Sesame Paste in Sweet Baking: Tips, Tricks, and Simple Recipes

If you love the nutty flavor of sesame, you’ll enjoy using sesame paste (also called tahini) in desserts. It’s a thick, smooth spread made from ground sesame seeds. Because it’s already ground, it mixes easily into batters, icings, and sauces. Adding a spoonful can give your sweets a richer mouthfeel and a subtle, earthy taste that pairs well with chocolate, honey, or citrus.

Why Use Sesame Paste in Desserts

First, sesame paste is a natural source of healthy fats and protein. That means you can replace some butter or oil and still keep the texture smooth. Second, the paste is naturally sweet‑ish, so you may need less sugar in recipes that rely on it for flavor. Third, it adds a glossy shine to glazes and drizzles without extra gelatin or corn syrup. Finally, it’s shelf‑stable, so you can keep a jar in the pantry and grab it whenever a recipe calls for a nutty boost.

Easy Sesame Paste Sweet Recipes

1. Sesame Paste Chocolate Fudge – Melt 200 g dark chocolate, stir in 2 Tbsp sesame paste, ½ cup condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. Pour into a lined tray, chill for an hour, and cut into squares. The sesame paste makes the fudge extra creamy and adds a gentle crunch.

2. Sesame‑Honey Swirl Cookies – Mix 1 cup flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat ½ cup butter, ¼ cup honey, and 2 Tbsp sesame paste until smooth. Add 1 egg, then combine with dry ingredients. Scoop onto a sheet, bake 10‑12 minutes at 180°C. You’ll see a beautiful swirl of honey and sesame after cooling.

3. Lemon‑Sesame Yogurt Parfait – Combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 Tbsp sesame paste and 1 tsp lemon zest. Layer with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. The lemon cuts the richness of the paste, making a light breakfast or snack.

4. Sesame Paste Frosting – Whisk together ½ cup butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp sesame paste, and 1 tsp vanilla. Add a splash of milk until the consistency is spreadable. This frosting works great on carrot cake, banana bread, or simple cupcakes.

When you swap sesame paste for part of the butter or oil, start with about half the amount and taste as you go. The paste has a strong flavor, so you don’t want it to dominate the dessert unless that’s your goal. If the batter looks too thick, add a little milk or water; if it’s too runny, add a touch more flour.

Storing sesame paste is easy. Keep the jar tightly sealed in a cool, dark place. After opening, you’ll notice the oil may separate—just stir it back in before using. The paste stays good for several months, and you’ll find it handy for both sweet and savory dishes.

Try one of these recipes tonight and see how a spoonful of sesame paste can change the game in your kitchen. It’s a simple ingredient that brings depth, creaminess, and a hint of nuttiness to almost any sweet treat.