They are few things as tempting as a dense, fudgy brownie. By drizzling it with tahini, adding a nutty, slightly savory dimension, you take a beloved treat and turn it into something even special. These tahini swirl brownies add both deep chocolate notes and the complex creaminess of sesame paste, making for a dessert that’s as inviting to the eye as it is to the stomach. Whether you’re a fan of classic brownies or enjoy getting experimental with your flavors, this tahini swirl brownies recipe is one you should add to your favourites.
The Allure of Tahini in Brownies
Tahini, a paste of ground sesame seeds, has ceased to be solely a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. Its velvety texture and nutty flavor are the perfect complement to chocolate, counterbalancing sweetness with a little earthiness. While recipes such as tahini brownies Ottolenghi have secured its status in modern baking, variations like black tahini brownies provide visually and flavor-spectrum contrasts.
Ingredients for Tahini Swirl Brownies
What You Need to Make Perfect Tahini Swirl Brownies
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (120g) brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (95) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, or olive oil tahini brownies variation
For the Tahini Swirl:
- 1/2 cup (120g) tahini
- It’s all good (2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for healthy tahini brownies)
- A pinch of flaky sea salt
The tahini sweet potato brownies also shake their flavors with optional ingredients like sweet potato puree, and vegan tahini brownies alternate with plant-based substitutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a big bowl, whisk together the sugars, cocoa powder, flour, salt and baking powder. Melt the butter (or olive oil if you want a twist) and whisk it into the dry ingredients with the eggs. Mix until smooth and glossy. For elegance, you can mix in chunks of dark chocolate or a splash of vanilla extract.
3. Create the Tahini Swirl
Put the tahini, honey and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl and whisk until creamy. For a deeper color and slightly roasted taste, you can use black tahini.
4. Assemble the Brownies
Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. Dollop spoonfuls of the tahini mixture on top, and use a knife to create swirls, blending the tahini into the batter for a marbled effect.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t bake too long or they won’t be fudgydelicious.
6. Cool and Serve
Cool the brownies completely in the pan, then cut into pieces. The tahini swirls firm up a bit, with a nice chewiness.
Variations to Explore
1. Tahini Brownies (Ottolenghi-inspired)
Chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s version tends to include chunks of halva for texture and a shot of sweetness. This version adds a Middle Eastern twist to the classic brownie.
2. Milk Street Style Tahini Brownies
Milk Street’s recipes tend to be focused on simplicity and balance. Follow their lead by including less sugar, and by incorporating a little bit of espresso powder for depth.
3. Healthy Tahini Brownies
Replace some of the butter or oil with mashed sweet potato, applesauce or avocado. The ingredients are coconut sugar and whole wheat flour for a healthy swap.
4.Vegan Tahini Brownies
Substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” and use dairy-free chocolate. The tahini adds richness and structure inherently.
5. Black Tahini Brownies
Besides adding visual drama, the black tahini lends its deep, slight bitterness, which is great for people who like their desserts complex.
6. Tahini Sweet Potato Brownies
Add roasted and mashed sweet potato into the batter for extra moisture and a hint of caramel note. That combo makes the brownies feel damn-near virtuous.
Why Tahini Swirl Brownies Stand Out
These brownies are sweet, but not excessively so, with a savory edge. The ribbon of tahini provides a rich, nutty contrast to the heavy chocolate base so that every bite is a lesson in texture and taste. Unlike cloyingly sweet traditional brownies these feel fancy, appealing to more grown-up tastes. Like its versatility, tahini also invites multiple adaptations, from vegan tahini brownies to the olive oil kind.
Serving Suggestions
For an over-the-top dessert, serve these brownies hot from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzles of chocolate sauce or sprinkles of sesame seeds can take presentation up a notch. For less formal occasions, just sprinkle the brownies with powdered sugar and let the swirls do the talking.
A Recipe Worth Sharing
Whether you’re trying tahini brownies Milk Street-style or your wonks, this is a big winner. Rich chocolate plays beautifully with nutty tahini, delivering a dessert that feels at once comforting and exotic. With recipes for tahini sweet potato brownies or the stunning black tahini brownies, there’s something for every taste to enjoy.
Explore tahini brownies today and find yourself a new, versatile favorite treat.
