Rich and chewy brownies with a subtle, yet deliciously exotic tahini swirl. These fudgy tahini brownies are flourless, making them naturally gluten-free! Dairy free options included.
Updated 3.20.2024
TAHINI BROWNIES
I have always loved brownies, so when I spotted an intriguing recipe for tahini brownies in a food magazine years ago, I knew I wanted to try it!
I had never baked with tahini before, so I tracked some down in the peanut butter aisle of my local grocery store and mixed up a batch.
After tweaking the recipe a few times, I got it just right and these gooey brownies are now one of my family’s go-to desserts!
Tahini brownies are delightfully fudgy with a crackly top, and have a unique, slightly sweet tahini honey swirl that really puts them over the top.
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Table of contents
Looking for more chocolate recipes? Try my Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie or, if you’re looking for a healthier treat, my Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls!
INGREDIENTS IN TAHINI BROWNIES
Grain free tahini brownies feature just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. If you haven’t purchased tahini before, you can find it next to the peanut butter in most grocery stores.
You’ll love that this is a flourless brownie recipe, so it’s perfect for those who need to eat gluten-free!
***Ingredient amounts and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
FOR THE BROWNIES:
semisweet chocolate
You can use chocolate bars or chocolate chips, whichever you have on hand! For dairy free/vegan, use an option like Enjoy Life chocolate chips which are top 9 free.
For an even richer brownie, you can use dark chocolate chips.
coconut oil
You can also use butter if you’re not dairy free, they work similarly.
tahini
Tahini is just ground sesame seeds and you can find it in most grocery stores next to the nut butters.
eggs
Use large eggs that are at room temperature. I have not tried this recipe with an egg substitute but flax eggs might work! Let me know if you try it.
granulated sugar
just regular white sugar.
brown sugar or coconut sugar
You can use either option. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and also provides a richer flavor, but brown works just as well 🙂
cocoa powder
Use an unsweetened cocoa powder. You only need a little because of the chocolate chips!
salt
I like to use sea salt. You can use reduced-sodium salt if you need to.
vanilla extract
Any kind will do, but the higher quality you use, the better your brownies will taste.
FOR THE TAHINI SWIRL
The combination of tahini and honey or maple syrup is where the magic happens!
tahini
Find on the peanut butter aisle.
honey
I usually use honey, but if you’re vegan you can use agave or maple syrup. Do not omit the sweetener altogether as it won’t taste right.
HOW TO MAKE FLOURLESS TAHINI BROWNIES
This recipe is pretty simple!
Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prep
Prepare an 8″ square baking pan by lining with parchment paper. (if you don’t have parchment, you can spray it with cooking spray, but parchment works best)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Prepare tahini swirl by stirring together tahini and honey.
Step 2: Melt chocolate
In a small saucepan, stir chocolate, coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of tahini over low heat just until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.
PRO TIP: be careful not to overcook the chocolate! Turn the heat off just before it is melted and continue to stir until it melts.
Step 3: Whip eggs and sugar
Meanwhile, combine eggs, sugar, and coconut sugar in a large bowl and mix on medium-high 4-5 minutes until light and smooth. The mixture should have doubled in size.
Add salt and vanilla and mix just until combined.
Step 4: Combine
Add melted chocolate and cocoa powder to egg mixture until smooth and combined, using a spatula to scrape the sides as needed.
Step 5: Add tahini swirl
Spread batter into prepared pan. Drop by dollops onto the batter and use a toothpick or knife to swirl.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Be careful not to overbake! A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with fudgy crumbs.
Remember that the brownies will continue to bake a little as they cool.
HOW TO SERVE
Flourless tahini brownies hold up better when they’ve cooled most of the way before cutting and serving.
Level up your tahini brownies by sprinkling with flaky salt, or topping with ice cream and fudge sauce!
HOW TO STORE
Store leftover brownies wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. You can store at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate or freeze for longer.
MORE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
Autumn Harvest Salad with Maple Tahini Vinaigrette
Gluten Free Crumbl Dark Dream Cookies (copycat recipe)
Easy 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make dairy free?
Yes! Tahini brownies are easy to make dairy-free using coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I make tahini brownies without eggs?
I haven’t tried substituting flax eggs yet, but I think it would work! Please let me know if you try it.
What is tahini?
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, similar to how peanut butter is made from ground peanuts. It sometimes also includes salt, but most varieties are only sesame seeds.
Where can I find tahini?
Tahini is sold in plastic or glass jars and can be found next to nut butters at most grocery stores. You can also purchase it online, or make your own by using a food processor or blender to pulverize sesame seeds.
I don’t like tahini, can I use this recipe to make peanut butter brownies?
Yes! Feel free to swap the tahini with peanut butter, almond butter, or any other kind of smooth butter.
Use a natural variety (one you have to stir before serving) as the consistency will be more similar to tahini.
Are tahini brownies gluten-free?
Tahini brownies are traditionally made grain-free, without flour, which makes them naturally gluten-free brownies.
If you’re baking for someone who is gluten-free, be sure to ingredient labels and prepare in a space that has been thoroughly cleaned.
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TAHINI BROWNIE RECIPE
These are the BEST tahini brownies! I know you’re going to love them.
Tahini Brownies
These fudgy brownies feature a gorgeous tahini swirl. This is one of my favorite brownie recipes because it's easy to make and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
FOR THE BROWNIES
- 6 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (we used Enjoy Life Foods which is dairy free)
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla
FOR TAHINI SWIRL
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon honey, real maple syrup, or agave
Instructions
- Use parchment paper to line an 8" square baking pan. (if you don't have parchment, you can spray it with cooking spray, but parchment works best)
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a small saucepan, stir chocolate, coconut oil, and 1 T tahini over low heat just until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, sugar, and coconut sugar. Mix on medium-high 4-5 minutes until light and smooth. Mixture should be about double in size.
- Mix in salt and vanilla.
- Mix in chocolate mixture, scraping sides with a spatula as needed, until smooth and combined.
- Add cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
- Spread batter into prepared pan.
FOR TAHINI SWIRL:
- Whisk together 3 T tahini and honey or agave in a small bowl. Drop by dollops onto the batter and use a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out with fudgy crumbs. Be careful to not over-bake.
- Cool completely before cutting and store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also freeze.
Notes
If you're making this for someone who is gluten-free, be sure to thoroughly clean your kitchen space and utensils before baking, and check labels to ensure everything is marked gluten-free.
You can use an electric mixer or the a KitchenAid with the paddle attachment.
To Make Dairy Free
Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
To Make Vegan Tahini Brownies
Use maple syrup in place of the honey and swap flax eggs for the eggs. Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 178Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 71mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g
jenna urben
Wednesday 27th of March 2019
I don't make brownies nearly enough!! I'm totally going to give this a go for my upcoming wedding anniversary. I know my husband will love them :) The added tahini sounds amazing!
Erin Dee
Tuesday 5th of March 2019
Love that you added tahini in these brownies! They look so chewy and delicious!
Kristin
Thursday 26th of July 2018
These were UNREAL!!! I'm amazed how "brownie" like they taste with no flours or grains! So fudgy and delicious! They were hard to keep around - thanks for creating and sharing this!!
thereislifeafterwheat@gmail.com
Friday 27th of July 2018
I'm so glad you enjoyed the brownies, it's one of my favorite recipes! -Celeste
Kaila (The Wanderlust Celiac)
Wednesday 21st of March 2018
I love the swirl in these! They look simply scrumptious.
Alisa Fleming
Wednesday 21st of March 2018
Oh my, this brownie recipe looks divine! I'm thinking another nut or seed butter might work deliciously too!