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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Prepare Coffee Decoration
   • Crush ice
   • Mix instant coffee and sugar
   • Add hot milk
   • Stir until coffee dissolves completely
5. 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!