Greek Quince Spoon Sweet – Traditional Recipe with Cinnamon & Vanilla

This Greek quince spoon sweet is a beloved autumn preserve made with fragrant quinces, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The fruit turns a beautiful amber-red color and is served in small spoonfuls as a sweet gesture of hospitality. It’s aromatic, perfectly balanced, and a true taste of Greek tradition.

Greek Quince Spoon Sweet – Traditional Recipe with Cinnamon & Vanilla

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

Jar

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

1300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Traditional Greek quince spoon sweet simmered with cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon. Fragrant, glossy, and beautifully red — a classic Greek preserve served with coffee or yogurt.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 1250 g 2.75 lb Quinces, peeled and cored

• 800 g 4 cup Sugar

• 250 ml 1 cup Water (1 glass)

• 2 2 Cinnamon Sticks

• Juice of 1-2 Lemons

• 2 2 Vanillin Capsules

• 100 g 3.5 oz Blanched Almonds

• Optional

• 4-5 Rose Geranuim Leaves (arbaroriza)

• 10 10 Cloves

How to make Quince Spoon Sweet

• In a bowl of water, add the juice of half a lemon.
• Peel and core the quinces, cut them into thin slices, and place them in the lemon water to prevent browning.
• Transfer the quinces to a pot, add sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks.
• Bring to a boil, then lower to medium heat.
• Simmer for about 30 minutes, until the quinces soften and the syrup thickens.
• Add vanilla, lemon juice, and almonds.
• (Optional) Add rose geranium leaves and cloves for stronger aroma.
• Simmer for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
• Transfer to sterilized jars and store in a cool, dry place.

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A Greek Sweet Tradition in Every Spoon

Greek quince spoon sweet is one of Greece’s most iconic homemade preserves. Traditionally offered to guests with a glass of cold water or Greek coffee, it symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and care.

During autumn, quinces are abundant across Greece, and families turn them into this fragrant preserve. The natural pectin in quinces gives the syrup a glossy texture, while cinnamon and vanilla add layers of sweet, comforting aroma.

Tips for Perfect Quince Spoon Sweet

• Choose ripe quinces — their firm texture holds shape after boiling.
• Add lemon juice at the end — it enhances color and preserves the jam naturally.
• Simmer gently to achieve a thick, crystal-clear syrup.

How to Serve It

Enjoy a spoonful of quince spoon sweet on its own, as the Greeks do, or pair it with Greek yogurt, ice cream, or cheesecake. It’s also lovely as a glaze for roasted meats or holiday desserts.

Every jar is filled with the essence of autumn — golden fruit, warm spices, and a taste of Greek tradition passed down through generations.

Related Recipes

• Greek Quince Paste (Kydonopasto)
• Apple Cinnamon Jam with Vanilla
• Authentic Greek Melomakarona