Kabak Tatlısı — Turkish Pumpkin Dessert

Kabak tatlısı is a classic Turkish pumpkin dessert: tender, jewel-bright slices slowly cooked in their own syrup and served cold with walnuts or tahini.

SERVES 6 | PREP 15 MINUTES + RESTING | COOK 45–60 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg peeled pumpkin or butternut squash, cut into thick slices

• 500–600 g granulated sugar

• 1 small cinnamon stick, optional

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

• Tahini, optional

• Kaymak, optional

METHOD

1. Arrange the pumpkin in a wide pot and cover evenly with sugar.

2. Cover and refrigerate 6–12 hours, until the pumpkin releases plenty of liquid.

3. Cook covered over low heat for 30–40 minutes without stirring. Gently turn the pieces only if needed.

4. Uncover and simmer 10–20 minutes, until the syrup thickens and the pumpkin is tender but still holds its shape.

5. Cool completely in the syrup.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature with walnuts, tahini, or a spoonful of kaymak.

REGIONAL NOTE

In Antakya and parts of southern Türkiye, kabak tatlısı may be prepared with food-grade lime to create a crisp shell and soft center. This home version uses the widely made soft, syrupy method.

WATCH

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=traditional+Turkish+kabak+tatlisi+recipe