Tahini Brownies: A Nut-Free, Life-Changing Treat
Tahini Brownies
Gluten-Free • Nut-Free • Grain-Free
Makes 1 loaf tin, 8 squares
If you love a sweet and salty chocolate moment, these Tahini Brownies need to be on your baking list.
I originally made these because I wanted a brownie that was rich and chocolatey, but also simple enough to throw together when the craving hits. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps - just one bowl, a handful of pantry staples and 20 minutes standing between you and a fudgy little chocolate square.
The secret ingredient? Tahini.
If you’ve never baked with tahini before, this is your sign to start. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini adds an incredibly creamy texture and subtle nuttiness to baking - without using nuts. I recommend using hulled tahini here because it has a smoother mouthfeel and a much milder flavour (no bitter or gritty tahini here!).
Combined with cocoa powder, coconut sugar and dark chocolate chips, these brownies have that perfect balance of rich chocolate, slight caramel sweetness and a little hit of flaky sea salt.
And the best part? They’re completely nut-free, making them a great alternative to traditional almond butter or peanut butter brownies.
Why you'll love these Tahini Brownies
Rich chocolate flavour with a fudgy centre
Completely nut-free
Gluten-free and grain-free
Made with simple pantry ingredients
One bowl recipe
Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar
Ready in under 30 minutes
The perfect sweet and salty combination
Freezer friendly
Why use tahini in brownies?
Tahini is one of my favourite ingredients to bake with because it adds so much depth without overpowering the recipe.
Unlike nut butters, tahini is made from sesame seeds, making it a great option for those avoiding nuts.
For these brownies, I recommend using hulled tahini.
Why?
Hulled tahini:
Has a smoother, creamier texture
Has a milder flavour
Avoids the slightly bitter taste some unhulled tahinis can have
It creates the perfect fudgy brownie texture while letting the chocolate flavour shine.
I love how easy these are to make, and the fact that they are a great baking creation to make for anyone who is gluten, dairy, nut or refined sugar free!
Gluten-Free Tahini Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
½ cup hulled tahini
2 tbsp liquid sweetener (I used maple syrup)
1 egg
2 tbsp milk of choice
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup coconut sugar
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp coconut flour
¼ tsp baking soda
Handful of dark chocolate chips
Flaky salt, to finish
Optional: Fresh raspberries
Ingredient Notes
Tahini
The star ingredient of these brownies. I recommend using hulled tahini for the best texture and flavour. Hulled tahini is smoother, creamier, and has a much milder taste than unhulled varieties, which can sometimes be slightly bitter or gritty. Look for a runny tahini that mixes easily into the batter.
Maple syrup
A little liquid sweetener helps add sweetness while keeping these brownies naturally sweetened. I love using maple syrup here because its caramel-like flavour pairs beautifully with chocolate and tahini.
Egg
The egg helps bind everything together while creating that soft, fudgy brownie texture.
Milk of choice
A small amount of milk helps bring the batter together and keeps these brownies moist. Use whichever milk you prefer - dairy or dairy-free; both work well.
Vanilla extract
A small but important addition! Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavour and adds a little extra depth.
Coconut sugar
Coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel flavour and helps create that classic brownie sweetness without using refined sugar.
Cocoa powder
This is where the deep chocolate flavour comes from. Use a good quality cocoa powder (or cacao powder) for the richest, most chocolatey brownies.
Coconut flour
A little coconut flour goes a long way. It helps absorb moisture and gives these brownies structure while keeping them completely grain-free. Don’t be tempted to add extra - coconut flour is very absorbent!
Dark chocolate chips
The best part (obviously). Chocolate chips add little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies. I love using a darker chocolate to balance the sweetness of the batter.
Flaky salt
Do not skip this step. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top brings out the chocolate flavour and creates that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.
How to Make My Tahini Brownies
Preheat your oven to 170°C and line a loaf tin with baking paper.
In a bowl, mix the tahini, maple syrup, egg, milk and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, coconut flour and baking soda. Stir until just combined.
Fold through the dark chocolate chips, then pour the batter into your lined loaf tin.
Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky salt (because chocolate + salt will always be a winning combination).
Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on whether you prefer a gooier brownie centre or a more set brownie texture.
Allow to cool before slicing.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer - although I won’t judge if you eat one straight from the pan.
FeedingLara tips
Use hulled tahini for the smoothest texture and best flavour.
Don't overbake these - the centre should still feel slightly soft for the fudgiest result.
If you love chocolate raspberry flavours, add a handful of fresh raspberries before baking.
A sprinkle of flaky salt takes these from good to why can't I stop eating these?
Storage
Store these Tahini Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
They also freeze beautifully. Slice first, then freeze individual portions so you always have a chocolate treat ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tahini brownies nut free?
Yes! These brownies are completely nut-free. Tahini is made from sesame seeds, not nuts, making it a great alternative to peanut butter or almond butter brownies.
What tahini is best for baking?
I recommend using hulled tahini for baking. It has a smoother texture and milder flavour compared to unhulled tahini.
Can I use another sweetener?
Yes, you can use your preferred liquid sweetener such as honey, although maple syrup doesn’t take away from the chocolate flavour as much.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use your favourite dairy-free milk.
Can I freeze tahini brownies?
Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container and thaw whenever you need a chocolate fix.
More FeedingLara chocolate recipes
If these are your kind of chocolate treat, try:
Leave a comment if you enjoyed this recipe or made any substitutions! I always love hearing from you all.
Lara xx
