Cezeryesi is a beloved treat in Türkiye, known for its rich flavours and wholesome ingredients. The caramelised carrots add a natural sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the coconuts add a tropical flair. This dessert is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you won't be able to resist.

Chestnut Candy is a staple food in Bursa, Türkiye. Bursa has been producing chestnut candy since the 20th century in Şekerciler Çarşısı, a confectionery-specific market. Chestnut candy is made by cooking chestnuts in sugar syrup until they are tender and delicious, resulting in a guilt-free treat that you will not be able to resist. Bursa Chestnut sweet has special characteristics, such as the sweet being light caramel in hue. Bursa Chestnut Candy, like Kocaeli Pişmaniye and Mersin Cezerye, is a unique candy with a trademark.

Because of its cooking techniques, Chestnut Candy maintains its freshness for an extended period of time, making it an ideal souvenir to take home. The tradition of making chestnut candy in Bursa has been passed down through generations, with each confectioner adding their own special touch to the recipe. The light caramel hue of the dessert is not only visually appealing but also indicative of the rich, caramelised flavour that awaits those who take a bite. Whether you're strolling through Şekerciler Çarşısı or visiting one of the many confectionery shops in Bursa, be sure to pick up a box of this unique and delicious treat to share with friends and family back home.

Akide Şekeri, a legacy of the Ottoman Empire, has been a crucial element of Turkish culture for centuries. Presenting Akide Şekeri is a traditional expression of hospitality and appreciation for guests. During the Ottoman Empire, this candy was given to state officials as a token of admiration and loyalty. The candy's name also means "contract" and "loyalty." This is a colourful, hard candy that is usually shaped like a diamond and flavoured with fruit essence. The candy also has special flavours, like cinnamon, rose, and sesame. However, it has a deeper meaning and signifies the beautiful connection we have with our loved ones.

If we were to say Lokum is Türkiye's most iconic candy, we wouldn't be exaggerating. Lokum production is thought to have begun in the 14th or 15th century, with its final form emerging in the nineteenth century. Lokum, like Akide Şekeri, is a traditional gift given to guests as a symbol of hospitality. You can also take Lokum with you on house visits during Eid. 

Afyonkarahisar and Safranbolu are famous for their production of lokum. The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Afyonkarahisar, produces special Lokums with various flavours and fillings, including clotted cream. You can also find Lokum in every region of Türkiye, each offering its own unique twist on this traditional treat. Some popular variations include pistachio, rosewater, and lemon.

Halva, one of Türkiye’s most adaptable desserts, comes in a variety of forms, including flour, semolina, and nut-based. Halva is popular among individuals of all ages and is frequently offered at special occasions and celebrations. Tahini Halva, a speciality in Uşak, is also simple to transport and has a long shelf life, making it an excellent choice for travel. While Tahini Halva is a speciality of Uşak, Met Halva and Nuggat Halva are unique to Eskişehir. Met Halva is made with flour, sugar, and butter, but Nuggat Halva has nuts and honey. Halva is traditionally prepared and served at important occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays.

The candied pumpkin dessert is a true treasure of Turkish cuisine, with a flavour that is both distinctive and intriguing. Calcium hydroxide is used in the preparation of the crisp, candied pumpkin dish. This is what gives the dessert its crisp texture. The pumpkins are first prepared and cooked in sugar, and then they are made into this crispy texture by adding calcium hydroxide, which is safe for consumption. When you bite into this crispy, candied dessert, you find that the inside is still soft, making this dessert a textural paradise. This dessert is unique to the Hatay region of Türkiye, but can be found in jars in many regions of Türkiye.

If you are a pumpkin lover like us, check out our article on traditional Turkish pumpkin recipes for the fall season!

Marzipan is yet another delectable treat that is cherished across Türkiye. Türkiye’s marzipan is a type of almond-based confection that is made from finely ground almonds and sugar, with the version prepared using Datça’s locally grown almonds being especially famous for its intense aroma and flavour. The almonds are blanched, peeled and ground in an extremely careful process, which preserves their natural character and gentle sweetness. After that, this smooth marzipan is shaped into neat logs or small bite-sized pieces, which gives them an aesthetic appearance. Like the most beloved traditional desserts, marzipan is slightly firm on the outside and soft and melt-in-the-mouth on the inside, turning it into a delight.

While you enjoy your Turkish sweets, make a Turkish Coffee, which has a strong coffee flavour and makes even the sweetest items milder. Turkish coffee is made using traditional copper coffee pots. Drinking Turkish coffee and eating Turkish sweets such as candied chestnuts will allow you to relax and enjoy your evening with your loved ones. To discover more Turkish desserts on your visit, here’s our article on 10 Turkish desserts you need to try.