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 cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup tahini; 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Oven Ideas

I’m incredibly excited to share my recipe for Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars! These bars have quickly become a favorite in our household with their luscious blend of rich chocolate and creamy tahini. I love how the nutty flavor of tahini complements the sweetness of chocolate, making for a unique dessert that's both decadent and satisfying. They’re simple to make and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a personal treat. Ready to indulge in these delightful bars? Let’s get started!

Created by

Verity Langdon

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:33:34.934Z

I’ve always been a fan of combining unexpected flavors, and that’s exactly how these Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars came to fruition. One afternoon, I was looking for a way to use the tahini I had on hand, and I started experimenting. The combination of tahini and chocolate created a smooth and rich texture, perfect for a bar-style dessert. I've since made this recipe multiple times, and I've learned that swirling the two mixes just right results in a beautiful marble effect.

This method enhances the flavor dramatically, so don’t be shy while swirling! I also found that letting the bars cool completely before cutting into them makes a world of difference. It prevents any crumbling and helps achieve those perfect clean cuts showcasing the swirls. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The unique flavor combination of chocolate and tahini
Decadent yet not overly sweet, perfect for any occasion
Easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have

The Role of Tahini

Tahini plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of these bars. Its rich, nutty taste beautifully complements the sweet chocolate layer, making the dessert feel both indulgent and balanced. When using tahini, choose a high-quality, creamy variety for the best texture and flavor. If you're experimenting, you can even try using flavored tahinis, such as roasted garlic or spice-infused options, to give your bars a unique twist.

Beyond flavor, tahini also adds moisture and a smooth consistency to the filling, which helps create that alluring swirl effect. If you find your tahini is too thick, a simple solution is to gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds until it stirs easily, making it easier to incorporate with the other ingredients.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

To achieve perfectly baked Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the baking pan inside. This ensures even cooking and helps the bars rise properly. Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be set and slightly springy to the touch, with a toothpick coming out clean from the center, which typically takes about 25 minutes.

After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least an hour. This step is vital, as it helps the bars firm up, making them easier to cut. If you're in a hurry, you can place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, but be careful not to chill them for too long, as they can become too firm.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed. For an enhanced experience, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate or tahini on top before serving, or adding a sprinkle of sea salt to heighten the flavors. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner.

For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you begin to make the process smooth and easy.

For the Chocolate Layer

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Tahini Layer

1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup honey
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results and flavor blending.

Instructions

Before diving into the steps, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly.

Make the Tahini Layer

In another bowl, combine the tahini, honey, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Carefully spoon the tahini mixture over the chocolate layer in the baking pan.

Swirl the Mixtures

Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-mix.

Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely in the pan before lifting and cutting into bars.

For the best flavor, let the bars sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the mixture for added texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself without tahini, you can substitute an equal amount of peanut butter or almond butter. These nut butters will impart a different flavor but still provide the creamy base necessary for the filling. Remember, this will alter the overall taste, making it more peanut or almond flavored rather than nutty from tahini.

For those with dietary restrictions, you can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another brown sugar alternative for a more caramel-like flavor. Additionally, using a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) can easily substitute for the egg in the tahini layer, making this recipe vegan-friendly.

Variations to Try

For a fruity twist, consider incorporating fresh berries or chopped nuts into the chocolate layer before adding the tahini mixture. Raspberries or chopped walnuts can add delightful textures and flavors that complement the chocolate and tahini beautifully. If you want to upsell the chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips to the chocolate layer as well.

You could also experiment with adding spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg in either the chocolate or tahini layer to create a warm, spiced version of these bars. Just a small pinch can add an intriguing depth without overpowering the primary flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute tahini with another ingredient?

Yes, you can substitute tahini with almond butter or peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, you can make it vegan by replacing eggs with flax eggs and ensuring that the chocolate used is dairy-free.