finding time for cooking

for the time-starved or curious culinary adventurer

  • Recipes By Type
    • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Goodies
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes & Veggies
    • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
    • Snacks
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
    • Best Cocktail Gifts: For the At-Home Bartender or Mixologist
  • Foods I’m Obsessed With
    • 30 Minutes or Less…for the Time-Challenged Cook
    • What Bread To Make (Based on Your Time)
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Super Healthy
    • Cooking for One
    • Soup
    • Unleavened Bread Recipes
  • About Me
    • Get In Touch!
    • How-Tos
    • Kitchen Tools I’m Obsessed With
    • Recipes Index
    • Food and Travel—Two of My Favorite Things
    • Bunion Surgery Recovery Tips

Tahini Brownies (gluten-free, but adaptable)

January 22, 2018

One of the things I love about traveling is when I run across a food or flavor that is totally new to me.  And in this case, I was able to come home and start experimenting with it right away in my own cooking.

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

My dad and I took an awesome trip to Israel and Jordan last May, an epic week exploring tons of historical areas in the north and Negev Desert, Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa, Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Petra—and much more.  One of the constants on every part of our journey was tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds.  It is omnipresent in the Israeli and Jordanian diets, taking both sweet and savory forms.

It was one of the first things we ate upon landing (on that delicious falafel pita below) and one of the last things before taking off (that delicious sweet halva that looks like cheese wheels below).  We ate halva in a Bedouin camp in Jordan and tahini on our Yemeni malawach in Jerusalem.  So tahini kind of got its hooks in me, and I’ve been experimenting with different recipes since returning (like this Chickpea Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with a tahini dressing).  But this is my first dessert recipe using tahini, and it’s super delicious.

If you’re interested, you can read more about our travels in Israel and in Jordan!

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the tahini, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

Gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda until the batter is smooth (it’ll be rather thick).  Then fold in the chocolate chips.

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

Spread the batter evenly in baking pan and sprinkle some sea salt on top, just a little.

Bake for 22-30 minutes, or until knife inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached (I’m a fan of gooey, myself).

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

These are especially great about 10 minutes after they come out of the oven, but will keep well for a few days in an airtight container.

Tahini Brownies (naturally gluten-free)

Notes:  The original recipe for these brownies is gluten-free and also refined sugar-free (using coconut sugar and maple syrup; I substituted granulated sugar for the coconut sugar).  It’s safe to say you can make it as healthy and/or “___-free” as you’d like.  Also, the original recipe has a chocolate drizzle that I just felt wasn’t needed, but the link is below if you’d like to go that route.

  • 1 cup of tahini (unsweetened, obvs)
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (original called for coconut sugar, which I didn’t have)
  • 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut flour (or whatever kind you want)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/3 cup of chocolate chips (I use dark chocolate)
  • Kosher sea salt for sprinkling
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the tahini, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda until the batter is smooth (it’ll be rather thick).  Then fold in the chocolate chips.
  4. Spread the batter evenly in baking pan and sprinkle some sea salt on top, just a little.
  5. Bake for 22-30 minutes, or until knife inserted into the middle comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached (I’m a fan of gooey, myself).

Tahini should be fairly easy to find these days, Trader Joe’s always has it, as do Amazon and many health food or international sections in grocery stores.

Original recipe from Ambitious Kitchen

Tahini Brownies...delicious, easy brownie recipe made with tahini (sesame seed paste), can easily be made gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. | Tahini is a food used frequently in Middle Eastern cuisine in both sweet & savory ways. Easy brownie recipes, gluten-free desserts. #brownies #tahini #desserts #recipes

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Recipe Experimentation, Travel and Food

« Brown Butter Cinnamon Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Korean BBQ Cauliflower & Chickpeas (vegan, gluten-free) »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created this blog for people who love cooking & baking but are challenged to find the time and energy to do it. Recipes run the gamut from super healthy to indulgent, but the focus is on using REAL food no matter what.

Follow Along!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Recent IG Adventures!

This gin-based “hard” cherry limeade is the pe This gin-based “hard” cherry limeade is the perfect summer nostalgia…now all I need is some cheddar poppers from Sonic ☀️😜

Tap the link in my IG banner to get the (super easy) recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 

#cherryliqueur #cherrylimeade #summercocktails #sanguemorlacco
Getting to the perfect salted peanut butter chocol Getting to the perfect salted peanut butter chocolate shortbread cookie was QUITE the journey...but I absolutely love this final version.  Even better, the dough log keeps in the freezer so you can slice off a few cookies any time a craving strikes! 

Tap the link in my IG bio to get the recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 

#peanutbuttercookies #cookies #bakingfromscratch #sliceandbake
An easy 10-minute spiced chickpea scramble that is An easy 10-minute spiced chickpea scramble that is full of flavor (I *always* accidentally make it too spicy), versatile, and a great plant-based lunch option. For me on a gut health/candida diet, this has become a go-to recipe when I need something fast!

Check out the recipe by clicking on the link in my IG bio & tapping this photo! 

#chickpeas #veganrecipes #plantbased #candidadiet
This basil gin smash is the summer cocktail you NE This basil gin smash is the summer cocktail you NEED! It’s delicious, ultra refreshing, & so easy…just a couple ingredients (critically, good fresh basil), 1 minute to shake, & you’ll be sipping tart herbaceous goodness.

Click the link in my IG bio & tap this pic to see the (crazy easy) recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking  #summercocktails #ginsmash #freshbasil #gincocktail
I’ve got savory, carb-y goodness comin’ at ya I’ve got savory, carb-y goodness comin’ at ya today, and who doesn’t love that?! A really good authentic focaccia requires at least 18-24 hours to make, but this "quick" Rosemary & caramelized onion version can be done in around 4 hours and is SO good!

See the recipe by tapping the link in my IG bio & choosing these pics! —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#focaccia #easyfocaccia #breadrecipe #bakingfromscratch
This delicious spiced Middle Eastern grilled chick This delicious spiced Middle Eastern grilled chicken shawarma is a super easy weeknight meal this summer, whether cooking solo or for a crowd!

Tap the link in my IG bio & choose this pic to get the recipe! —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#grillingrecipes #chickenshawarma #healthydinner #weeknightmeals
This adult take on a cherry lemonade (with gin, my This adult take on a cherry lemonade (with gin, my true love) is so delicious and refreshing…and has a secret ingredient to get that intense cherry flavor! 

Get the recipe by tapping on the link in my IG bio and choosing this pic—> @findingtimeforcooking 
#cocktailrecipes #sanguemorlacco #cherrylemonade #gincocktails
I am OBSESSED with key lime pie, and never knew ho I am OBSESSED with key lime pie, and never knew how easy it is to make at home! This is the best key lime pie recipe around, a perfect balance of tart & sweet, the creamiest custardy filling, and a sweet, buttery graham cracker crust 😍 

Get the recipe yourself by tapping the link in my IG bio & choosing this photo —> @findingtimeforcooking 
#keylimepie #keylime #easydessert #classicdessert
Looking for a new healthy go-to dish?? This “loa Looking for a new healthy go-to dish?? This “loaded” Thai chicken salad only takes 15 minutes to whip up and is packed with veggies, texture, & flavor! What really makes the dish is the sweet-spicy-savory dressing… *chefs kiss* 

Tap the link in my IG bio & click on this photo to see the recipe!
#healthyrecipes #thaiflavors #healthydinner #cabbagerecipe
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Tahini Pistachio Biscotti with Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt

Jam & Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups (Easy, Fancy Appetizer)

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

Omelet with Caramelized Onions, Kale, Tomatoes, & Goat Cheese

Recent Posts

  • Summer Nostalgia: Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups
  • Salted Peanut Butter Chocolate Shortbread
  • 10-Minute Spiced Chickpea Scramble

Categories

  • Appetizers, Dips, & Snacks
  • Bread Recipes
  • Breakfast Goodies
  • Cooking for One
  • Desserts
  • Drinks: Cocktails & More
  • Eating Out
  • Family Secret Recipes
  • Food-Related Miscellany
  • Foods I'm Obsessed With
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Go-To Recipes
  • How-Tos
  • Kitchen Gear
  • Main Dishes
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe Experimentation
  • Sauces, Spices, & Other Basics
  • Side Dishes & Veggies
  • Snacks
  • Soup
  • Super Healthy
  • Travel and Food
  • Uncategorized

Privacy Policy & Disclosures

Copyright & Terms of Use

Copyright 2022 Finding Time For Cooking

122 shares