Cezerye Recipe: Turkish Carrot Dessert Bars

Cezerye is a traditional Turkish dessert made primarily from carrots, nuts, and sugar. Originating from the Mersin region, this sweet and chewy treat is packed with natural flavors and health benefits. Often enjoyed with Turkish coffee or tea, Cezerye is a delicious alternative to more common sweets like baklava. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make homemade Cezerye, a recipe that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients for Cezerye Recipe

To make Cezerye, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 kg of carrots, peeled and grated
1.5 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
1 cup of crushed walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts
1 cup of shredded coconut for coating

These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is both flavorful and textured. The carrots provide natural sweetness, while the nuts add a delightful crunch.

How to Make Cezerye

Cook the Carrots: In a large saucepan, add the grated carrots and water. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are soft and the water has mostly evaporated. This should take about 20 minutes.
Add the Sugar and Spices: Once the carrots are tender, add the sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom to the pot. Continue cooking the mixture for another 20-30 minutes, stirring constantly. The sugar will melt and caramelize with the carrots, creating a thick, sticky mixture.
Mix in the Nuts: Once the mixture has thickened and the sugar has fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the crushed nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Shape the Cezerye: Spread the carrot and nut mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer, about 1-2 cm thick. Allow it to cool for at least an hour at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Cut and Coat: Once the mixture has set, cut it into small squares or rectangles. Roll each piece in shredded coconut to coat them completely, giving the Cezerye a nice outer texture.
Serve: Your homemade Cezerye is now ready to be enjoyed! It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee and can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Tips for Making Perfect Cezerye

Consistency Matters: It’s important to cook the carrot mixture long enough for the water to evaporate and the sugar to caramelize. This will ensure that your Cezerye has the perfect chewy texture.
Nut Choices: Traditional Cezerye is often made with walnuts or pistachios, but you can experiment with hazelnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. The nuts add a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy carrot base.
Coconut Coating: The shredded coconut not only adds flavor but also prevents the sticky dessert from clumping together. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can use finely ground nuts or even cocoa powder as an alternative coating.

The Health Benefits of Cezerye

Cezerye is not just a tasty dessert, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is good for eye health, while the nuts provide healthy fats and protein. The use of natural ingredients like carrots and nuts makes Cezerye a better alternative to processed sweets, offering both flavor and nutrition. Additionally, this dessert is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Why You Should Try Cezerye

If you’re looking to explore Turkish cuisine, Cezerye is a great place to start. This dessert is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a unique flavor that you won’t find in typical Western sweets. Its combination of chewy, nutty, and sweet flavors makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. Plus, Cezerye is a healthier dessert option that can satisfy your sweet tooth without all the guilt.