This chocolate tahini spread is smooth, rich, and deeply chocolatey with a subtle nutty depth from sesame seeds. It comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients and delivers a luxurious, spoon-worthy texture that works just as well on toast as it does in desserts or breakfasts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This spread is incredibly easy to make with no cooking required. It has an intense chocolate flavor balanced by natural sweetness and a hint of bitterness that keeps it from being overly sweet. The tahini gives it a creamy consistency without any dairy, and the espresso powder quietly enhances the cocoa without tasting like coffee. It is versatile, naturally halal, and feels indulgent while still being made from wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup tahini, well stirred
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup honey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon espresso powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup hot water, plus more as needed
Directions
In a medium mixing bowl, add the tahini, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and salt. Whisk until the mixture looks thick and fully combined.
Slowly pour in the hot water while whisking continuously. The mixture will loosen and become smooth and glossy.
If the spread is thicker than you prefer, add additional hot water one tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition, until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Taste and adjust if needed, then use immediately or transfer to a container for storage.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about ¾ cup of chocolate tahini spread, which equals approximately 6 servings when using a 2-tablespoon portion.
Prep time is about 10 minutes.
Cook time is 0 minutes.
Total time is 10 minutes.
Variations
For a vegan version, replace the honey with maple syrup or date syrup using the same amount.
For a darker, less sweet spread, reduce the honey to 3 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
For a spiced version, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom.
For a thinner drizzle-style sauce, increase the water by 2 to 4 tablespoons.
Storage/Reheating
Store the chocolate tahini spread in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
The spread will thicken when chilled. To loosen it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or stir in a small amount of warm water until smooth. Reheating is not required.
FAQs
Why did my spread thicken after refrigeration?
Tahini naturally firms up when cold, which causes the spread to thicken. Stirring or adding a little warm water will restore its texture.
Can I skip the espresso powder?
Yes, the espresso powder is optional. It enhances the chocolate flavor but does not make the spread taste like coffee.
Is this spread very sweet?
It is moderately sweet with a rich cocoa flavor. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Can I use sweetened cocoa powder?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is recommended. Sweetened cocoa powder will change both the sweetness and texture.
What consistency should the spread have?
It should be smooth and easily spreadable, similar to a soft nut butter, not runny or stiff.
Can I use raw tahini?
Yes, as long as it is well stirred and smooth. Different brands may require slightly different amounts of water.
Does this taste like sesame?
The tahini adds a nutty depth, but the chocolate flavor is dominant.
Can I use this as a dessert topping?
Yes, it works well on fruit, pancakes, oatmeal, and desserts.
How do I fix a grainy texture?
Whisk vigorously and add a small amount of hot water to help smooth it out.
Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, it is kid-friendly, especially without the espresso powder.
Conclusion
Chocolate tahini spread is a simple yet luxurious alternative to store-bought chocolate spreads. With its deep cocoa flavor, creamy texture, and endless versatility, it is a recipe worth keeping on hand. Whether spread on toast, drizzled over fruit, or eaten straight from the spoon, it delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite.
This smooth and luxurious chocolate tahini spread combines rich cocoa with creamy sesame for a balanced, deeply flavorful treat. Naturally dairy-free and easy to make, it’s perfect on toast, fruit, or as a wholesome dessert topping.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Yield:6 servings (about ¾ cup)
Category:Spread
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:Middle Eastern
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
½ cup tahini, well stirred
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup honey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon espresso powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup hot water, plus more as needed
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine tahini, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and salt. Whisk until thick and smooth.
Slowly add hot water while whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and spreadable.
Add more hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning if needed. Use immediately or store for later.
Notes
For a vegan version, use maple or date syrup instead of honey.
Add cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced variation.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Let come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
If spread thickens in the fridge, stir in a little warm water to loosen.
