These Chocolate Brownies with Salted Tahini Frosting are a simple, decadent dessert.
My feet are killing me right now. In fact, my entire body is rebelling; my shoulders ache, my calves are tight, my hamstrings are twitching… but it’s a good pain.
For most of my 36 years I hated all forms of exercise. I was told I just needed to find that one form of exercise I loved. I always resented people who said that to me and it left me feeling very defensive.
Maybe I just hated all exercise and what was so wrong about that? And then…
Two years ago I discovered barre, which has since become a huge fitness trend. I liked it because it didn’t make me feel uncoordinated like Zumba. It felt manageable like yoga but challenging to the point where I was actually able to start seeing changes in my body.
I’ve fallen off the barre wagon a few times over the past couple years but have always managed to climb back on. Right now I go 2-3 times per week.
I recently decided that I needed more cardio and stamina building and decided to try some of the local cycling studios near me. What a revelation. It kicks my ass every time I go but it’s something I can handle.
Instructors push me harder than I will ever push myself on a bike at home or at a gym (PS – I hate the gym). The lights in the studio are dimmed so that no one can see me if I need to slow down.
The music is energizing. I’ve been at it for over a month now and while my body is still working through some pain after each class, I feel my stamina improving and I’m seeing some major results. It feels good.
Learn more about how all of these workouts contributed to helping me lose 30 pounds in 2016!
That doesn’t mean I don’t still love treating myself to desserts, like these chocolate brownies with salted tahini frosting. This recipe is easy to prepare and so incredibly flavorful.
Keep in mind that the consistency of tahini can vary between jars, and it’s important to give it a good stir before using. Sometimes when I prepare this frosting, it comes out thinner or thicker than the previous time.
But it’s always spreadable! You can always add a bit more sugar, butter or tahini to balance the consistency as needed.
Looking for more Tahini Recipes?
Check out my Homemade Tahini, Spicy Tahini Kale Chips, and Pine Nut Tahini Cookies! I also love these Chocolate Banana Tahini Popsicles from Snixy Kitchen.
Chocolate Brownies with Salted Tahini Frosting
Ingredients
for the brownies
- 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ounces all-purpose flour (1/3 cup)
for the salted tahini frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup tahini, well-stirred
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch brownie pan with parchment paper, allowing two sides to hang over the edges. Grease the pan with butter or baking spray.
- In a large heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, heat the bittersweet chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the sugar and whisk vigorously until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Sift in the flour and stir until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the tahini frosting:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on high speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides. Add the tahini and mix on medium speed, scraping down the sides several times, until evenly combined with the butter.
- Add the sugar and salt and turn the mixer on low speed until the dry ingredients have incorporated. Scrape down the sides and turn the speed up to medium high, allowing the frosting to mix for another minute until light and smooth.
Frost the brownies:
- Use the excess parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Use a spatula to evenly frost the brownies. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Oh my those look awesome!! That tahini frosting is making me drool :)
Genius idea to use tahini in frosting! What an awesome way to dress up a brownie!
I love barre! Such a good workout. And these brownies, the tahini frosting- Yass!!!
These look incredible! Love that you made a tahini frosting!
1) I Love that you used tahini in this!!! 2) Cant believe you love spin – I loathe it!! But you’re right its nice that its dark and it certainly is one hell of a workout. Good for you girl!
Have you ever tried a studio like Zengo (local) or SoulCycle (national)? I have heard the private cycling studios are a vastly different experience than spinning classes at gym so you and I might be talking about a different type of class depending on where you’ve been. I thought I was going to hate it but the instructors are so passionate and they keep me motivated the entire time. The music is always good (80s, Brittany Spears, all kinds of ridiculous fun). I’m completely exhausted by the end but something about it is really working for me. I’m definitely not bored.
Beauties, love that tahini frosting!
I went to the ballet on Saturday night and I was totally inspired to give barre another try. Keep it up!
The tahini frosting gives these scrumptious brownies such a cool finishing touch! After all that exercise of yours, you surely deserve one..or two…of them at least!
Tahini frosting is just genius. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Oh and I totally hate spinning, but dang nothing makes you sweat more so I do it anyway. :-)
salted tahini! Wow, that is something totally new to me and I love it! such a creative dessert
These look amazing-beautiful pictures. Glad I found your lovely blog.
I’m not the biggest fan of barre, but I do want to like it! I don’t need to try too hard though to like these brownies…
I love barre, too! I have yet to try spinning. I’d like to, but I’d probably try these brownies first…
Another way to eat my favorite food…tahini! Thank you.