Baked Quince Fruit (Ayva)

Baked Quince with cinnamon, cloves, and a smidge of butter to create tart, soft pieces of heaven. You’ll be surprised how much quince actually resembles apples once cooked.

I’d have to admit, every time someone would offer me quince (also known as Ayva in Turkey), I’d always pass.

It was tough to chew and chalky.

However, after doing much research, I then realized that this is the fruit that is best when cooked.

And oh my!!! it… is… good!

What is Quince Fruit?

Quince is a yellow-skinned fruit that is white inside, similar to an apple and a pear, chewy, and can have a chalky, or astringent, tart flavor when eaten raw. Some even say that it’s the choking fruit.

Which Season does Quince Grow?

Quince is a winter fruit. You can find Quince in supermarkets from September through December. However, here in Turkey, you can find them from late October through February.

How to Choose a Quince

Choose one that is large, has no fuzzy fur, is yellow in color, and has little to no green on the skin.

I highly recommend that you try this delicious winter fruit. When paired with ice cream, it makes for an indulgent dessert.

All you need is a baking dish, your favorite sweetener of choice, ground or a stick of cinnamon, clove, and a few dollops of butter (optional).

Enjoy as-is with an extra drizzle of honey over the baked fruit or scoop your favorite vanilla ice cream right on top for a pleasurable warm and cold contrast.

More Crave-worthy Recipes

• Mediterranean Beef Stew with Peas and Carrots

• Garlicky Cabbage and Carrot Yogurt Meze
• Easy Chestnut Recipe
• Better than TURKISH EGGS (cilbir)

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Baked Quince Fruit (Ayva)

Author: Ashley Altan Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: European, Mediterranean, Turkish-Inspired Courses: Dessert, Mediterranean Cravings, Vegetarian Recipe Keys: D Desserts G Gluten Free

Servings: 5

Ingredients

Servings

• 6 Quince also know as Ayva in Turkish (peeled, cored, and chopped into cubes)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sweetener of choice (sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar are all great)
• 1 stick of cinnamon (or a tsp of ground cinnamon)
• 5 pieces of clove
• pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the diced quince, sweetener of choice, cinnamon, cloves, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. Toss to combine. Allow this mixture to set on your countertop for 30 minutes. This step will help intertwine the sugar and the fruit's natural juices together. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C that's 392°F —go ahead with an even 400°F. 

2. When ready, transfer the fruit + juices to a baking dish. Spread the fruit around for an even bake. Add the butter on top. Finally, bake for 40 minutes uncovered—mixing around the fruit every 15 minutes. 

3. Enjoy while warm with a nice scoop of ice cream.