If you’re a fan of chocolate spreads and the nutty flavour of sesame, then you’ll love this easy chocolate tahini recipe. This silky, rich spread is perfect for serving with pancakes, slathering on toast, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar. Best of all, it’s healthier than many store-bought alternatives, with minimal ingredients and no preservatives!
Store-bought chocolate spreads often come with added oils, emulsifiers, and excessive sugar. By making your own chocolate spread at home, like this easy chocolate tahini recipe, you get to control the ingredients and flavours, ensuring a healthier and tastier product.
Tahini, is packed with nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. Adding chocolate to it not only creates a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth but also boosts the flavour profile with deep cocoa notes.
What is Tahini?
Tahini features in so many of my recipes over the years, yet I still get comments on my Instagram and TikTok asking what tahini is. I guess it’s still not as popular as I think in some parts of the world. I grew up eating it almost every day for breakfast. My dad would pour some in a small bowl with a little bit of date syrup and we would eat it with fresh Iraqi samoon bread (if you know you know!). We would simply dunk and enjoy – it’s so good!
Tahini is a smooth paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a versatile ingredient in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East, but also in the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. It’s primarily known for being the main ingredient in hummus, and for a lot of people that’s where its uses stop. Tahini can be used in to many ways, both in savoury and sweet recipes alike. I usually refer to it as the peanut butter of the Middle East. You can use it in just as many ways as you can peanut butter!
Ingredients and Preparation:
- Primary Ingredient: Sesame seeds, which can be hulled (outer shell removed) or unhulled.
- Preparation: Sesame seeds are typically toasted (though they can also be raw) and then ground into a paste, sometimes with the addition of a small amount of oil to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Flavour profile: Tahini has a rich, nutty, and slightly bitter flavour, with a creamy texture that makes it easy to incorporate into various dishes.
I always buy Lebanese tahini as it has the best runny consistency and flavour. It’s also really easy to make yourself at home with only 1-2 ingredients. Here’s how I make my own runny tahini.
Why I love making this easy chocolate tahini recipe:
I love tahini as is – I can happily eat it plain spread on a piece of crusty bread, however, every now and then I do crave something a little fancier. Adding chocolate to tahini with a hint of sweetness takes the spread from amazing, to out of this world good!
Like many of us do, I also find myself craving the silky smooth richness of shop bought chocolate hazelnut spread. I used to treat myself to a spoonful after dinner to satisfy my sweet chocolate cravings. However, since discovering chocolate tahini and realising just how easy it is to make at home, I haven’t felt the need to buy another jar of chocolate hazelnut spread!
Why? Firstly making your own homemade chocolate spread is healthier than buying a jar. You know exactly what’s going into the jar and you can customise it to your likes and preferences. There’s no dairy in this easy chocolate tahini recipe and I use less sweetener than you would find in the shop bought varieties. You can of course use even less sweetener if you want your version to be lower in sugar. Simply taste test and adjust as you go along.
Secondly this easy chocolate tahini recipe is so simple to put together. All you need is a handful of basic ingredients and a bowl. Mix everything until smooth and you’re done!
Finally (this may be a little controversial), I actually think the tahini version tastes better! Then again I am a tahini addict, so it’s to be expected I feel that way.
Ways to Enjoy Chocolate Tahini
Now that your easy chocolate tahini recipe is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Spread it: On toast, crackers, or rice cakes for a quick snack.
- Drizzle it: Over pancakes, waffles, or a bowl of porridge/oatmeal.
- Dip it: Use it as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
- Bake with it: Swirl it into brownies, muffins, or cookies for a nutty twist.
- Spoon it: Sometimes, simplicity is best – enjoy a spoonful straight from the jar!
What you’ll need to make this easy chocolate tahini recipe:
Tahini – I always use Lebanese tahini. It has the best runny texture and the nicest taste in my opinion. This is my favourite brand that I get online, or you can get it from your local ethnic/Middle Eastern/Asian shop.
Cocoa – I use baking cocoa powder, the kind you get from the baking section in the supermarket. You can also use cacao powder if you prefer.
Maple syrup – Any liquid or granulated sweetener will work here. You can use as much as little as you like and adjust to taste!
Neutral oil – I usually add 1-2 tbsp to give my tahini a smooth, silky consistency. You can omit if you prefer, but your chocolate tahini may be a bit thicker.
Vanilla & salt – to help enhance all the flavours!
How to make this easy chocolate tahini recipe:
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Simply mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
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Transfer into a clean jar/container.
That’s all there is to it!
How to store your chocolate tahini:
I usually go through my jar of chocolate tahini within a couple of weeks and it always lasts well for that long. However, it should last longer if stored in a clean/sterilised air-tight container. The oil may separate if not stirred after a few days, so simply give it a quick stir before serving. Also keep in mind that it will harden a little if stored in the fridge.
This easy chocolate tahini recipe is:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Easy to make
- Healthy
- Better for you than shop bought chocolate spreads
Easy Chocolate Tahini Recipe
Ingredients
- 235ml Tahini I use this brand
- 2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 tbsp maple syrup or to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Simply mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Transfer into a clean jar/container.
- Store at room temperature or in the fridge*
Notes
Nutrition
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