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Turkish Delight Roll – Lokum Recipe

4.7 from 99 reviews

This Turkish Delight Roll, also known as Lokum, is a delightful nougat-based treat infused with honey and vanilla, layered with a smooth roasted hazelnut filling, and finished with a crunchy almond coating. Combining whipped egg whites, a honey-sugar syrup, and gelatin, this recipe offers a chewy yet tender texture. It’s a perfect dessert to make ahead, with resting times to develop flavors and achieve the classic chewy consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

Nougat Base

  • 2 Egg whites
  • 250 g Sugar (1¼ cups, granulated)
  • 120 ml Water (½ cup)
  • 100 g Thick honey (⅓ cup)
  • 5 g Gelatin (½ packet)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla sugar or 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 120 g Cornstarch (1 cup, for dusting when rolling)
  • Vegetable oil (for greasing)

Hazelnut Filling

  • 200 g Roasted hazelnuts (½ cup)
  • 100 g Powdered sugar (¾ cup)
  • 34 tbsp Sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract or vanilla powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 5070 g Chopped roasted almonds (½ cup)

Instructions

  1. Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and honey, then heat until the syrup reaches 140°C (285°F). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  2. Whip the Egg Whites: While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla sugar or extract if using the powder here.
  3. Soften Gelatin: Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until soft. Remove and squeeze out excess water, then stir the softened gelatin into the hot syrup.
  4. Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while beating at high speed. Continue beating for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and thick.
  5. Spread the Nougat: Grease a silicone mat or parchment paper with vegetable oil. Pour the nougat onto the surface and gently spread it with greased hands. Leave it uncovered to rest overnight at room temperature.
  6. Toast Nuts: Toast hazelnuts in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until fragrant. Toast almonds separately and set them aside.
  7. Prepare Filling: Blend the toasted hazelnuts until smooth. Add powdered sugar and blend again. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk to form a soft but firm paste.
  8. Add Almonds to Filling: Roughly chop some toasted almonds and fold them into the hazelnut paste. Reserve the remaining almonds for coating later.
  9. Shape Filling Logs: Form the filling into two logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to firm up.
  10. Work the Nougat: The next day, grease a rolling pin with vegetable oil and roll out the rested nougat on the silicone mat or fresh parchment paper dusted with cornstarch. Fold and roll the nougat about 3 to 4 times to create a pliable texture, using extra cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  11. Assemble the Roll: Roll out the nougat into a square shape. Position one hazelnut filling log along the edge and carefully roll inward, creating two complete turns. Trim any excess nougat from the edges for a neat finish.
  12. Coat with Almonds: Lightly wet your hands and the nougat roll to make it tacky, then roll it in the chopped toasted almonds until fully coated.
  13. Slice and Serve: Slice the roll into 2 cm (¾ inch) thick pieces and serve. Enjoy your Turkish Delight Roll fresh or store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

  • Roasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunch, making the filling and coating more aromatic and tasty.
  • Using a silicone mat or parchment paper greased with vegetable oil prevents sticking during spreading and rolling.
  • Resting the nougat overnight is crucial for achieving the authentic chewy texture.
  • Be sure to dust generously with cornstarch while rolling to manage stickiness effectively.
  • The recipe involves advanced techniques like candy syrup cooking and whipping egg whites, suitable for intermediate to advanced home cooks.

Keywords: Turkish Delight, Lokum, nougat roll, hazelnut filling, honey candy, homemade Turkish dessert