Browned butter, gluten-free flour, and rich chocolate tahini come together to create blondies with a nutty depth and irresistible swirls. These bars are simple to make, beautifully marbled, and offer a unique flavor twist that sets them apart from traditional blondies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate tahini swirled blondies are buttery, tender, and infused with a toasty richness from browned butter. The chocolate tahini adds an elegant nutty flavor and striking visual appeal with its signature swirls. This recipe is completely gluten-free, requires just one bowl after browning the butter, and delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or satisfying a sweet craving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, browned (2 sticks)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 heaping teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup chocolate halva tahini
• 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or chopped dark chocolate (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper.
2. Brown the butter: Place the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow it to melt, stirring occasionally, then stir more frequently once melted. The butter will crackle, foam, and then begin to develop brown bits at the bottom. Once the sizzling stops and the butter becomes golden and fragrant, remove from heat. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
4. In another small bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla.
5. Add the brown sugar to the cooled browned butter and stir until combined and the sugar begins to dissolve.
6. Add the egg and vanilla mixture to the butter mixture. Stir vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture becomes glossy.
7. Add the dry ingredients slowly, stirring with a wooden spoon until just combined. Some streaks of flour remaining is fine.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate if using.
9. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
10. Spoon the chocolate tahini over the top in several long strips.
11. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the tahini into the batter, creating an even marbled pattern.
12. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set.
13. Cool on a wire rack. Allow the blondies to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 to 16 blondies, depending on your preferred size.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20–22 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate for a sweeter contrast to the tahini.
• Replace chocolate tahini with plain tahini mixed with a little honey or cocoa powder.
• Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before baking for added texture and visual appeal.
• Swirl in a spoonful of natural almond butter in addition to the chocolate tahini for a layered nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
They freeze well—wrap each square tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy again, allow to thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

They are ready when the edges turn golden and the center looks set but still slightly soft.

Can I make these blondies dairy-free?

You may substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, but the browned butter flavor will be different.

Do I need to use xanthan gum?

Yes, if your gluten-free flour blend does not already contain it. It helps the blondies hold their structure.

Can I use regular flour?

Yes, you can replace the gluten-free flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour and omit the xanthan gum.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Absolutely. They are optional and can be left out if you prefer a lighter chocolate flavor.

How do I swirl the tahini without overmixing?

Use a butter knife and gently drag it through the batter in long, sweeping motions to create a marbled pattern.

Can I reduce the sugar?

A slight reduction is fine, but significant changes may alter the texture and moisture balance.

What type of tahini should I use?

A chocolate halva-style tahini works best for smooth swirling and balanced sweetness.

Can I bake these in a smaller pan?

A smaller pan will make thicker blondies and may require a longer bake time.

Why is my batter thick?

This blondie batter is naturally thick due to the browned butter and gluten-free flour, but it will bake into a soft, chewy texture.

Conclusion

These chocolate tahini swirled blondies combine the richness of browned butter with the elegance of chocolate tahini to create a dessert that is both simple and sophisticated. With their striking swirls, chewy texture, and deep nutty notes, they are a memorable treat for any occasion. Enjoy them as a sweet snack, a party-worthy dessert, or a unique addition to your gluten-free baking lineup.

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