Chocolate-Tahini Bars Recipe

Sesame and chocolate are a match made in heaven

There's a good chance you already love chocolate mixed with peanut butter, so here's your opportunity to graduate to the next level and try chocolate and tahini. The ground sesame paste has a rich, nutty taste, even though there's not a nut to be found: It's made from seeds. In this recipe, tahini cake is topped with chocolate ganache before getting a sprinkling of sesame seeds and sea salt. Consider it the the grown-up version of a chocolate peanut butter cup.

Advertisement

Chewy cake topped with smooth, fudgy ganache creates the perfect blend of textures. Make the ganache while the cake is baking, so you can spread it on top while the cake is still warm. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth, even layer of ganache that's ready for a sprinkling of sesame seeds and sea salt.

Check out our favorite cookie and bar recipes.

Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen

Chocolate-Tahini Bars

5 (35 ratings)

Creamy tahini gives these bars a nutty flavor before they’re covered in a rich chocolate and tahini ganache, then garnished with sesame seeds and sea salt.

Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
25
minutes
servings
9
tray
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Bars
  • 1 cup tahini
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • For the Ganache and Garnish
  • 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1½ tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Directions

  1. Make the bars: Preheat the oven to 350º. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the tahini and butter together to incorporate. Add the sugar and cream until light and fluffy, 2 minutes.
  2. With the motor running, add the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, followed by the vanilla and salt. Add the flour and mix until a thick batter forms. Transfer to a parchment-lined 9-by-13-inch pan and, using an offset spatula, spread into an even layer.
  3. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, then set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, make the ganache: In a medium bowl over a double boiler, combine the chocolate, butter and tahini. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, 5 minutes.
  5. Using an offset spatula, spread the ganache in an even layer over the warm cake. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with flaky sea salt. Let cool, then chill until firm, 1 hour, before cutting into squares or rectangles, and serving.

Nutrition

Calories per Serving 309
Total Fat 19.9 g
Saturated Fat 8.0 g
Trans Fat 0.3 g
Cholesterol 43.6 mg
Total Carbohydrates 31.8 g
Dietary Fiber 2.5 g
Total Sugars 21.9 g
Sodium 154.2 mg
Protein 5.0 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Rate this recipe

Recommended

Advertisement