Brownies are a timeless treat, loved for their dense, fudgy texture and chocolatey richness. But have you ever tried a tahini swirl brownie with a hint of cardamom? This unique twist takes the classic brownie to a whole new level, with the nutty flavor of tahini and the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom blending perfectly with the deep chocolate base. The result is a decadent dessert that’s just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning to experiment in the kitchen, this step-by-step recipe will guide you to create a rich, fudgy tahini swirl brownie that will leave everyone asking for more.
What is a Tahini Swirl Brownie?
A tahini swirl brownie is a luxurious twist on the classic chocolate brownie, featuring a swirl of tahini — a sesame seed paste that’s creamy, nutty, and slightly bitter. Tahini adds a unique depth of flavor to the brownie, making it stand out from traditional recipes. The addition of cardamom, a spice with a warm, fragrant quality, elevates the brownie, giving it a Middle Eastern touch. This combination of chocolate, tahini, and cardamom creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that is rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist.
The Origin of Tahini Swirl Brownies
While brownies have their roots in the United States, tahini as an ingredient comes from the Middle East. Tahini has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, used in everything from hummus to pastries. By incorporating tahini into a brownie recipe, we’re blending traditional American dessert-making with Middle Eastern influences, creating a fusion that brings together the best of both worlds. The cardamom, often found in both Middle Eastern and Indian sweets, adds a layer of warmth and spice to this already indulgent treat.
Ingredients (for an 8×8-inch / 20×20 cm pan)
For the Brownie Batter:
- 170 g (¾ cup) unsalted butter
- 200 g (1 cup) dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped
- 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 95 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour
- 30 g (¼ cup) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ tsp ground cardamom (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Tahini Swirl:
- 80 g (⅓ cup) tahini (stirred until smooth)
- 30 g (2 tbsp) powdered sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)
- 1 tbsp milk or water (to loosen)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions and Preparation Method
1. Prepare the Pan
To get started, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help you get perfect, clean slices once the brownies are baked and cooled.
2. Make the Tahini Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the tahini, powdered sugar (or honey), milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. If the mixture feels too thick, simply add a bit more milk until it reaches a drizzle consistency. Set aside for later use.
3. Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate. Melt the mixture over a double boiler or microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between each round. Once melted and smooth, set the bowl aside to cool slightly. You want the mixture to be just warm enough to mix with the eggs without scrambling them.
4. Make the Brownie Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick, which should take about 1 minute. Slowly stream in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture while whisking to incorporate. Sift in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ground cardamom, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the brownies stay fudgy and tender.
5. Assemble the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula. Now, take the tahini mixture and drizzle it over the surface in 5–6 straight lines. Using a skewer, butter knife, or a toothpick, gently swirl the tahini into the batter to create beautiful marbled patterns. Be careful not to over-swirling — you want to maintain a distinct contrast between the brownie and tahini layers.
6. Bake the Brownies
Bake the brownies for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (but not wet batter). For fudgy brownies, you’ll want to err on the shorter side of baking time. If you like your brownies more well-done, leave them in a little longer, but don’t overbake as it can affect their fudgy texture.
7. Cool & Slice
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This will take about 1 hour to ensure clean slicing. After the cooling period, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to add an extra layer of flavor contrast.
Variations
Extra Nutty Flavor
To add more depth to the nutty taste of tahini, try toasting the tahini in a dry pan for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step will bring out the natural oils in the tahini and intensify its flavor in the brownies.
Spice Variation
For an even more complex flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a small amount of orange zest to the brownie batter. These spices will complement the cardamom beautifully, giving the brownies a warm, aromatic finish.
Gluten-Free Version
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this tahini swirl brownie, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you use works well for baking, and you’re good to go.
FAQs About Tahini swirl brownie with cardamom
1. Can I use a different nut butter instead of tahini?
Yes, you can use other nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter, but keep in mind that these alternatives will slightly alter the flavor profile of the brownies.
2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
3. Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
Yes, if you love a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to the brownie batter before baking. Just be sure not to overmix the batter when adding the nuts.
4. How can I make these brownies dairy-free?
To make these brownies dairy-free, simply replace the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Ensure that the chocolate you use is dairy-free as well.
5. How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. For fudgy brownies, aim for a slightly shorter baking time.
6. Can I freeze tahini swirl brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2–3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion: Tahini swirl brownie with cardamom
This tahini swirl brownie with cardamom is a perfect combination of deep, chocolatey richness, nutty tahini, and a touch of aromatic spice. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress. The fudgy texture, combined with the warm swirl of tahini and cardamom, creates a unique dessert that is both comforting and exciting. With easy-to-follow instructions and a few variations to try, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the decadent flavors of these tahini swirl brownies with cardamom, and savor every bite!
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Rich & Fudgy Tahini Swirl Brownie with Cardamom: A Perfect Chocolatey Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tahini swirl brownie is a luxurious twist on the classic chocolate brownie, featuring a swirl of tahini — a sesame seed paste that’s creamy, nutty, and slightly bitter. Tahini adds a unique depth of flavor to the brownie, making it stand out from traditional recipes. The addition of cardamom, a spice with a warm, fragrant quality, elevates the brownie, giving it a Middle Eastern touch. This combination of chocolate, tahini, and cardamom creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that is rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Brownie base:
- 115g unsalted butter
- 120g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 150g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp salt
- 60g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Tahini swirl:
- 75g tahini
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp cardamom (optional for extra spice)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prep the pan
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt chocolate & butter
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together.
- Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix wet ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, cardamom, and salt until light and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture.
4. Add dry ingredients
- Sift in flour and cocoa powder. Fold gently until just combined.
5. Make tahini swirl
- In a small bowl, mix tahini, maple syrup, powdered sugar, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
6. Assemble
- Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dollop spoonfuls of tahini mixture over the top.
- Use a skewer or knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
7. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly fudgy.
- A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
8. Cool & slice
- Let cool in pan for 20 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
These brownies are extra indulgent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For a nuttier twist, sprinkle chopped pistachios or walnuts on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion (Middle Eastern-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Tahini chocolate brownies, cardamom brownies, fudgy tahini brownies, chocolate tahini swirl, brownies with tahini and cardamom
