Dear Lykkers! Güllaç, a quintessential Turkish dessert, is a delicate and creamy treat that takes center stage during spiritual festivals.

Made with paper-thin layers of starch-based pastry, milk, sugar, and fragrant rosewater, this dessert is the epitome of elegance and simplicity. But what makes Güllaç so irresistibly tasty? Let’s dive in!

1. What Is Güllaç?

Güllaç is a centuries-old dessert with roots in Ottoman cuisine. The name comes from "güllü aş," meaning "rose-flavored food," reflecting its signature rosewater aroma. The dessert is made by layering sheets of Güllaç pastry with sweetened milk and topping it with crushed nuts and pomegranate seeds for a vibrant finish.

2. Why Güllaç Is So Tasty

Delicate Texture: The thin, almost translucent pastry sheets absorb the milk, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Subtle Sweetness: Unlike heavy desserts, Güllaç offers a light sweetness, making it refreshing and easy to indulge in.

Aromatic Flavors: Rosewater and milk combine to create a unique and soothing flavor profile that’s both comforting and exotic.

Crunchy Nuts: The addition of walnuts or pistachios provides a delightful contrast to the dessert's soft layers.

Fresh Toppings: Pomegranate seeds add a burst of freshness and tangy flavor, balancing the dessert perfectly.

3. Güllaç Recipe: Make It at Home!

Ingredients:

10 sheets of Güllaç pastry

1 liter whole milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1–2 tsp rosewater

1 cup walnuts or pistachios (chopped)

Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

Heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and add rosewater. Let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Assemble the Güllaç:

In a large dish, place one sheet of Güllaç pastry and pour the milk mixture over it.

Repeat with each sheet, layering them one by one.

Sprinkle chopped nuts between every few layers for added flavor.

Turkey’s Ottoman Dessert Special For Ramadan "Güllaç" / Gullach

Video by Turkish Food Travel

3. Garnish and Chill:

Once all layers are assembled, pour the remaining milk over the dessert.

Garnish with more nuts and pomegranate seeds.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

4. When to Enjoy Güllaç

Güllaç is traditionally served during festivals but can be enjoyed year-round as a light and satisfying dessert. Its cooling properties make it an excellent choice for hot summer days.

5. Tips for the Perfect Güllaç

Use Fresh Güllaç Pastry: Authentic pastry sheets ensure the best texture.

Don’t Overload on Milk: Use just enough milk to soak the layers without making them soggy.

Chill Properly: Let the dessert rest in the fridge for the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

6. Why Güllaç Is a Global Favorite

Güllaç’s unique combination of flavors, textures, and lightness has won fans beyond Türkiye. Its simple preparation and elegant presentation make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Güllaç is more than just a dessert; it’s a cultural treasure that embodies the spirit of Turkish hospitality and culinary excellence. Either you’re new to this treat or revisiting an old favorite, one bite of Güllaç is enough to transport you to the heart of Türkiye’s rich dessert tradition