Indulgent Tahini Blondies

These Indulgent Tahini Blondies are a decadent treat that combines the richness of tahini with the perfect balance of sweetness. The nutty, savory flavor of tahini creates a uniquely satisfying dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a sweet treat, these blondies are sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets these blondies apart is the irresistible combination of tahini’s nutty richness and the sweetness from brown and granulated sugar. The tahini not only gives these blondies a dense, fudgy texture but also adds a savory undertone that perfectly complements the sweetness. With optional additions of chocolate chips and nuts, you can customize the texture to your liking, making each bite a delightful experience. The drizzle of tahini and sprinkle of sea salt on top adds the finishing touch for an extra layer of indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Blondies:

• 1 cup tahini (smooth and unsweetened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp tahini, for drizzling
• Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the Blondie Batter:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Bake the Blondies:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Let the blondies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Drizzle with Tahini and Serve:

1. Once cooled, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of tahini and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Slice into squares and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth tahini blondies!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts or pecans to make these blondies nut-free. You can still add chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, set for 5 minutes to thicken) to make this recipe vegan.
• Chocolate Lovers: For an extra chocolatey flavor, add more chocolate chips or swirl in a bit of melted chocolate before baking.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced twist on these blondies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the blondies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought tahini?

Yes, store-bought tahini works just fine for this recipe. Ensure it’s smooth and unsweetened to maintain the proper texture and flavor balance.

2. Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?

While almond flour can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor of the blondies. If using almond flour, you may need to adjust the amount, and the final product will be denser.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help bind the batter.

4. How can I make these blondies more gooey?

For a gooier texture, reduce the baking time slightly or add a bit more tahini to the batter.

5. Can I omit the chocolate chips and nuts?

Yes, you can omit both the chocolate chips and the nuts if you prefer a more classic, simple flavor. The tahini alone provides enough richness.

6. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, though it may change the texture slightly. If using liquid sweeteners, you might need to adjust the dry ingredients to compensate.

7. How can I make the blondies more flavorful?

Consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or even a bit of almond extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.

8. Can I use a different nut butter instead of tahini?

Yes, you can substitute tahini with peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. However, the flavor will vary depending on the nut butter you choose.

9. Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with coconut sugar, but keep in mind that it might affect the texture and color of the blondies.

10. How can I tell when the blondies are done baking?

The blondies are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out wet, they need more time to bake.

Conclusion

Indulgent Tahini Blondies offer a deliciously unique twist on traditional blondies with the richness of tahini and a sweet, nutty flavor profile. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a drizzle of extra tahini and sea salt, these blondies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Simple to make and irresistibly tasty, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.