Name: Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 2 h 28 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cold water; 3/4 cup cornstarch (plus 1/2 cup for dusting candy squares); 3 cups sugar; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1 tbsp pure orange extract; 2 drops orange gel food color; Cooking spray or light taste cooking oil (such as canola) for greasing pan; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; Remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch from above for dusting mix

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If you’ve ever dreamed of crafting your own fragrant and tender candies at home, then this Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with bright citrus notes and cozy warm spices, this delightful treat combines the exotic charm of traditional Turkish sweets with the ultimate convenience of your microwave. Perfect for holiday gifting or sneaky personal indulgence, this recipe yields soft, melt-in-your-mouth squares that feel like a special moment captured in every bite. Get ready for a fun, quick, and rewarding cooking adventure that brings a taste of Turkey right into your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows two orange segments placed on a white marbled surface dusted lightly with white powder. The segment in the front is sharply in focus, showing its juicy, textured surface with delicate white veins, while the segment behind it is slightly blurred. In the background, other orange pieces are out of focus with soft, warm light spots adding a gentle glow and a calm atmosphere. The scene highlights the bright orange color and fresh texture of the fruit, with a smooth, blurred blue and neutral-toned background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the luxurious texture, captivating flavor, and lovely orange hue of this Turkish delight. Every item plays an important role, whether it’s building the smooth gel-like consistency or infusing the candy with aromatic spice and citrus zing.

Cold water: The base liquid that hydrates the cornstarch and dissolves your sugars, essential for the gel formation.
Cornstarch: Used both in the mixture and for dusting, it creates that signature soft, chewy texture and keeps the candy from sticking.
Sugar: Sweetness is key here—it caramelizes just enough during cooking to add depth without overpowering the orange flavor.
Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and adds a smooth chewiness to the final product.
Pure orange extract: The heart of the flavor, delivering vibrant citrus notes that brighten each bite.
Orange gel food color: Gives the candy its beautiful, sunny hue reminiscent of fresh oranges on a crisp day.
Cooking spray or light oil: For greasing the pan, ensuring the candy releases easily once set without messing up the texture.
Powdered sugar: Blended with cornstarch and spice, it dusts the candies with a delicate finish to keep them separate and lightly sweetened.
Ground cloves: A pinch of warm spice that adds complexity and a cozy hint of depth to the orange essence.

How to Make Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture

Pour 2 1/2 cups of cold water into a 4-quart microwave-safe glass bowl and whisk in 3/4 cup cornstarch, adding it gradually to avoid lumps. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth to begin the thickening process. Return the bowl to the microwave and continue heating for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes opaque and resembles a soft paste. The key here is creating a silky, thickened base that forms the foundation of your Turkish delight’s luscious texture.

Step 2: Add Sweeteners and Continue Heating

Next, stir in the 3 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Microwave the bowl for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and whisk. Repeat this heating and whisking step once more for another 5 minutes. By doing this, you’re allowing the sugars to dissolve fully and the mixture to become thick and translucent—a sign that you’re well on your way to candy perfection.

Step 3: Flavor and Color Infusion

For the final flavor burst, whisk in 1 tablespoon pure orange extract and 2 drops orange gel food color. Continue microwaving for 3 more minutes. This step is important because the longer heat melds the flavors and evenly distributes that gorgeous shade throughout your batch. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens enough to form a blob on your whisk that holds its shape without sticking too tackily.

Step 4: Pour into Prepared Pan and Let Set

Grease your 8×8 pan generously with cooking spray or a light oil to prevent sticking. Pour the thick candy batter into the pan and spread with the back of a greased spoon. Since the mixture is dense and doesn’t spread easily, do your best to even it out. Allow the candy to set at room temperature until firm, which typically takes about two hours. Patience now will reward you with perfectly soft yet firm Turkish delight squares.

Step 5: Cut and Dust the Candy Squares

Once the candy is firm, lift it from the pan if possible or cut directly inside the pan into roughly 1 1/2-inch squares using a sharp knife or scissors. Mix the remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves in a bowl and toss your candy squares in this powder to keep them from sticking together and add a gentle spice finish. Your delightful treats are now ready for sharing or savoring!

How to Serve Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe

The image shows three white small bowls each holding a single chunky orange jelly square with a smooth top and slightly textured sides. Two bowls remain upright with a silver fork stuck vertically into the jelly, and one bowl is tilted sideways with jelly spilling slightly out. The bowls have vertical groove patterns and sit on a white marbled surface. A silver fork lies flat near the bottom right corner and a shiny silver decorative object with thin spikes is placed on the left side of the frame. The lighting is bright and clean, giving everything a fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a bit more of the powdered sugar and spice mixture over your squares just before serving. For a festive touch, add a few edible flower petals or thin orange zest strips on top—these subtle accents highlight the citrus flavors while making your treats look extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Turkish delights with a strong, rich coffee or a fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or mint. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts perfectly with the sweet, spiced notes of the candy, while herbal teas complement the orange and clove flavors beautifully. These combinations turn simple candy into a cozy, soul-warming snack moment.

Creative Ways to Present

These candies make magical gifts! Pack them into festive tins dusted generously with powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to keep them fresh and fragrant. You can also serve them in small decorative paper cups or arrange them artistically on a plate with some fresh fruit slices or candied peel for an eye-catching dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight in an airtight container sprinkled with powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking. Because homemade Turkish delight can soften over time, keeping it in the refrigerator helps maintain its delightful texture for up to two weeks.

Freezing

While freezing is not typically recommended since it may alter the candy’s chewy texture, you can freeze the Turkish delight wrapped tightly in parchment and foil if you must. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to minimize moisture damage, but for best results, enjoy your candy fresh.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this candy, as it is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you find the texture too firm, let the squares sit out a little longer before serving to soften. Never microwave the candies themselves, or they will lose their delicate chewy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange extract?

Fresh orange juice will add moisture and alter the texture, so it’s best to stick with pure orange extract for that concentrated, clean citrus flavor without affecting the candy’s consistency.

Why is cornstarch used so heavily in this recipe?

Cornstarch is vital because it creates the jelly-like, chewy texture characteristic of Turkish delight. It thickens the liquid base and prevents the candy from being sticky or runny.

What if my Turkish delight is too sticky after cooling?

If the candy feels sticky, dust the pieces generously with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture until they feel dry to the touch, which also helps keep the pieces separate.

Can I substitute cloves with other spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, but cloves provide a warm, slightly spicy note that complements orange beautifully in this recipe.

Is the microwave method better than traditional stovetop Turkish delight?

This microwave method is significantly faster and easier, making it perfect for home cooks who want quick results without constant stirring, while still achieving authentic texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe offers a felicitous way to create an exotic and heartwarming treat that never fails to impress. From its radiant orange color to the enchanting spices that dance on your palate, making this candy is as delightful as eating it. Whether you’re gifting it or indulging yourself, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Don’t wait—grab your whisk and microwave, and start crafting this little piece of joy today!