The Story Behind the Dessert
Discover the magic of Turkish cuisine with this beloved coconut roll dessert that promises to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Istanbul. A perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors, this dessert is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Turkey. Surprisingly simple to prepare, it’s a recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for both novice and experienced home bakers.
Ingredients
For the Coconut Base:
- 250g (8.8 oz) coconut flakes
- 1 L (34 fl oz) milk
- 150g (5.3 oz) sugar
- 100g (3.5 oz) all-purpose flour
- 10g (0.4 oz) vanilla sugar
- 80g (2.8 oz) butter
For the Sour Cherry Filling:
- 400g (14 oz) frozen sour cherries
- 75g (2.6 oz) sugar
- 30g (1.1 oz) cornstarch
- 50g (1.8 oz) flour
For the Coffee Decoration:
- 120g (4.2 oz) ice
- 15g (0.5 oz) instant coffee
- 30g (1.1 oz) sugar
- 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) hot milk
For Garnish:
- 3g (0.1 oz) dark chocolate
- 5g (0.2 oz) decorative chocolate sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Base
- In a large saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and flour
- Add vanilla sugar
- Melt butter and incorporate
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly
- Continue cooking until mixture thickens
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly
- Make the Sour Cherry Filling
- Thaw frozen sour cherries
- In a separate pan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and flour
- Cook until mixture thickens and becomes jammy
- Allow to cool to room temperature
- Assemble the Rolls
- Spread cooled coconut mixture on a flat surface
- Create a thin, even layer
- Spread sour cherry filling evenly
- Carefully roll the mixture into a log
- Cut into individual portions
- Prepare Coffee Decoration
- Crush ice
- Mix instant coffee and sugar
- Add hot milk
- Stir until coffee dissolves completely
- Finish and Serve
- Coat rolls in additional coconut flakes
- Drizzle with coffee mixture
- Sprinkle with dark chocolate and decorative chocolate
- Chill before serving
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Cooking Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Chilling: 30 minutes
- Total: 60 minutes
Servings: 8-10 rolls
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh, high-quality coconut flakes
- Stir constantly to prevent mixture from burning
- Allow each component to cool before assembling
- Use a silicon mat for easier rolling
- Chill thoroughly for best texture
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Variations:
- Replace sour cherries with raspberries
- Try strawberry or blueberry filling
- Use canned fruit in off-season
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Substitute milk with coconut milk
- Use plant-based butter
- Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free
- Nut-Free Modification:
- Replace coconut flakes with graham cracker crumbs
- Use alternative coatings like ground almonds
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this dessert in advance? A: Yes! It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? A: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q3: Can I freeze these rolls? A: Yes, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator.
Q4: What if I can’t find sour cherries? A: Use regular sweet cherries or cherry preserves.
Q5: Is this dessert very sweet? A: It has a balanced sweetness, but you can adjust sugar to taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month
- Best Served: Chilled, straight from the refrigerator
- Prep Ahead: Make components a day in advance
Indulge in the sweet, creamy, and fruity magic of this Turkish Coconut Roll Dessert – a true celebration of flavor and texture!
