Ayva tatlısı
Candied quince or ayva tatlısı (lit. quince dessert) is a classic Turkish treat that is traditionally prepared in winter time, because quince is a seasonal fruit, best enjoyed from October to early January when there's an abundance of it in Türkiye.
Quince is delicious when fully ripe and it can also be enjoyed raw, but its slightly sour flavor can be a little tough to tackle for some, which is why this fragrant fruit is most often cooked. Poached in sugar syrup, quinces become sweet and tender, gradually taking on a gorgeous, deep amber color while exuding an intense, floral, and rosy aroma.
The secret to such an amazing transformation lies in slow, gentle simmering. Ayva tatlısı is traditionally topped with a scoop of kaymak, a rich Turkish clotted cream made with the milk of water buffalos; sprinkled with crushed pistachios or walnuts, and most often enjoyed over a cup of coffee.
Pairing tips
Türk Kahvesi
Extra finely ground roasted coffee beans are combined with cold water (and, optionally, sugar) in a traditional coffee pot called cezve or ibrik, and ... Read more
Serve with
Kaymak
This traditional Turkish dairy product is thought to have origins among the Turkic people of Central Asia. A bit later, it has spread across the Middle East, the Balkans,... Read more
Recipe variations
Ayva Tatlisi
READY IN 3h 35minThis is the traditional ayva tatlisi recipe. Even though the cooking time is not very long, the quinces are still able to develop their color due to the fact that they are cooked with quince peels and seeds.
Roasted Ayva Tatlisi
READY IN 5h 50minUnlike the case with the traditional recipe, in this version, the quinces are first only softened with poaching and then roasted in the oven for two hours. Besides the typically added cloves, the quinces are also filled with grated green apples.
Ayva tatlısı Authentic recipe
This is the traditional ayva tatlisi recipe. Even though the cooking time is not very long, the quinces are still able to develop their color due to the fact that they are cooked with quince peels and seeds.
WHERE TO EAT The best Ayva tatlısı in the world (according to food experts)
