Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge

I still remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of mixing tahini and chocolate. It sounded intriguing, slightly unusual even. My family, accustomed to traditional chocolate fudge – the kind loaded with butter and condensed milk – raised skeptical eyebrows. “Sesame paste… in fudge?” my partner questioned, peering over my shoulder at the recipe notes. But I was determined. I adore the nutty, slightly bitter complexity of tahini in savory dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush, and its creamy texture seemed promising for a quick, no-bake dessert. The promise of a “quick” fudge was also a major draw; weeknights often leave little energy for elaborate baking projects. So, one Tuesday evening, I gathered the handful of ingredients. The process was unbelievably simple – melt, stir, pour, chill. The aroma wafting from the melting chocolate mingling with the earthy scent of tahini was already converting me. After a couple of hours impatiently waiting for it to set in the fridge, the moment of truth arrived. I cut small squares, the knife gliding smoothly through the dense, yet yielding fudge. The verdict? Utterly transformative. The tahini didn’t just add creaminess; it brought a sophisticated, nutty depth that balanced the sweetness of the chocolate and maple syrup perfectly. It wasn’t overly sweet like traditional fudge, possessing instead a rich, almost savory undertone that made it incredibly moreish. My partner took a bite, eyes widening in surprise, followed by an approving nod. “Okay,” he conceded, reaching for another piece, “this is really good.” Even the kids, initially hesitant, were won over by the smooth texture and familiar chocolatey goodness, the tahini adding a mysterious ‘something extra’ they couldn’t quite place but definitely enjoyed. Since that first successful experiment, this Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge has become a staple in our home. It’s my go-to recipe for a speedy dessert, a healthier-feeling treat, or even a homemade gift. It’s proof that sometimes the most unexpected combinations yield the most delightful results, turning skeptics into fans, one delicious square at a time. Its simplicity, unique flavor profile, and relatively wholesome ingredients make it a winner on all fronts.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this surprisingly simple yet decadent treat. Using high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor and texture.

• 1 cup (250g) Runny Tahini: This is the star ingredient, providing creaminess and a distinct nutty flavor. Ensure your tahini is well-stirred and pourable (runny). Hulled tahini offers a smoother, milder flavor, while unhulled tahini is slightly more bitter and textured but richer in nutrients. Choose based on your preference. Avoid tahini that is thick, dry, or separated with a thick layer of oil on top that won’t easily mix back in.
• 1 cup (170g) Dark Chocolate Chips or Chopped Dark Chocolate: Provides the rich chocolate base. Use good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao is ideal) for a deep flavor that balances the tahini. Using chips is convenient, but chopped chocolate bars often melt more smoothly and offer superior flavor. If you prefer a sweeter fudge, you can use semi-sweet chocolate, but you might want to slightly reduce the liquid sweetener.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Pure Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps bind the fudge. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount slightly based on your sweetness preference and the type of chocolate used. Honey or agave nectar can be substituted, but they will impart their own distinct flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate and tahini flavors, adding warmth and depth. Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for optimal taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt: Crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, especially the chocolate and tahini. Don’t skip this! You can also use a pinch of flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top before chilling for an extra flavor pop and visual appeal.
• (Optional) 1-2 tablespoons Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil can help create an even smoother, glossier fudge that sets slightly firmer. It’s particularly helpful if your tahini isn’t extremely runny. Use refined coconut oil if you don’t want any coconut flavor, or unrefined if you don’t mind a subtle hint.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge in no time. The process mainly involves melting, mixing, and chilling.

1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it easy to lift the fudge out later for cutting. Ensure the paper lies flat against the bottom and sides. A smaller pan (like a loaf pan) will result in thicker fudge squares.
2. Melt the Chocolate: You can melt the chocolate using either a microwave or a double boiler.
   • Microwave Method: Place the dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (and optional coconut oil, if using) in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power (50%) for 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is almost completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate. Stir vigorously after the last interval until any remaining small lumps melt away.
   • Double Boiler Method: Fill a small saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (and optional coconut oil) in a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan without touching the simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat carefully, wiping the bottom dry to prevent water from getting into the chocolate.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the runny tahini, pure maple syrup, pure vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until thoroughly combined and smooth. Ensure the tahini is well incorporated, with no streaks remaining. The mixture should be cohesive and slightly glossy.
4. Combine Chocolate and Tahini Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate into the bowl with the tahini mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir everything together until fully combined, smooth, and uniform in color. Work relatively quickly, as the mixture will start to thicken as it cools slightly. Ensure there are no streaks of chocolate or tahini remaining. The final mixture should be thick, glossy, and homogenous.
5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared parchment-lined pan. Use the spatula to spread it out evenly, pushing it into the corners. Smooth the top as much as possible for a neat finish. If desired, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt, toasted sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or cacao nibs at this stage.
6. Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm to the touch. The exact chilling time may vary depending on your refrigerator temperature and the thickness of the fudge. For a quicker set, you can place it in the freezer for about 45-60 minutes, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t freeze solid, which can affect the texture slightly.
7. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out of the pan onto a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife (running the knife under hot water and wiping it dry between cuts can help make clean cuts), slice the fudge into small squares. The size is up to you – 1-inch squares are a good starting point as the fudge is quite rich.
8. Store: Store the cut fudge squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. This information is based on the recipe yielding approximately 25 small squares.

• Servings: 25 squares
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 kcal (This varies significantly with the exact chocolate percentage, tahini brand, and optional additions).
• Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats primarily from the tahini (sesame seeds). These fats are beneficial for heart health. A single square provides a good portion of healthy fats, making it a satisfying treat.
• Fiber: Contains dietary fiber from both the tahini and the dark chocolate (especially higher cacao percentages). Fiber aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness.
• Magnesium: Dark chocolate and tahini are good sources of magnesium, an essential mineral involved in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation.
• Iron: Tahini is a notable source of plant-based iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. Dark chocolate also contributes some iron.
• Lower Sugar (Compared to Traditional Fudge): While it contains maple syrup for sweetness, this recipe generally has less added sugar than conventional fudge recipes that rely heavily on sweetened condensed milk and granulated sugar. Using dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) further reduces the sugar content.

(Disclaimer: These nutrition facts are estimates. For precise information, consult a professional nutritionist or use a reliable nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient brands and measurements.)

Preparation Time

This Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge lives up to its name!

• Active Preparation Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, lining the pan, melting the chocolate, mixing everything together, and spreading it in the pan.
• Chilling Time: Minimum 2-3 hours in the refrigerator (or about 45-60 minutes in the freezer). This is inactive time where the fudge firms up.
• Total Time: Roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, with the vast majority being hands-off chilling time.

This makes it an ideal recipe for when you need a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for whipping up after dinner to enjoy later in the evening or preparing the day before an event.

How to Serve

This versatile Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Plain and Simple:
  • Serve the fudge squares chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Their rich flavor and smooth texture are fantastic on their own.
  • Cut into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch squares) as they are quite decadent.
• With a Sprinkle of Salt:
  • Add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) on top of each square just before serving. This enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the richness.
• Alongside Beverages:
  • Pair a square with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully complements the nutty chocolate flavor.
  • Enjoy with a glass of cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for a classic pairing.
  • Serve with herbal tea, like peppermint or chai, for a cozy treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter:
  • Include the fudge squares on a dessert board alongside fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries), other cookies or small treats, and perhaps some nuts or dried fruit. Its unique flavor adds interest to the platter.
• Garnished:
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (black or white) to echo the tahini flavor and add a visual cue.
  • Top with chopped toasted nuts like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts for added crunch and flavor complexity.
  • Drizzle with a little extra melted dark chocolate or even a tahini drizzle (thin tahini with a touch of maple syrup) for a gourmet look.
  • A sprinkle of cacao nibs adds crunch and intense chocolate notes.
• As a Gift:
  • Arrange the squares neatly in a small box lined with parchment paper or cellophane. Tie with a ribbon for a lovely homemade edible gift.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge experience with these helpful tips:

1. Choose Your Tahini Wisely: The quality and type of tahini significantly impact the final result. Use a high-quality, runny tahini made from hulled sesame seeds for the smoothest texture and mildest flavor. If your tahini is thick or slightly separated, make sure to stir it extremely well before measuring. Unhulled tahini can be used but will result in a slightly grittier texture and a more pronounced, slightly bitter sesame flavor. Taste your tahini first – if it tastes bitter or slightly off, it will affect the fudge.
2. Chocolate Matters: Opt for good-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao). The better the chocolate, the better the fudge. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that can sometimes affect the final texture slightly compared to using a chopped chocolate bar, but they work perfectly well for convenience. If using chocolate with a higher cacao percentage (e.g., 85%), the fudge will be less sweet and more intensely chocolatey; you might want to slightly increase the maple syrup.
3. Sweetener Flexibility: While maple syrup provides a lovely flavor, you can experiment with other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or date syrup. Honey works too, but it has a stronger flavor and isn’t vegan. Note that changing the sweetener might slightly alter the final taste and texture. You can adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference, starting with slightly less if you prefer a less sweet fudge.
4. Incorporate Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your fudge! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of add-ins just before pouring the mixture into the pan. Good options include:
   • Toasted chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds)
   • Toasted seeds (pepitas, sunflower seeds)
   • Dried fruit (chopped cranberries, cherries, apricots)
   • Shredded unsweetened coconut
   • Cacao nibs for crunch and intense chocolate flavor
   • Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
5. Perfect Pan Lining: Don’t underestimate the importance of lining the pan with parchment paper, including the overhangs. This prevents sticking entirely and makes removal effortless. If you don’t have parchment, you could lightly grease the pan, but parchment is far superior for easy cleanup and removal.
6. Gentle Melting is Key: Whether using the microwave or a double boiler, melt the chocolate gently and stir frequently. Overheating can cause chocolate to seize (become thick and grainy) or burn, ruining the texture and flavor of your fudge. If using the microwave, use medium power and short intervals.
7. Proper Storage for Freshness: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors. It will typically last for 1-2 weeks when stored correctly. For longer storage, you can freeze the fudge (well-wrapped) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen fudge in the refrigerator before serving.
8. Clean Cutting Technique: For neat, clean-edged squares, use a large, sharp knife. Warm the knife blade by running it under hot tap water, then wipe it dry before each cut. This helps it glide smoothly through the firm fudge. Wipe the blade clean between cuts if needed. Cut the fudge only after it has fully chilled and set.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge:

1. Q: Is this Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge recipe vegan?
   • A: Yes, provided you use vegan dark chocolate (check the ingredients, as some dark chocolate contains milk products) and pure maple syrup (or another vegan liquid sweetener like agave). Tahini, vanilla extract, and salt are naturally vegan. If you add coconut oil, ensure it’s just coconut oil.
2. Q: Is this fudge recipe gluten-free?
   • A: Yes, the core ingredients (tahini, dark chocolate, maple syrup, vanilla, salt) are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check the labels of your specific ingredients, especially the chocolate and vanilla extract, to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, as cross-contamination can sometimes be an issue in manufacturing.
3. Q: Can I substitute tahini with another nut or seed butter?
   • A: Yes, you can experiment with other nut or seed butters like almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. However, keep in mind that this will significantly change the flavor profile of the fudge. Tahini has a unique earthy, slightly bitter nuttiness that is distinct. Also, ensure the butter you use is runny or natural-style (just nuts/seeds and salt) and well-stirred, similar to the required tahini consistency. The texture might also vary slightly depending on the butter used.
4. Q: My fudge didn’t set properly. What went wrong?
   • A: There are a few potential reasons:
     • Incorrect Ratios: Ensure you measured the ingredients accurately. Too much liquid (maple syrup or very oily tahini) or not enough chocolate can prevent proper setting.
     • Insufficient Chilling: The fudge needs adequate time in the refrigerator (at least 2-3 hours) or freezer (about 1 hour) to fully firm up. Fridge temperatures can vary.
     • Tahini Type: Very oily or thin tahini might make the fudge softer. A slightly thicker (but still stirrable) tahini might yield a firmer result. Adding the optional coconut oil can also help it set firmer.
     • Warm Environment: If your kitchen or fridge is particularly warm, it might take longer to set.
5. Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate, like milk chocolate or white chocolate?
   • A: You can experiment, but it will change the recipe significantly. Milk chocolate and white chocolate contain more sugar and milk solids and less cocoa solids. This will make the fudge much sweeter and potentially softer. You would likely need to reduce the amount of maple syrup considerably and the texture might not be as firm or classically ‘fudgy’. White chocolate, in particular, might be challenging to balance with tahini flavor. Dark chocolate (60-70%) provides the best flavor balance and structure for this specific recipe.
6. Q: How long does this tahini fudge last?
   • A: When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the fudge will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.
7. Q: Can I use chocolate chips instead of a chopped chocolate bar?
   • A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips are very convenient for this recipe and work well. Just be aware that some chocolate chips contain stabilizers (like soy lecithin or wax) to help them hold their shape, which means they might melt slightly differently or result in a very slightly different final texture compared to using pure chopped chocolate bars. However, for most purposes, the difference is minimal, and good-quality chocolate chips will yield delicious fudge.
8. Q: Is tahini fudge actually healthy?
   • A: “Healthy” is relative, but compared to traditional fudge made with butter, sugar, and condensed milk, this Quick Tahini Chocolate Fudge can be considered a healthier option. It utilizes nutrient-dense tahini (providing healthy fats, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium) and dark chocolate (rich in antioxidants and minerals). It’s typically lower in refined sugar, especially if using high-cacao chocolate and a moderate amount of maple syrup. However, it is still a treat – it’s calorie-dense due to the fats and sweetener. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It’s definitely a more wholesome way to satisfy a sweet craving.

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