Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars

Name: Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup tahini; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup tahini; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp warm water

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I recently discovered the delightful combination of chocolate and tahini, and it has transformed my dessert game! These Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars are not only rich and indulgent but also bring a unique flavor twist that I can't get enough of. The creamy tahini enhances the chocolate's depth, creating a bar that's perfect for any occasion. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making it hard to resist. I can assure you, this is a treat worth trying and sharing with friends and family!

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:13:21.525Z

When I first made these Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars, I was genuinely surprised at how well tahini pairs with chocolate. It’s a creamy, nutty addition that elevates the bars beyond your standard chocolate treat. The secret is in swirling the tahini just enough to create that marbled effect without fully mixing it in, allowing for pockets of flavor throughout each bar.

I've experimented with different ratios of chocolate to tahini, and I found that using equal parts really helps both flavors to shine. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them, as this keeps the swirls intact and the bars from crumbling. Enjoy with a glass of milk for the ultimate experience!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy tahini
Unique flavor combination that surprises and delights
Perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings in a healthy way

      

Baking Essentials for Success

When preparing your Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars, having the right baking dish is crucial. An 8x8 inch baking dish is ideal, as it allows the bars to bake evenly without becoming too thick. If you don't have one, a similar sized dish or even a 9x9 inch one can work; just keep an eye on baking time, as the bars may bake quicker in a larger dish due to increased surface area. Always line your dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean cutting.

Using high-quality cocoa powder makes a significant difference in the flavor of these bars. Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer, smoother taste. If you're in a pinch, natural cocoa powder can be used, but the flavor might be slightly more acidic. Also, when melting butter, make sure it’s not too hot, as this could cook the eggs when mixed, leading to a curdled batter. Melt until just melted and let it cool slightly before adding to your mixture.

Perfecting the Tahini Swirl

The tahini swirl is what elevates these bars, giving them a unique and creamy richness. To achieve the perfect pourable consistency for your tahini mixture, ensure you stir it well with honey and warm water. If your tahini is too thick, consider adding a little more warm water, as it should be just viscous enough to swirl into the chocolate batter without sinking completely. This swirl technique is what creates that stunning marbled appearance when baked.

When swirling the tahini into the batter, avoid over-mixing. A few gentle strokes with a knife will create beautiful, distinct swirls. If you want more pronounced tahini flavor in some areas, don’t be shy about drizzling extra tahini on top before swirling. Remember, the visual appeal of your bars can make them more enticing when it comes time to serve.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your bars are baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully. Cut your bars into squares, wrap each in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This recipe also holds well, so if you like, consider doubling it to always have some on hand.

These Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, balancing the chocolate's richness with creamy sweetness. They also make a delightful afternoon treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re feeling adventurous, top them with a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips

For the Tahini Swirl

1/2 cup tahini
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp warm water

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the tahini, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Prepare Tahini Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the tahini, honey, and warm water until smooth and pourable.

Pour and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the tahini mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top and drizzle the rest of the tahini mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the tahini into the batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper, and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or snacks.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is versatile when it comes to substitutions. For a gluten-free version, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so choose a blend designed for baking. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave in the tahini swirl, but remember to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, granulated sugar can be used instead, though brown sugar contributes a lovely depth due to its molasses content. As for the chocolate chips, dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips can be swapped based on your preference; just be mindful of their sweetness level.

Common Issues and Fixes

One common issue with baking brownies is overbaking, which can lead to dry bars. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center at the 25-minute mark; aim for a few moist crumbs rather than a clean pick. If your bars are too dense, they might need a little more moisture, so consider adding an additional egg or a tablespoon of milk next time for a softer texture.

Another key factor is ensuring your tahini is well mixed. Separated tahini can lead to uneven flavor. If your tahini seems overly thick, consider warming it slightly to make it easier to incorporate. Be watchful while preparing and enjoy the process, as each step builds the unique flavor profile of your delicious bars!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the tahini with peanut butter?

Yes, peanut butter can be used as a substitute for tahini, though it will give a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make these bars vegan?

To make them vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends, although the texture may vary slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.