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Many of you have been hanging around for a while and you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I am slightly obsessed with tahini! It’s just beyond versatile in so many ways, it provides the smoothest texture (for creamy stuff) and the best flavour and base for many baking recipes. The other day I stumbled upon black tahini at my local grocery store and the moment I saw it; I got goosebumps from sheer excitement!
This granola recipe, infused with the unique and bold flavour of black tahini, has me feeling all the Halloween vibes in the middle of summer, and I am totally here for it! The rich, nutty taste and striking dark hue of black tahini add a whole new dimension to homemade granola, making it both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Stay tuned because this magical ingredient has inspired me with a flood of new recipes that I can’t wait to share with you! Here is my first black tahini recipe, dive in and enjoy 🙂
Preheat your oven to 320°F convection and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your granola doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: oats, roughly chopped almonds and walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs, black sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that each bite of granola is packed with a variety of textures and flavours.
Next, focus on the wet ingredients. In a small pot, combine olive oil, black tahini, and maple syrup. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is well combined. Once the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture over the bowl of dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until no dry oats remain. This step is crucial to ensure that every part of the granola is evenly coated and will clump together nicely when baked.
Finally, spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheets, pressing it down firmly to create those desirable clusters. Bake the granola for 20 minutes, then rotate the pans 180 degrees and bake for another 10 minutes or until the granola is golden brown. Once done, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheets before using a spatula to lift it off. Cooling completely is key to forming those nice, big clusters. Store your granola in mason jars or any airtight container, where it will keep fresh in the pantry for several weeks.
Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, integral to many Middle Eastern dishes like hummus and baba ganoush. It has a distinctively rich and nutty flavour that enhances both savoury and sweet recipes. Black tahini, specifically made from black sesame seeds, offers an even deeper, more intense flavour and a striking, dark colour. This makes it perfect for adding a unique twist to your granola, infusing it with a robust taste and the most jaw dropping appearance. Don’t sweat it if you can’t find black tahini in your local grocer because I found the same one I used on amazon! Click here to purchase.
For this recipe, I went with this black tahini which gives this granola the dark and mysterious, spooky, halloweenie vibes! However, if you prefer a milder taste, regular tahini made from white sesame seeds works wonderfully as well. Both types of tahini can be found in most grocery stores or purchased online. Whether you choose black or regular tahini, you’ll add a nutty, creamy element to your granola that enhances its overall flavor profile.
This recipe includes almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, each adding texture and nutritional benefits. Feel free to customize your granola with other favorites like chia seeds, sesame seeds, or pecans. This flexibility allows you to tailor the granola to your taste preferences while boosting its nutritional value. There is no wrong way to do this! Use what you have on hand or follow the recipe verbatim 🙂
This granola pairs beautifully with yogurt and fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast. You can sprinkle it over smoothie bowls to add a delightful crunch. It’s also a delicious snack on its own or with a splash of your favorite milk. You can add it to a bowl with dried fruits as a quick and easy snack. The unique flavor of black tahini complements both sweet and savory dishes, adding depth and richness to each bite. You could even sprinkle this on top of a salad for additional crunch and visual appeal.
To keep your granola fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and place it in the pantry. This will preserve its freshness for several weeks. Ensure the granola is completely cool before storing to maintain its crisp texture and not to trap any moisture in the container. If you prefer longer storage, you can freeze the granola in a sealed bag for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy your homemade tahini granola at any time, just as fresh and delicious as the day you made it.
You’re going to love this Black Sesame Tahini Granola for so many reasons! Not only is it packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, but its striking dark color adds a spooky and exciting twist to your typical granola. The black tahini gives it a rich, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup, making it a statement topping for any dish. Sprinkle it over yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even salads, and watch how its unique appearance and taste transform your ordinary recipes into something extraordinary and fun. This granola is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your breakfast or snacks, making every bite a delightful surprise!
Let me know if you tried this recipe by rating and leaving a comment below! Don’t forget to try these other amazing granola recipes
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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14 Responses
This granola is perfect! I love that the sugar doesn’t overpower the oats, nuts and cacao. Blends well with yogurt and fruit.
Hey Patty! I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, thank you so much for trying it and letting us know how you liked it 🙂
My friend made this for me as a birthday gift and it was amazing. I just snacked on it like a little treat, but sadly it’s all gone now! I’m about to make a batch of my own so I can enjoy it some more!
Hey Jasmina, I love that your friend gifted you this granola!! What a precious gift. Can’t wait for you to get into the granola experience and make your own. Thanks so much for the raving review and rating!
Can’t wait to try this! But is that bake at 180 F or C?
Thanks!
Hi Jenni, 320 convection is the same as 320 F
Wow, excited to try one of your recipes.
Do you have a good recipe for a coffee granola? I‘ve tried so many times but never really got a satisfying result for a coffee granola.
Hey Valerie! I’ve never made a coffee granola but you’ve just given me a brilliant idea!! Thank you and I cannot wait for you to try one of my recipes either 🙂
Yayyy, can‘t wait for your coffee granola recipeeee!
Meanwhile i‘ll test your other recipes.
Keep up the great inspiration!
Thank you so much Valerie!!
This was a great recipe! The jar of black tahini was just sitting in my frig waiting for this. The color was stark and amazing looking when I was mixing it. The taste was wonderful and I’ll be making this again for sure.
Hey Jacob, thanks for trying this recipe! I am so pleased that you already had black tahini on hand, match made in heaven! Appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and rate this recipe!
This is my second time making this but this time I accidentally didn’t heat the wet ingredients on the stove. Does this make a difference?
It doesn’t make a massive difference, I find it just helps combine everything together with consistency and helps the process, I’m sure your granola still turned out amazingly!