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Sesame Seed Halva Energy Bars (No-Bake, Refined Sugar-Free)
- by S R
Sesame Seed Halva Energy Bars
Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern halva — these no-bake bars are rich, nutty, and naturally sweetened. Refined sugar-free, packed with minerals, and ready in minutes.
Halva is one of the oldest confections in the world — a dense, crumbly sweet made from sesame paste that has been enjoyed across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia for centuries. These energy bars take all that rich, toasty flavour and transform it into a wholesome, everyday snack.
Sweetened with raw honey or pure maple syrup and bound with organic tahini, each bar is loaded with calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats — real fuel that actually satisfies.
Sweetener options:
Raw honey — gives a floral warmth and helps the bars set firmer. Not vegan, but unrefined and rich in antioxidants.
Pure maple syrup — a fully vegan option with a gentle caramel depth. Produces slightly softer bars — refrigerate to keep firm.
Both options keep these bars completely refined sugar-free.
Raw honey — gives a floral warmth and helps the bars set firmer. Not vegan, but unrefined and rich in antioxidants.
Pure maple syrup — a fully vegan option with a gentle caramel depth. Produces slightly softer bars — refrigerate to keep firm.
Both options keep these bars completely refined sugar-free.
Ingredients
01
Organic tahini
250g (1 cup)
02
Raw honey or maple syrup
80ml (⅓ cup)
04
Coconut oil
2 tbsp, melted
05
Vanilla extract
1 tsp, pure
How to make them
- Line a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin with baking paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
- If your sesame seeds are raw, toast them first. Spread them in a dry frying pan over a medium heat and stir for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium saucepan over a low heat, gently warm the tahini, honey or maple syrup, and melted coconut oil together. Stir continuously until smooth and fully combined — about 2 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Add the toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Press down firmly so the bars hold together well once set.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until fully firm. Once set, lift out using the paper overhang and slice into 12 bars using a sharp knife.
Nutrition per bar (approx.)
Calories210 kcal
Total fat17g
Protein5g
Carbohydrates10g
Natural sugars7g
Dietary fibre2g
Calcium~120mg
Tips & variations
- Stir a tablespoon of cacao powder into the tahini mixture for a chocolate halva version.
- Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavour inspired by traditional halva.
- Press a layer of dark chocolate (melted) over the top before refrigerating for a more indulgent bar.
- Swap pumpkin and sunflower seeds for chopped pistachios or flaked almonds for a more traditional Middle Eastern feel.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months. If using maple syrup, always store refrigerated as the bars are softer at room temperature.
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