Today, we’re exploring Keskul, one of Turkey’s most beloved traditional desserts. If you’ve ever tried it at a Turkish café or during a festive celebration, you know it’s creamy, lightly sweet, and generously dotted with nuts for that perfect texture.

Lykkers, the beauty of Keskul is its simplicity: a dessert made from milk, sugar, a bit of thickener, and nuts—but it tastes luxurious. Today, we’ll learn how to make it at home, step by step, so we can enjoy this classic Turkish delight whenever we like.

What Keskul Is

Keskul is a milk-based dessert that’s both comforting and visually appealing. Unlike heavier European puddings that can feel cloying, Keskul is smooth, light, and subtly sweet. The nuts—almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts—not only provide a delightful crunch but also enhance the flavor with their natural richness. Traditionally, Keskul is served chilled in individual bowls, often garnished with extra nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For about 3–4 servings, we’ll gather:

- 1 liter milk – the base of our pudding, providing creaminess.

- 80g sugar – adjust to taste; it keeps the dessert lightly sweet.

- 50g rice flour or cornstarch – for thickening without heaviness.

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a warm, comforting aroma.

- 50g finely chopped nuts – almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts, half for mixing in, half for topping.

- Optional: 1 teaspoon rosewater – for a subtle floral fragrance.

Step 1: Prepare the Thickener

In a small bowl, mix 50g rice flour or cornstarch with 3–4 tablespoons of cold milk until smooth. This slurry prevents lumps when added to the hot milk later. Lykkers, taking this extra minute ensures a silky pudding.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour 1 liter milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Slow, gentle heat is key; rushing this step can make the milk scorch, affecting the flavor.

Step 3: Thicken the Pudding

Gradually add the slurry into the warm milk while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for about 15–20 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. The texture should be smooth, creamy, and pourable—firm enough to hold shape after chilling, but soft enough to melt in the mouth.

Step 4: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Add 80g sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the pan. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the vanilla is evenly incorporated. For a fragrant twist, add 1 teaspoon rosewater, which complements the nutty flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Incorporate the Nuts

Finely chop 50g nuts and fold half into the pudding. Save the rest for topping. This creates delightful texture and a natural nutty taste in every spoonful. Lykkers, folding gently keeps the pudding smooth while distributing the nuts evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Pour the pudding into individual serving bowls. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours until fully set. Chilling is crucial; it allows the pudding to firm up while maintaining its creamy texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the remaining nuts on top. Optionally, add a light dusting of cinnamon or a few pomegranate seeds for color and a subtle tang. Keskul is best enjoyed chilled, making it a refreshing dessert for warm days or a sweet ending to a meal.

Extra Tips for Perfect Keskul

- Stir constantly while heating to prevent milk from sticking.

- Adjust sugar according to taste; a few extra grams can make it more dessert-like.

- Don’t skip chilling—the texture won’t be right if served too early.

- For a more decadent version, lightly toast the nuts before folding in to enhance aroma.

Enjoy Your Homemade Keskul!

Lykkers, making Keskul at home is a delightful experience and a way to bring a taste of Turkish tradition into our kitchens. From thickening the milk to folding in nuts and letting it chill, each step is simple yet rewarding. The result is a creamy, nutty, and lightly sweet dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and together we can savor this classic Turkish treat in every spoonful!