This Chocolate Tahini Spread will rival any store-bought chocolate spread (I'm 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 go ahead and spread some joy-literally!
So I'm the person who hates hazelnut spread. You know the one that rhymes with shmootella? I needed something dreamy, creamy, oh-so-chocolatey- so I turned to my pantry to the bottle of tahini I use to make hummus, and bam- chocolate cravings satisfied.
Sure I've tried chocolate peanut butter and chocolate almond butter, but they are never chocolatey enough for me. This sesame butter checks all the boxes- nutty, rich, sweet, and smooth. You have to give it a try!
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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.
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make this chocolate tahini recipe.
- Cocoa powder
- Tahini- Use your favorite. Every brand has a different flavor depending on where it is made. Some are also creamier than others, while others are more gritty. Consistency can always be adjusted with the addition of more or less water. This one is currently in my 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- Just a touch to compliment the cocoa flavor.
- Salt- Balances out the sweetness.
- Water- Used to thin the spread to the desired consistency.
Equipment
All you need is a bowl, whisk and a few measuring cups and spoons.
Step by step instructions
This tahini spread with cocoa is so easy to make. Just mix and whisk!
In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients and whisk vigorously until it's smooth.
Add more water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Note- the spread will thicken in the fridge.
See recipe card for full instructions.
📝Expert tips
- 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 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 just dip a spoon right in the jar too. I promise-no one is watching!
- Toast- My 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.
- Make a fluffernutter sandwich- Instead of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, sub in the tahini spread for the peanut butter.
- Oatmeal- Add a tablespoon or two to your 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.
Storage
Tahini chocolate spread can be stored in an air-tight container (I use jam jars), in the refrigerator for up to one month. Try to use glass jars to avoid any residual odors from plastic containers.
FAQ
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.
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Chocolate Tahini Spread
Equipment
- mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup tahini stirred, see notes
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon espresso powder or instant espresso
- ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or flaky sea salt
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoon or 2 ounces) hot (not boiling) water, plus more for thinning the spread if needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add all of the ingredients, and whisk thoroughly until smooth.½ cup tahini, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup honey, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon espresso powder or instant espresso, ⅛ teaspoon Kosher or flaky sea salt, ¼ cup (4 tablespoon or 2 ounces) hot (not boiling) water, plus more for thinning the spread if needed
- 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.
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 ¼ 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 ½ cup water depending on the brand used.
- Tahini spread will thicken in the refrigerator. Keep this in mind when adding your water.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
Beth says
This is delicious! Extremely easy to make too! (I made the recipe almost as written: left out the espresso powder.) Why would I ever buy a processed chocolate spread again? I have wanted to try a similar recipe that requires soaking nuts to make the nut butter first, but this cut out that step and gave me the inspiration to go for it! My first batch was for me. Today’s double batch is for a couple of gifts 🙂 Thank you for introducing me to this treat!
Jennifer says
Thanks for giving it a try!
Eva says
If I wasn't out of cocoa powder, I'd make this right now! A healthier version of the schnootella, love it! Going to share this recipe with lots of friends. I'm not hugely into schnootella personally, I do like it on crêpes, but only when eating out, I never buy it.
What I just had in my morning oatmeal is a spread made from maybe a little less than 1/3 Black strap Molasses and 2/3 Tahini! So simple soooo good!
Jennifer says
I love that you got my little shmootella joke, and even happier that you loved it!