Sesame Honey Bars Recipe

Introduction

Sesame Honey Bars are a deliciously nutty and sweet treat that combines toasted sesame seeds with a rich honey glaze. These bars offer a perfect crunch with a chewy, caramelized texture, making them a delightful snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sesame seeds
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Toast the sesame seeds in a large, dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and light golden brown. Remove immediately and transfer to a bowl to cool.
2. Step 2: Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, and lightly greasing the paper.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and honey. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the mixture to thicken slightly without boiling vigorously.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Quickly add the toasted sesame seeds to the saucepan and stir thoroughly to coat all seeds evenly with the honey mixture.
7. Step 7: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and immediately spread evenly using a spatula. Place a piece of parchment paper over the top and press firmly with a flat-bottomed object to compact the bars.
8. Step 8: Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or overnight until firm. For quicker setting, chill in the freezer for about 1 hour.
9. Step 9: Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, peel away the paper, and cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Warm the knife under hot water and wipe between cuts for cleaner edges.

Tips & Variations

• Use black sesame seeds for a striking appearance and deeper flavor.
• Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly option with a hint of coconut.
• Choose darker honey like buckwheat for a more robust flavor or lighter honey for a milder sweetness.
• Press the bars firmly to ensure they hold together well and aren’t crumbly.

Storage

Store the sesame honey bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, let refrigerated bars come to room temperature or serve chilled. Avoid warm conditions to prevent stickiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-toasted sesame seeds?

While pre-toasted seeds are convenient, toasting fresh seeds immediately before use enhances their aroma and flavor, giving the bars a richer taste.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it ensures the bars release easily. The parchment paper sling helps lift the bars out cleanly for cutting.

Sesame Honey Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

These Sesame Honey Bars are a chewy, crunchy treat that beautifully combines toasted sesame seeds with a rich honey and butter mixture. Enhanced with vanilla and a touch of salt, these bars offer a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Ideal as a wholesome snack or a delightful dessert, they are easy to prepare and set in the refrigerator for a firm, satisfying texture.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 16 bars (cut into 4x4 grid in 8×8 inch pan) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups sesame seeds (hulled or unhulled, white or black, toasted)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup honey (wildflower, clover, buckwheat, or raw)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a large dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and light golden brown. Remove immediately to a cool bowl to prevent burning.
2. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (or 9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Melt Butter, Sugar, and Honey: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, granulated sugar, and honey. Stir constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer with small bubbles around edges, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla and Salt: Take the pan off heat and immediately stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.
5. Combine with Toasted Sesame Seeds: Quickly stir the toasted sesame seeds into the honey mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Work swiftly before the mixture cools.
6. Press into Prepared Pan: Pour the mixture into the lined pan and spread evenly. Cover the top with parchment or wax paper and firmly press down with a flat object to compact tightly, ensuring the bars hold together.
7. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to allow the bars to firm up. For quicker setting, refrigerate for 1 hour but refrigeration is preferred for best texture.
8. Cut and Serve: Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang, peel off paper, and cut into desired square or rectangular shapes using a hot, cleaned knife for neat edges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use fresh sesame seeds for the best flavor and crunch.
• Choose your favorite type of honey to customize sweetness and flavor complexity.
• Pressing the mixture firmly is essential to avoid crumbly bars.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
• For a vegan alternative, substitute butter with coconut oil, keeping in mind it will add a slight coconut flavor.
• Run a knife under hot water and dry it between cuts for clean bar edges.

Keywords: sesame bars, honey bars, sesame honey snack, nutty bars, sweet sesame treat