Tahini Brownies

Due to its powerfully nutty, toasty flavors, we usually save tahini for savory recipes. But when paired with chocolate, the two create something rich and creamy, highlighting the deeper flavors that are often too overpowered by sweetness to detect. As you may have guessed, these two ingredients make for a stellar batch of brownies.

These tahini brownies contain a little over 1 cup of the condiment and have halva crumbled on top for good measure, so we’re not holding back on that sesame flavor. If you love this flavor combo, I recommend trying our Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars next.

What is tahini?

Tahini is a sesame seed-based condiment that’s popular in North African, Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisine. It’s made by combining ground sesame seeds and oil into a smooth, viscous liquid. Creamy, savory and nutty, tahini is often found in hummus, baba ganoush and drizzled on falafel.

Ingredients for Tahini Brownies

• Butter: Soften the butter to room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies. Avoid brown sugar here; it won’t match the other flavors.
• Tahini: Before measuring your tahini, open the container and give it a very good stir. The oil naturally separates from the sesame solids, so you’ll need to take a minute to reincorporate it.
• Eggs: Four eggs offer volume, structure and binding. You can replace one or two of the eggs with flax eggs if desired.
• Flours: All-purpose flour and whole wheat flour create structure and a tender, chewy bite. Whole wheat flour adds a nutrients and a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs well with the tahini. You can make the entire flour measurement all-purpose flour, if desired.
• Cocoa powder: If you can, splurge on the best cocoa powder for your chocolate desserts. The quality makes a huge difference!
• Halva: Halva is a type of confection made from tahini and a sweetener cooked together. After chopping it up, we’ll sprinkle the halva on the unbaked brownies just before they go into the oven, boosting the sweet and sesame flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Make the batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy, four to five minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 1 cup of tahini and the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour and cocoa powder. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing well.

Editor’s Tip: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make the mixing process easier. After adding the eggs, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Swirl extra tahini onto the batter

Spread the brownie batter into a parchment-lined 9-inch square baking pan. Dollop the remaining 3 tablespoons of tahini over the brownie batter, then use a toothpick to swirl the tahini in a decorative pattern as desired.

Step 3: Add the halva

Sprinkle the crumbled halva all over the brownie batter.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes. Be careful not to overbake!

The brownies in the pan should cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack. Then, cut them into bars and enjoy!

Tahini Brownies Variations

• Mix in fruit: Dark cherries or raspberries would be fabulous additions to chocolate tahini brownies. You could also add dried cranberries to the batter or swirl raspberry jam on top along with the tahini.
• Make them double-chocolate-style: Who doesn’t love double-chocolate brownies? Fold chocolate chips into the brownie batter before pouring it into the pan.
• Add a finishing touch: Once the brownies are baked, sprinkle on flaky salt or sesame seeds for a pretty garnish.

How to Store Tahini Brownies

Store tahini brownies in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for two days, but can last in the fridge for up to four days.

Can you freeze tahini brownies?

Yes, you can freeze tahini brownies. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then either cover the pan tightly in a few layers of storage wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container. Freeze tahini brownies for up to two months and thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Tahini Brownies Tips

Where can you buy tahini and halva?

Tahini and halva are usually found in the international aisles of grocery stores, particularly in the Middle Eastern sections.

What does tahini do in baking?

Tahini adds a rich and nutty flavor to baked goods. It also makes the pastries or desserts creamier and more moist. Some like to use tahini in place of oil or melted butter. Keep in mind, though, it’s not an oil replacement, as tahini does contain solids.

How do you serve tahini brownies?

Serve tahini brownies warm from the oven, at room temperature or cold from the fridge. I love mine warm with a scoop of the best vanilla ice cream. For drink pairings, serve chocolate tahini brownies with glasses of port, sauternes or late-harvest riesling.