Delicious Quince Dessert Recipe – Perfect for Fall

Get ready for a truly magnificent dessert experience! I bring to you the tantalizing Quince Dessert With Thick Turkish Cream Recipe. If you are an enthusiast of Turkish desserts, then you are in for a treat with this recipe. A combination of poached quinces and delicious thick Turkish cream – also known as kaymak – creates a decadent taste that will take your palate on a journey to Istanbul.

Quince is a fruit that is highly valued in Turkey, the Middle East, and Mediterranean. Yet, it is widely underrated in the Western world. This recipe will open your eyes to the wonders of this fruit, its diverse uses in cooking and its exceptional flavor.

The quince dessert ayva tatlısı – as it is referred to in Turkey – has been around for centuries, so it’s safe to say that it’s a recipe steeped in rich history and culture. My version of this classic dessert offers a modern twist to the traditional recipe while preserving its authenticity.

In this article, I will guide you step-by-step on how to make this fantastic dessert right from your kitchen. Don’t worry; it’s easy; no special kitchen gadgets required! Gather your ingredients, follow my directions, and get ready for an unforgettable dessert experience right from the heart of Istanbul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quince Dessert With Thick Turkish Cream
Quince Dessert With Thick Turkish Cream

Are you looking for a dessert recipe that is indulgent, delicately sweet, and will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all day? Look no further than this quince dessert with thick Turkish cream recipe.

One of the things that makes this dessert so spectacular is how it balances bold flavors with a soft, subtle sweetness. The poached quinces infuse the dish with a rich, fruity flavor, while the sugar and spices create a sweet syrup that clings to each bite. And when served with the thick Turkish cream known as kaymak, it creates a lusciously creamy contrast to the fruit’s tartness.

Moreover, this recipe only requires six ingredients – water, sugar, cloves, lemon juice, quinces and heavy cream – meaning it is simple enough for even novice cooks to make. The preparation does require some time to poach the quinces (about an hour), but the process is easy and mostly hands-off.

In addition to being a delicious dessert on its own, this dish can also be paired beautifully with other desserts like ice cream or served alongside other Middle Eastern favorites like baklava or kunefe.

So don’t hesitate any longer! This quince dessert with thick Turkish cream recipe is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a weeknight treat or dinner party elegance. It’s easy to make yet an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.

Ingredient List

 A golden-hued quince dessert with creamy decadence.
A golden-hued quince dessert with creamy decadence.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large quinces: Make sure your quinces are quite firm and unblemished.
  • 2 cups of sugar: Use white granulated sugar for this recipe.
  • 4 cups of water: The amount of water you need will depend on the size of your pot. You will need enough to cover the quinces.
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures that the poached quince has a nice balance between sweet and sour flavors.
  • Heavy cream or creme fraiche: You can use either to serve with the quince dessert. I prefer using Turkish clotted cream known as kaymak, which is perfect for desserts due to its thick texture and decadent flavor.

Note: If you can’t find quinces, you can substitute them with pears or apples, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will not be the same.

The Recipe How-To

 The perfect juxtaposition of tangy and sweet flavors.
The perfect juxtaposition of tangy and sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • Juice of half lemon
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 quinces

Instructions:

  1. Combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and cloves in a medium pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

  2. Peel the quinces and halve them lengthwise, then remove the cores with a spoon or knife. Place the quince halves in the pot with the sweet syrup mixture.

  3. Cook on low-medium heat for around 2 hours, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely light rose color and become fragrant.

  4. Remove from the heat and let them cool down in their liquid. Once cool, remove the quince halves gently with a slotted spoon.

  5. Simmer the liquid again for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken it slightly.

  6. Serve the quince dessert with Turkish kaymak (thick cream) or crème fraiche, along with a drizzle of the sweet syrup you made earlier.

  7. You can also serve it with ice cream or fresh fruit for added sweetness and texture.

  8. Enjoy this wonderful quince dessert as a perfect ending to any dinner party or special occasion!

Substitutions and Variations

 Sink your spoon into the velvety smoothness of thick Turkish cream.
Sink your spoon into the velvety smoothness of thick Turkish cream.

While this quince dessert with thick Turkish cream recipe is delicious in its original form, there are certain ingredients that you can substitute or variations you can make to suit your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions:

– Quinces: If you can’t find quinces, you can use apples or pears instead. However, do note that the flavor and texture of the final dish will be different.

– Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you prefer your desserts to be. You could also try using brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar for a different flavor profile.

– Spices: This recipe uses cloves and cinnamon for flavoring, but you could experiment with other spices such as cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger if you want to switch it up.

– Cream: Heavy cream, clotted cream or creme fraiche all work well for this recipe. If you prefer a lighter option, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt or whipped coconut cream.

– Serving: While this recipe recommends serving the quince dessert with Turkish kaymak (thick cream), you could also serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.

– Pumpkin version: One variation is replacing the fruit with diced pumpkin which will give the dish an autumn twist.

With these potential variations, feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Serving and Pairing

 A dessert that looks as good as it tastes - vibrant, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.
A dessert that looks as good as it tastes – vibrant, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious.

This Turkish quince dessert is exceptionally versatile when it comes to serving and pairing options. It can be served warm or cold, making it a great make-ahead dessert. It pairs perfectly with thick Turkish cream, also known as “kaymak,” or creme fraiche. The creamy texture of the clotted cream elevates the delightful taste of the quince dessert.

For an extra indulgent treat, serve the quince dessert with vanilla ice cream on top. The cool and creamy texture of the ice cream combines well with the sweet syrup of the dessert, creating a heavenly balance of flavors.

Quince dessert ayva makes a wonderful seasonal treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family during a cozy evening get-together. This dish can be paired with a cup of mint tea or Turkish coffee for an authentic experience.

If you want to take your quince dessert game up a notch, pair it with pumpkin desserts like pumpkin pie or pumpkin custard, for a truly festive season celebration.

Get creative and experiment with different pairing options to find your favorite combinations that complement the unique sweetness of this Turkish dessert ayva tatlısı.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 A dish to make your tastebuds sing with delight.
A dish to make your tastebuds sing with delight.

You’ll be happy to know that this Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream is a dessert that can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s recommended that you prepare the dessert a day before you plan on serving it so that the flavors have a chance to fully develop.

To store the quince dessert, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The dessert will keep for up to three days in the fridge, which means you can enjoy it over the course of several days.

When it comes time to reheat the dessert, there are a couple of methods you can use. If you want to reheat individual servings, simply portion out how much you need and microwave it for 30-40 seconds until warmed through.

Another option is to reheat the entire dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the quince dessert for about 15 minutes until heated through. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t dry out or burn.

It’s important to note that while reheating will warm up the dessert, it won’t restore the texture of the quince fruit. However, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy this dessert all year round without having to wait for quince season, freezing is an option. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before wrapping it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil. It can remain frozen for up to three months.

With a little planning ahead, you’ll be able to enjoy this wonderful Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream anytime you want!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Preparing your palate for an explosion of wonderful flavors.
Preparing your palate for an explosion of wonderful flavors.

No matter how simple or elaborate a recipe may seem, there are always small tricks that can take it to the next level. When it comes to making Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream, every small detail counts. To ensure that your dessert turns out perfectly, here are some tips that I recommend:

1. Don’t rush the poaching process: Poaching the quinces is a crucial step in this recipe, as it not only softens the fruit but also infuses it with the sweet syrup of sugar and water. Make sure to poach the quince halves on low heat for at least an hour, until they become a deep rosy color.

2. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adding lemon juice to the poaching liquid helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavor of the quince fruit. For best results, use freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice.

3. Choose high-quality heavy cream: The key to getting a thick and creamy texture for the topping is using high-quality heavy cream. Make sure to chill it before whipping, and don’t overbeat it as this will make it grainy.

4. Add spices for an extra touch: While Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream already has a delicate flavor profile, adding cloves and cinnamon sticks to the poaching liquid can add warmth and depth to your dish.

5. Serve chilled: Once you’ve assembled your dessert, leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This way, not only will you get a cool and refreshing bite but also allow time for all of the flavors to meld together.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a wonderful Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream that will transport them straight to Turkey with every bite.

FAQ

As you continue reading through this recipe article, it’s normal to have some questions about the process and ingredients involved in making this wonderful quince dessert. In this section, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to ease your mind and help ensure your success in creating a delicious dessert. So, let’s dive into the most common queries about this Turkish quince dessert.

What is Turkish quince?

This recipe for Turkish quince is incredibly effortless. All that’s required is to cook quinces in a syrup infused with cloves, cinnamon and lemon zest, and then enhance it with mascarpone cheese or clotted cream. I personally prefer to add pistachios on top, and for an extra oomph, I also include browned butter when serving the dish.

What pairs well with quince?

When it comes to finding the perfect partner for quince, I’ve discovered that its exotic flavor pairs well with tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and bananas. For a delightful dessert, consider serving quince as ice cream or sorbet with some caramelized fruit on top, and let the flavors dance together in your mouth.

What is ayva Turkish fruit?

Quince, a fruit closely related to apples and pears, is believed to have originated from regions such as Greece, Anatolia, and the Crimea. This wild fruit belongs to the Rosa family and has different varieties in Turkey, including bardak, demir, ekmek, limon, and esme.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Quince Dessert with Thick Turkish Cream recipe is an excellent choice for those who are looking for something unique and tasty. With simple yet flavorful ingredients such as cloves, cinnamon, and lemon juice, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The quinces come out tender and juicy, soaked in a sweet syrup that complements the tangy flavor of the clotted cream perfectly.

As a scribe for Ehud, the Israeli chef, I highly recommend giving this dessert a try. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. The dish also offers various substitutions and variations that can be added or changed according to your preferences.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to break the mold by serving this Turkish-inspired dessert to guests at any party or gathering. It’s not only unique but also flavorful and memorable. So go ahead and impress your friends with your culinary skills while satisfying their sweet cravings at the same time!

Quince Dessert With Thick Turkish Cream

Quince Dessert With Thick Turkish Cream Recipe

A famous and delicious Turkish dessert. It is served with kaymak, Turkish thick cream.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 8 dishes
Calories 236.3 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 quinces
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • 8 cloves
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 10 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Peel the quinces and cut them in half.
  • Remove the seeds and keep them aside.
  • Place the quinces in a saucepan or pan.
  • Sprinkle sugar on top of them.
  • Add water, quince seeds and cloves to the pan.
  • Cook until quinces are soft.
  • Remove the quinces from the pan.
  • Add lemon juice to the syrup in the pan and cook for a few minutes.
  • Remove seeds and cloves and cool.
  • Pour it on the quinces.
  • Keep them in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  • Serve each quince with thick cream.
  • If you want, add nuts over them.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 222gCalories: 236.3kcalCarbohydrates: 45.1gProtein: 0.6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 25.7mgSodium: 12.9mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 37.5g
Keyword < 60 Mins, Dessert, Fruit, Middle Eastern, Turkish
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