Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars

Name: Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup tahini; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup tahini; 2 tbsp maple syrup

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making these Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars because they combine my two favorite ingredients into one delightful treat. The rich chocolate intermixed with the nutty flavor of tahini creates a unique taste experience that’s incredibly satisfying. I was surprised at how easy they were to make, and the swirls give them such an appealing look. Perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert, these bars are sure to please anyone who tries them!

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-13T05:10:25.099Z

When I first tried the combination of tahini and chocolate, I was curious about how it would taste. To my delight, the flavors complement each other beautifully, with the tahini balancing the sweetness of the chocolate. During my cooking experiments, I found that swirling the two mixtures creates not only a beautiful marbled effect but also helps to marry the flavors even more.

This recipe is a snap to throw together, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. I also discovered that letting the bars cool completely before slicing results in cleaner edges, enhancing their presentation. Trust me, you’ll want to share these with friends!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty tahini
Unique twist on traditional dessert bars
Great for meal prep—delicious for days!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The success of these Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars lies in the quality of your ingredients. Almond flour is a key player, providing a gluten-free base with a light texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cocoa powder. If you don’t have almond flour on hand, you can substitute it with finely ground oats or other nut flours, though the flavor and texture will change slightly. Make sure your cocoa powder is high-quality for the best chocolate flavor, as this will deeply impact the bar's overall taste profile.

Tahini serves a dual purpose in this recipe—adding that distinctive nutty flavor while also acting as a moistening agent. It’s crucial to use tahini that is fresh and well-stirred, as the oil can separate. If you want a lighter option, consider using sunflower seed butter, especially if you're looking for a nut-free alternative. This swap won’t drastically alter the flavor but will maintain the bar's creamy consistency.

Baking and Cooling Tips

When baking these bars, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) beforehand. This ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on the texture as they bake; you're looking for a firm edge and a slightly soft center. If the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, it’s a sign that they might be done. Baking times can vary based on the oven, so start checking around the 22-minute mark.

After removing the bars from the oven, patience is key during the cooling process. Allowing them to cool completely in the baking dish is essential to achieve the right firmness, as they will set further as they cool. Once cooled, they can be cut cleanly into squares without crumbling. If you're struggling with sticky bars, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your delectable bars:

For the Bars

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup tahini
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

For the Tahini Swirl

1/4 cup tahini
2 tbsp maple syrup

Ensure you have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars:

Prepare the Base Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, tahini, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Prepare the Tahini Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the tahini with the maple syrup until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Swirl

Pour the base mixture into a lined square baking dish. Spoon the tahini mixture over the top and use a knife or skewer to swirl it together gently.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before transferring them to a cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Your delicious Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars are ready to impress!

Pro Tips

Let the bars cool fully for cleaner cuts and enhanced flavor. These bars can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Tahini Swirl Bars are versatile; you can serve them as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or even a post-workout treat. For an elevated experience, drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top or sprinkle with sea salt just before they set. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. They also make a great addition to a lunchbox, providing both nourishment and a delightful treat.

If you want to swap out the flavors, consider integrating different nut butters into the swirl. Almond butter, or even a spiced peanut butter, can complement the chocolate nicely and add a different dimension. Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or dried fruits into the base mixture for added texture and flavors. Just ensure that any additions do not exceed 1/2 cup to maintain the right consistency.

Storage and Freezing

These bars store well in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to a week at room temperature. If you prefer them colder, they can also be stored in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their rich, fudgy texture. For longer preservation, consider freezing them. Cut the bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored this way for up to three months.

To thaw frozen bars, simply leave them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This will rejuvenate the chocolate flavor and give them a fresh-baked taste, perfect for serving to friends or family on special occasions!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute almond flour?

Yes, you can use oat flour or whole wheat flour, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ Is there a vegan option?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses maple syrup and tahini.

→ Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for extra texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

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