Turkish Pudding Mix Buying Guide and Recommendations

Craving the sweet, creamy taste of an authentic Turkish dessert, but don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen? A good Turkish pudding mix is the perfect solution. It allows you to effortlessly serve traditional Turkish desserts that taste as if you're on holiday in Istanbul.

Whether you grew up with these flavours or discovered them on your travels, finding the right mix can be a challenge. That's why we've created this guide to help you choose. We'll highlight some popular options and provide practical tips, so you know exactly what you're getting.

What to Look for When Buying Turkish Pudding Mix?

Before you make a choice, it's helpful to know a few things. The world of Turkish desserts is rich and varied, and the same goes for pudding mixes.

1. Choose Your Favourite Type: Kazandibi, Sütla?, or Ke?kül?

Not all Turkish puddings are the same. The three most famous varieties each have a unique character:

• Sütla?: This is the Turkish version of rice pudding. It's a creamy and filling dessert, often flavoured with vanilla. A rice pudding mix for Sütla? is a classic choice that's sure to please almost everyone.
• Kazandibi: The name literally means 'bottom of the pan'. This is a milk pudding with a unique, lightly burnt caramel layer on top. This layer gives the dessert its signature, deep flavour.
• Ke?kül: An elegant pudding made from milk and ground almonds. It has a delicate, nutty flavour and a velvety texture. An excellent choice for those who love almonds.

2. Check the Preparation Method and Required Ingredients

Most mixes are designed for convenience. Typically, you only need to add milk and sometimes a little sugar. You mix the powder with the liquid, bring it to a boil while stirring, and then let it set in the refrigerator. Always read the instructions on the package. Some varieties, like Kazandibi, require an extra step to create the caramel layer.

3. Determine the Right Portion Size

A packet of Turkish pudding mix is usually enough for four to six servings, which is ideal for a family or when you have guests. If you're making it just for yourself, you can store the pudding in the refrigerator for a few days. Check the packaging for the exact number of servings you can prepare with one mix.

Popular Choices for Turkish Pudding Mix

To get you started, we've listed some popular options from the Basak pudding brand. This brand is well-known in Turkey for its authentic flavours and user-friendly products.

Basak Kazandibi Pudding 150g

Why it stands out According to the manufacturer, Basak, this mix is carefully crafted to deliver the classic Kazandibi experience. The description highlights a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Its unique feature is the caramelised top layer, which is said to provide a rich, but not overly sweet, caramel aroma and flavour.

Pros

• Focused on creating the signature caramelised layer.
• Combines a creamy milk flavour with a deep caramel note.
• Simple base for a traditional and impressive dessert.

Who is it for? For those who love a creamy pudding with a complex, deep flavour. If you appreciate the combination of smooth milk and slightly bitter caramel, this is an interesting option to try.

Basak Rice Pudding (Sütla?) - 155 g

Why it stands out This is the mix for the classic Sütla?. The packaging indicates that the product contains rice (12.5%), which is essential for the texture of a true rice pudding. The mix is designed for 4 to 6 people and can be sweetened further to taste.

Pros

• A classic rice pudding mix for a familiar and beloved dessert.
• Sufficient for 4 to 6 servings, ideal for the whole family.
• Contains real rice for an authentic texture.

Who is it for? Ideal for anyone looking for a traditional, filling, and comforting dessert. It's a safe and popular choice for families and for anyone wanting to try Turkish pudding for the first time.

Basak Almond Ke?kül Pudding 140g

Why it stands out This mix is for Ke?kül, the elegant almond pudding from Turkish cuisine. It's a lesser-known but highly refined option. The focus is on the subtle, nutty flavour of almonds in a smooth pudding structure.

Pros

• Offers a refined and nutty flavour experience.
• A great way to get acquainted with a lesser-known but traditional Turkish dessert.
• Like the other mixes, it's easy to prepare by just adding milk.

Who is it for? An excellent choice for the culinary adventurer who wants to try something different from the standard rice or caramel pudding. Perfect for those who love the delicate taste of almonds.

Looking for Other Turkish Desserts?

If your favourite isn't listed, or if you're curious about other options, the world of Turkish desserts is vast with much more to discover. For a broader overview of puddings and similar desserts, you can take a look at our rice cream category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Pudding

How do you prepare Turkish pudding mix?

The preparation is generally very simple. You mix the contents of the sachet in a saucepan with the specified amount of cold milk. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, still stirring. Then, pour the pudding into bowls and let it cool, first at room temperature and then in the refrigerator. For the exact steps, it's always best to follow the instructions on the packaging.

What is the difference between Sütla? and Kazandibi?

Sütla? is a creamy rice pudding, one of the most famous Turkish desserts. It's soft, filling, and often served cold, sometimes with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Kazandibi is a smooth milk pudding without rice. Its special feature is the top layer, which is intentionally caramelised in the pan, creating a deeper, slightly bitter taste that contrasts with the sweet pudding.

Where can I buy Turkish pudding?

For an authentic taste experience, it's best to choose brands that specialise in Turkish cuisine, such as Basak pudding. These are often available online, making it easy to have them delivered to your home so you can get started right away. This is a simple way to bring the true taste of Turkish desserts into your home.