A Comprehensive Guide to Making Şekerpare Ingredients Cooking Time and Calories Explained

Şekerpare is a cherished Turkish dessert, celebrated for its sweet, syrup-soaked pastry. This delightful treat blends various flavors and textures, making it a favorite during special occasions. The good news is that you can bring this piece of Turkish culture into your kitchen and share it with family and friends. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed list of ingredients, cooking time, calorie information, and simple, step-by-step instructions to create the deliciousness that is Şekerpare.

What is Şekerpare?

Şekerpare holds a special status in Turkish dessert culture. This dessert features a soft pastry that melts in your mouth and is drenched in syrup, making it rich in sweetness and flavor. It's more than just a dessert; it embodies warmth and nostalgia for those who enjoy it. In Turkey, it’s commonly served during festive occasions, celebrations, and even family gatherings.

Ingredients List

To create your own Şekerpare, gather the following essential ingredients:

1. Butter:

   • 125 grams (about 1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, softened

2. Sugar:

   • 100 grams (about 1/2 cup) of granulated sugar

3. Eggs:

   • 1 large egg

   • 1 egg yolk for brushing

4. Milk:

   • 1/2 cup of milk

5. Semolina:

   • 1 cup of semolina, providing a unique texture

6. Flour:

   • 1 cup of all-purpose flour

7. Baking Powder:

   • 1 teaspoon of baking powder for leavening

8. Vanilla Extract:

   • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor

9. Zest:

   • Zest of 1 lemon (optional for a citrusy hint)

10. For the Syrup:

- 2 cups of water

- 2 cups of granulated sugar

- 1 slice of lemon to balance the sweetness

Cooking Time

Here's a breakdown of the time necessary to prepare Şekerpare:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Syrup Preparation: 10 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

  
  

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 2 cups of sugar, and a slice of lemon.

   
   

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.

   
   

3. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This thickens the syrup slightly.

   
   

4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool while you prepare the pastries. Make sure to keep the syrup warm but not hot.

   
   

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

   
   

2. Add in the egg and mix until you have a homogenous mixture.

3. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.

   
   

4. In another bowl, mix the semolina, flour, and baking powder.

   
   

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

   
   

6. If you are adding lemon zest, include it now to enhance the flavor.

   
   

Step 3: Shape the Pastries

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

   
   

2. Pinch off pieces of dough, about the size of a walnut (approximately 25 grams each), and roll them into small balls.

   
   

3. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for baking expansion.

   
   

4. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small indentation in the center of each ball. This helps catch the syrup later.

   
   

5. Brush the tops with the egg yolk to achieve a nice golden color when baked.

   
   

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for around 30 minutes or until they turn a rich golden brown.

   
   

2. After baking, let them cool briefly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

   
   

Step 5: Soaking in Syrup

1. While the pastries are still warm, pour the cooled syrup evenly over them, allowing each piece to absorb the sweet flavor.

   
   

2. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes—this soaking process is crucial for achieving that deliciously moist texture before serving.

   
   

Nutritional Information

For a typical piece of Şekerpare (approximately 40 grams), you can expect the following nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Total Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 2g

  
  

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

A Sweet Baking Experience Awaits

Creating your own Şekerpare at home is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s a chance to embrace a piece of Turkish culture, creating memories as you bring this dessert to life. The combination of sweetness, with a touch of lemon and a tender texture, makes it an enticing treat.

With this detailed ingredient list, cooking instructions, and nutritional insights, you are all set for your Şekerpare journey. Get ready to indulge in the fulfilling experience of baking this delightful Turkish dish.

Deliciously baked Şekerpare pastries soaking in syrup.

Baking homemade desserts can be deeply gratifying. So roll up your sleeves, savor the process, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this beloved Turkish treat.

Pouring syrup over freshly baked Şekerpare pastries.

With its rich flavors and soft texture, Şekerpare is poised to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!

Beautifully arranged Şekerpare served on a decorative plate.