Turkish-Style Quince in Syrup with Goat Cheese Yogurt Cream

Experience the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and aromatic depth of these Turkish-style quince halves, simmered slowly to a delicate orange-cream hue. The vibrant color and tender texture make them a stunning dessert, perfectly paired with a luscious goat cheese yogurt cream and a sprinkle of nuts.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 3 hours
🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Quince Syrup:

2 large quinces (approx. 800-900 g)
250 g sugar
2-3 whole cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
1/2 lemon (zest and juice)
Pistachios or ground walnuts for garnish

Goat Cheese Yogurt Cream:

100 g Greek yogurt
20 g fresh soft goat cheese
50 ml heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinces

Using a vegetable peeler, zest the lemon and peel the quinces with the same tool.
Cut quinces in half and remove cores (use a melon baller or spoon for scooping). Immediately rub cut surfaces with lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

2. Cook the Quinces

In a wide pot, arrange quince peels and lemon zest in a single layer. Sprinkle 100 g sugar evenly over them.
Add 6-7 quince seeds to the pot for added pectin.
Place quince halves cut-side up over the peels. Insert a clove into the hollow of each quince half. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the quinces.
Add enough water (~500 ml) to just moisten the sugar on the fruit.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours. Avoid a rolling boil to keep quince halves intact.

3. Finish the Syrup

After 1.5 hours, quinces will turn a creamy orange color and the syrup will tint orange.
Carefully flip the quince halves cut-side down—they will be slightly darker on the bottom.
Add the cinnamon stick and continue simmering uncovered for another 1.5 hours, stirring gently every 20 minutes and spooning syrup over the exposed fruit.
The syrup will thicken and deepen in color.

4. Cool and Chill

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the pot to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.

5. Prepare the Goat Cheese Yogurt Cream

Whisk together Greek yogurt and goat cheese until smooth.
Fold in whipped heavy cream until light and airy.

6. Serve

Plate quince halves with a generous dollop of goat cheese yogurt cream.
Garnish with chopped pistachios or ground walnuts for crunch and flavor contrast.

💡 Tips

Adding quince seeds during cooking helps naturally thicken the syrup.
Gently flip quinces to preserve their shape and even coloring.
Serve chilled for a refreshing yet indulgent dessert.

🎉 Perfect For

Elegant dinner parties
Seasonal autumn and winter desserts
Light, fruity desserts with a gourmet twist

📝 Final Thoughts

These Turkish-style syruped quinces deliver a stunning balance of tender fruit, rich spice, and creamy tang from the goat cheese yogurt. The vibrant color and delicate syrup make this dessert both visually and gastronomically impressive—a perfect ending to any meal.