Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight Recipe
This Microwave Orange Spice Turkish Delight is a quick and easy no-bake dessert that captures the fragrant flavors of orange and warm spices. Perfect as a festive homemade gift, this recipe utilizes a microwave to create a smooth, gelatinous candy dusted with a spiced sugar and cornstarch blend. The candy sets in just a couple of hours and is delightfully chewy with a subtle citrus aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 30 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
Main 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
For Pan Preparation
- Cooking spray or light taste cooking oil (such as canola) for greasing pan
For Dusting
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch from above for dusting mix
Instructions
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: Pour 2 1/2 cups of cold water into a large 4-quart microwave-safe glass bowl. Whisk in 3/4 cup cornstarch gradually 1/4 cup at a time until dissolved and no lumps remain.
- Initial Microwave Heating: Microwave the cornstarch and water mixture for 2 minutes, then whisk again until smooth. Return to the microwave and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes opaque and resembles a white paste.
- Add Sugar and Corn Syrup: Stir in 3 cups sugar and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Microwave for 5 minutes, carefully removing the bowl with pot holders, and whisk the mixture until smooth.
- Continue Cooking: Microwave the mixture for an additional 5 minutes. Remove again and whisk until smooth. At this stage, the mixture should be thick and translucent.
- Cook and Add Flavor: Microwave the mixture for 5 more minutes. Remove carefully, then whisk in 1 tablespoon pure orange extract and 2 drops of orange gel food color ensuring the mixture is smooth and evenly colored.
- Final Cooking Step and Consistency Check: Microwave for 3 more minutes. To test readiness, whisk the mixture — it should hold a thick balloon on the whisk. Alternatively, place a small amount in a condiment cup; once cooled slightly, it should be rollable into a non-tacky ball. If not thick enough, microwave in 1-minute increments and whisk until this consistency is achieved.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Mixture: Grease an 8×8-inch or standard loaf pan using cooking spray or a light-flavored oil. Pour the candy batter into the pan. Using the back of a greased spoon, gently spread the mixture evenly, noting that it does not spread easily.
- Set Candy: Allow the candy to set at room temperature for about 2 hours or until firm enough to handle.
- Cut and Dust Candy: Once set, cut the candy into squares approximately 1 1/2 inches each using a sharp knife or scissors. Dust the squares in a mixture made from the remaining 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Serve and Store: Serve the Turkish delight with cocktail picks or place each piece in individual paper cups. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, ideally in tins dusted with extra powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to keep candies fresh.
Notes
- Gift these Turkish delights in festive holiday tins with tightly fitting lids for an elegant presentation.
- Before placing candies inside tins, generously dust the tins with extra powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the candy fresh and maintain its chewy texture.
- Use high-quality pure orange extract for the best aromatic flavor.
- If your microwave wattage varies significantly, adjust cooking times in small increments and watch for desired consistency closely.
