Chocolate Tahini Spread

This Chocolate Tahini Spread will rival any store-bought chocolate spread (we're looking at you- famous hazelnut spread). This chocolate sesame butter is a combination of rich cocoa, nutty tahini, honey, vanilla, and a secret ingredient-espresso powder. It makes the most irresistible topping for toast, fruit, dessert, and so much more.

So we're the person who hates hazelnut spread. You know the one that rhymes with shmootella? We needed something dreamy, creamy chocolatey so we turned to our pantry to the bottle of tahini we use to make hummus, and bam- chocolate cravings satisfied.

Sure, we've tried chocolate peanut butter and chocolate almond butter, but they are never chocolatey enough for us. This sesame butter checks all the boxes- nutty, rich, sweet, and smooth. You have to give it a try!

What is tahini?

Tahini (tahin/tahine/tahina) is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. To make tahini, sesame seeds are toasted and then ground into a smooth, creamy consistency (similar to how peanut butter is made).

Tahini paste has a nutty, bitter flavor and is used in everything from hummus to sweet desserts. It is a popular ingredient and can be found in most well-stocked grocery stores. Look for tahini by the peanut butter or in the international section.

Here is what you need to make this chocolate tahini recipe.

• Cocoa powder Unsweetened.
• Tahini Every brand has a different flavor depending on where it is made. Some are creamier than others, while others are grittier, and consistency can always be adjusted by adding more or less water. This one is currently in our pantry.
• Honey For sweetness. You can also use maple syrup or a combo of the two. To make it vegan, swap out the honey for maple or date syrup.
• Espresso powder Enhances the taste of the cocoa.
• Vanilla a touch to compliment the cocoa flavor.
• Salt Balances out the sweetness.
• Water Used to thin the spread to the desired consistency.

Step by step instructions

This tahini spread with cocoa is so easy to make. mix and whisk!

Step 1. In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients and whisk vigorously until it's smooth.

Step 2. Add more water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Note- the spread will thicken in the fridge.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions can be found in the recipe card below.

Expert tips

• Tahini is found in most grocery stores in the peanut butter or international aisle. It can be sold under numerous names such as sesame butter, creamed sesame, sesame tahini, sesame paste, and ground sesame.
• Try different brands of tahini to see what you like. Some are creamy, some are gritty, and the amount of bitterness can range from product to product.
• When opening the tahini, the natural oils will separate and rise to the top. You must blend the tahini with the oil before using it.
• Start with ¼ cup (2 ounces) of hot water. After whisking all the ingredients, if you find you need more water, add 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Tahini spread will thicken in the refrigerator. Keep this in mind when adding your water.

How to serve chocolate tahini

You can use this spread in any way that you would use nut butter. Of course, you can dip a spoon right in the jar, too. We promise-no one is watching!

• Toast our favorite is to spread it on toast then top it with fruit, nuts, or toasted sesame seeds.
• As a dip for fruit Bananas, apples, strawberries- they have all found their match. Eating banana slices with tahini is pure bliss.
• Crepe filling Make sweet crepes and fill them with tahini.
• Oatmeal Add a tablespoon or two to oatmeal.
• Smoothie Pump up the flavor of your morning smoothie with 1 to 2 tablespoons.
• Ice cream topping Instead of chocolate sauce!
• Pancake topping Skip the maple syrup and drizzle some warmed chocolate tahini over a tall stack of pancakes.

Keeping leftovers

Tahini chocolate spread can be stored in an air-tight container (we use jam jars), in the refrigerator for up to one month. Try to use glass jars to avoid any residual odors from plastic containers.

Kitchen questions

Why is our tahini spread too thick?

Tahini brands vary and some are creamier than others. You can add more water to thin out the spread to your desired consistency.

Spread some joy

Try some of these other spreadable recipes.

Ingredients

Makes 6 ounces (makes about 3/4 cup)

• ½ cup tahini (stirred, see notes)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp espresso powder or instant espresso
• ⅛ tsp Kosher or flaky sea salt
• ¼ cup (4 tbsp or 2 ounces) hot (not boiling) water, plus more for thinning the spread if needed

Equipment

• mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons

Method

1. In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients, and whisk thoroughly until smooth.

2. If the mixture is too thick, add additional hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency (it should be easily spreadable, not watery). Note- the mixture will thicken once refrigerated.

   Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to one month.

Kitchen notes

• Tahini can be found in most grocery stores in the peanut butter or international aisle. It can be sold under numerous names such as sesame butter, creamed sesame, sesame tahini, sesame paste, and ground sesame.
• Try different brands of tahini to see what you like. Some are creamy, some are gritty, and the amount of bitterness can range from product to product.
• When opening the tahini, the natural oils will separate and rise to the top. You must blend the tahini with the oil before using it.
• Start with 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of hot water. After whisking all the ingredients, if you find that you need more water, add 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until you reach your desired consistency. You may find you need up to 1/2 cup of water, depending on the brand used.
• Tahini spread will thicken in the refrigerator. Keep this in mind when adding your water.