Nevzine Tatlısı

Kayseri Nevzinesi is a regional dessert unique to Kayseri, Türkiye. Its main ingredients are flour, fat (a mixture of vegetable oil, butter, and olive oil), walnut pieces, tahini, vinegar, and baking powder. During dough preparation, these ingredients are kneaded on a tray and pressed open by hand; this process is locally known as “nevzine basmak.” The dough retains its firm texture even after baking and is sweetened with a grape molasses syrup poured over it.

Culturally, Kayseri Nevzinesi holds a significant place during holidays, weddings, guest receptions, engagement ceremonies, and iftar tables during Ramadan. Traditionally, it is served to newly married brides, a custom that has been preserved in Kayseri for generations.

Historically, because homes in Kayseri did not have ovens, nevzine was commonly prepared in neighborhood communal ovens. Today, although it can also be made at home, this dessert remains an important and distinctive product within Kayseri’s culinary culture, carrying both cultural and geographical significance.

Kayseri Nevzinesi is a traditional and historical dessert unique to the Kayseri region, distinguished by its preparation technique, ingredients, and cultural context. Due to both its flavor and its cultural importance, it occupies a privileged position in regional culinary traditions.

Nevzine Sweetmeat (CulturePortal)

INGREDIENTS

For the Dough

1 kg flour

350 g butter

1 teacup olive oil

1 teacup tahini

1 teacup grape molasses

1 tablespoon yogurt

2 eggs

200 g walnut pieces (coarsely chopped)

1 packet baking powder

1 packet vanilla

A pinch of salt

For the Syrup

5 glasses powdered sugar

7 glasses water

1 slice lemon

Preparation

For the syrup, boil the sugar, water, and lemon slice over high heat. Then add the grape molasses and allow to cool. In a bowl, combine the butter, tahini, olive oil, eggs, yogurt, baking powder, and vanilla. Gradually add the flour while mixing. After incorporating the chopped walnuts, knead the mixture by hand until you obtain a smooth and soft dough. Spread the dough to a finger’s thickness on a greased baking tray using your hands. Cut into 7 cm squares, place a walnut piece in the center of each, and let rest for 30 minutes. Bake in an oven preheated to 140°C for 45 minutes, then increase the temperature to 160°C and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Pour the lukewarm syrup evenly over the nevzine and serve after cooling.