Chocolate Tahini Brownies

Name: Chocolate Tahini Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup tahini; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven Ideas

I absolutely adore these Chocolate Tahini Brownies! The rich chocolate flavor combined with the nutty undertones of tahini creates a unique and decadent treat. Every bite is moist and fudgy, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, requiring just a handful of ingredients. These brownies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special dessert after a long day. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Created by

Lorna Whitcombe

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:45:35.544Z

When I first decided to make Chocolate Tahini Brownies, I was intrigued by the combination of flavors. I knew the tahini would add creaminess and depth to the chocolate, and it certainly did not disappoint! I found that mixing the tahini into the wet ingredients created a wonderfully smooth batter that baked beautifully.

What surprised me most was how well the tahini enhanced the chocolate without overpowering it. I recommend using high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor. Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Why You Will Love These Brownies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty tahini
Fudgy texture that satisfies your sweet cravings
Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets

The Role of Tahini

Tahini is a key ingredient in these brownies, providing a distinct nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate. Beyond taste, tahini also adds moisture to the brownies, resulting in their fudgy texture. Its high-fat content plays a crucial role in creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. If you're not familiar with tahini, it's ground sesame seeds, and can be found in most grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets. Make sure to stir it well before measuring, as it can separate.

If you find tahini to have too strong of a flavor for your liking, you can substitute it with unsweetened nut butters, like almond or peanut butter. However, this will alter the flavor profile slightly. Remember that substituting nut butters might make the brownies taste more decadent but may also change the texture, lifting the fudginess slightly. Adjust the sweetness based on your choice, as some nut butters can be sweeter than tahini.

Baking Tips for Perfect Brownies

When baking the brownies, precise timing is vital. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent overcooking. You want to pull them out when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs for that ideal fudgy texture. If it comes out clean, you've likely overbaked them, leading to a drier brownie. Be vigilant, as ovens can vary in temperature accuracy!

Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing will enhance their structure. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they may fall apart, losing that ideal fudgy texture you’re after. For cleaner cuts, use a hot, dry knife – dipping it in hot water and wiping it before each slice helps avoid messy edges.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup tahini
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to measure the tahini accurately for the best result!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delicious treat!

For an added touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving!

Pro Tips

Make sure not to overbake
the brownies should be slightly underbaked in the center for the best texture.

Storing and Serving

These brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. Alternatively, they freeze wonderfully! To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave for a melty treat.

For serving, consider pairing the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich flavors. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation and taste. Cut the brownies into different sizes for a variety of treats – smaller squares are perfect for snacks, while larger pieces can be a decadent dessert.

Variations and Customizations

While the basic recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment by adding nuts, or dried fruit for an extra crunch and flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely texture contrast, and dried cherries or cranberries pair beautifully with the chocolate undertones. Just ensure not to exceed a cup in total add-ins to maintain the brownie’s structure.

For a richer chocolate experience, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. It will enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. Also, if you want to make them gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose cocoa powder for a gluten-free variety. Just be mindful to check the labels to ensure all ingredients align with your dietary needs.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the tahini?

Yes, you can use almond butter or peanut butter as a substitute for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cocoa powder and chips, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.