I’m a good baker, or at least that’s what my kids say. As a busy mom of three and years of trial and error, I still think a boxed brownie mix is the way to go. These tahini brownies are rich, chocolatey, a little bit savory, and just indulgent enough that no one will guess they started from a mix😉 .
While making brownies from scratch isn’t hard, using a box mix to whip up something this delicious? Even easier. Like my tahini chocolate chip bars, the tahini here adds a nutty twist that seriously levels things up. If you're more of a cookie fan, my brownie mix cookies are another fun way to remix the classic. And if you’re just in it for the batter (been there), add a swirl of tahini to this 3-ingredient brownie batter dip and call it dessert.
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Why use tahini
- Tahini is made of just three ingredients: hulled sesame seeds, oil and sometimes salt. They are then toasted and ground to a pourable consistency.
- This savory and sometimes nutty flavor adds something really special to chocolate.
- Swirling the tahini into a boxed brownie mix elevates the whole recipe quickly.
- Tahini can be found in most grocery stores and is also readily available online.
- It's nut free and makes a great alternative to peanut butter for those who need allergy friendly recipes.
Ingredients
A few notes on the ingredients:
- Tahini: Make sure to stir the tahini well in the jar before you measure it out. The oil sometimes separates and needs to be reincorporated. My favorite brands are the Trader Joe’s brand and the brand, Soom that is super smooth and creamy. Another great alternative is the Whole Food’s store brand tahini.
- Boxed brownie mix: Use a mix that you love on its own. My favorites are the classic chewy Duncan Hines brownie mix and the triple chocolate chip Ghiradhelli brownie mix. The tahini swirls into both of these really well.
How to make brownies with a tahini swirl
To make things even simpler, here are step-by-step photos to help you every step of the way.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 pan by spraying with baking spray.
Prepare brownie mix as directed on the box. Pour ½ of the brownie batter into the pan and then layer about ½ cup of the tahini on top of it.
Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the brownie batter and tahini together. Layer on the remaining brownie batter, then the remaining tahini and swirl again.
Bake as directed on the box. Remove from oven and let cool before slicing and serving.
For all measurements and a more detailed guide, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Special Diet Adjustments
- To make them gluten free: Simply pick your favorite gluten free brownie recipe (boxed or from scratch) and follow the same directions for swirling in the tahini as with a regular brownie recipe.
- To make them dairy free: If you are looking for a great pareve dessert, you’ve found one! As long as the brownie recipe you use is dairy free, then yes, this recipe is dairy free. Serve alongside mandel bread, or these pareve chocolate chip cookies for a nice dairy free dessert spread.
- To make them sesame free: You'll need to swap the tahini for peanut butter or another nut butter equivalent like SunButter or WowButter
Variations
- Make in muffin tins: Spray a muffin tin with baking spray and fill each muffin cup about halfway with brownie batter. Swirl about ½ tablespoon of tahini into each one and bake. Baking time will be less than if making a whole pan of brownies.
- Make them vegan: Substitute ¼ cup applesauce for each egg in the recipe.
- Using mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips to the brownie batter before putting it in the pan. Then proceed with recipe as written.
Storage Tips
You can store the tahini swirled brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
They also freeze really well. Simply slice them into squares, layer them in plastic wrap, separating the layers with parchment paper and then wrap the whole package tightly in aluminum foil. Tightly wrapped they will store well for up to 3 months.
To defrost, simply leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes or pop into the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
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📖 Recipe
Tahini Brownies (box mix brownies)
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (prepared per instructions on the box)
- ¾ cup tahini
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 pan by spraying with baking spray
- Prepare brownie mix as directed on the box mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Pour ½ of the brownie batter into the pan and then layer about ½ cup of the tahini on top of it. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the brownie batter and tahini together.
- Layer on the remaining brownie batter, then the remaining tahini and swirl again.
- Bake as directed on the box. Remove from oven and let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Reminder: Tahini contains sesame seeds, so if you have a sesame allergy, this is not the recipe for you.
- Timing info: These brownies may take an extra few minutes to bake because of the added liquid in the tahini.
- Pan Size: Use your favorite brownie mix paying attention to the pan size the mix indicates. I used an 8x8 pan based on my mix, but other mixes call for an 9x13 pan.
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