Sesame Honey Bars Recipe
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.
- 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 8x8 inch pan) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/sesame-honey-bars-recipe/
