These 4-ingredient tahini brownies are rich, fudgy, and just a little bit nutty, in the best way. They start with a boxed brownie mix (because honestly, why mess with a good thing?) and get a flavor upgrade from creamy tahini that makes them taste totally homemade. Think of them as the grown-up cousin to my Tahini Chocolate Chip Bars, but with extra chocolate and that perfect swirl of sesame goodness.
TL;DR - Tahini Brownies
- 💛 Why you'll love it: Fudgy, chocolatey brownies with a nutty tahini swirl that makes them taste fancy with zero stress.
- #️⃣ Number of Ingredients: 6
- ⏲️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- 🌿 Substitutions: No tahini? Try almond butter or peanut butter for a different twist.
- 🍫 Pro Tip: Don't overmix the tahini, gently swirl it into the batter with a knife for that signature marbled look.
- 🍪 Recipes with similar flavor profile: Love easy chocolate desserts? Try my Brownie Mix Cookies or 3-Ingredient Brownie Batter Dip next!
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Key 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 tahini is the Trader Joe's brand and Soom which are both smooth and creamy.
- 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.
All about tahini
- Tahini is made of just three ingredients: hulled sesame seeds, oil and salt. The seeds are toasted and ground to a pourable consistency.
- 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 nut-free recipes.
🩶Marni
Brownie 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.
How to make tahini brownies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 pan by spraying with baking spray.
Step 1: Prepare brownie mix as directed on the box.
Step 2: Pour ½ of the brownie batter into the pan and then layer about ½ cup of the tahini on top of it.
Step 3: Layer on the remaining brownie batter, then the remaining tahini and using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the brownie batter and tahini together.
Step 5: Bake as directed on the box. Remove from oven and let cool before slicing and serving.
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: As long as the brownie mix you use is dairy free, then this recipe is dairy free.
- To make them sesame free: You'll need to swap the tahini for peanut butter or another nut butter equivalent like SunButter or WowButter.
Recipe FAQs
Tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the chocolate. Think of it like adding a little depth and sophistication to your favorite brownie mix.
Absolutely! Any classic fudgy brownie recipe will work. Just swirl the tahini into the recipe as directed before baking and keep the baking time about the same.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
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More great recipes that start with a box mix
Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!
And make sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more simple recipes! Remember to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #simplegraytshirt! I 💖 seeing what you're up to in the kitchen!
📖 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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