Fudgy Middle Eastern Halva Brownies With Sesame Swirls

Halva brownies are fudgy with chunks of sesame halva swirled through the batter. I marble the halva in so it stays in ribbons instead of melting flat.

This Middle Eastern Halva Brownies Recipe is straightforward and perfect for both inexperienced and seasoned bakers alike. The result is a decadent treat that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Decadent Halva Brownies with a Unique Twist

These brownies combine the deep chocolate flavor with the sweetness and nuttiness of halva, creating a delightful contrast. The sesame swirls provide visual appeal and an additional crunch. This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes and yields about 12 brownies.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao, roughly chopped)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crumbled halva
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Melt the Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Incorporate Halva: Gently fold in half of the crumbled halva into the brownie batter, ensuring even distribution.
Prepare Tahini Swirl: In a small bowl, mix tahini with remaining halva until smooth.

Layer and Swirl: Pour brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the tahini-halva mixture over the top and use a skewer or knife to swirl it through the brownie batter.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into 12 squares, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve. Enjoy!