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Turkish Pumpkin Dessert (Kabak Tatlısı) on a white plate, topped with clotted cream, tahini drizzle, and chopped walnuts.
5 from 2 votes

Kabak Tatlisi (Turkish Pumpkin Dessert)

A traditional Turkish dessert made by baking pumpkin with sugar, then topped with tahini, walnuts, and optional clotted cream for a cozy, sweet fall treat.
Yields: 7 servings
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 45 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
TOTAL 2 hours 55 minutes

Video

INGREDIENTS
 
 

  • 1 kilogram butternut squash see Note 1
  • 250 grams sugar

For serving:

  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • ¼ cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Clotted cream or Turkish kaymak, optional

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Cut the butternut squash in half crosswise to separate the neck from the round, seeded part.
  • Take the seedless neck part first. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into three thick half-moons, about 4 cm (1.5 inches) thick. You will get 6 half-moons in total. Don’t cut them too thin or they’ll turn mushy.
  • For the seeded part, cut it lengthwise in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Take one half and cut it lengthwise in half again, then cut each of those pieces crosswise in half. Repeat with the other half, so you’ll have about eight thick pieces in total.
  • Finally, peel all the slices with a vegetable peeler.
  • Arrange the slices in a single layer in a baking dish that fits them. Avoid using a very large dish, as the syrup that forms during baking should nicely coat the pumpkin pieces.
  • Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the slices. Using a spoon or your hands, make sure every piece is well coated in sugar.
  • Wet a piece of parchment paper, squeeze out the excess water, and cover the baking dish with it. Bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the paper, flip the pumpkin slices gently with a spoon, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
  • Take the dish out of the oven and let the pumpkin cool completely in the same dish.
  • Once cooled, transfer the slices to a serving plate. Spoon some of the syrup that has collected in the baking dish over them. Sprinkle with walnuts, drizzle with tahini, and serve. You can also top with clotted cream or Turkish kaymak if you like.

NOTES

  1. The type of pumpkin makes a big difference in both taste and texture. In Turkey, balkabağı (Turkish pumpkin) is ideal because it has thicker, denser flesh. You can usually find it already sliced at markets. Outside of Turkey, butternut squash works best, but any pumpkin with firm, thick flesh is fine. Avoid large carving pumpkins (like jack-o’-lantern types), as they’re stringy and lack flavor.
  2. Serving: Kabak Tatlısı can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
  3. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
  4. Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings or special occasions.

NUTRITION

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 8mgPotassium: 545mgFiber: 3gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 15207IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Course Dessert
Cuisine Turkish
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