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Home » Desserts » Candies

Sesame Seed Bars Recipe

Published: Oct 23, 2020 · Modified: Oct 28, 2022 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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A delicious crunchy treat for sesame lovers made with few ingredients. Sesame candy bars is very popular across many Mediterranean countries
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Chewy sesame seeds bars are pretty much common in many Mediterranean countries with variety of names. From Pasteli in Greece to Semsemeyah in Egypt, this sesame honey candy is a great gluten free snack that can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

These sesame bars along with Turkish delights are so common in Egypt during religious celebrations.

A stack of sesame cany bars arranged on a white plate.

Why This Recipe Works

This is a foolproof recipe for sesame candy, no weird ingredients and no special equipment needed. So simple and requires only a handful of ingredients that are likely there in your pantry.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

  • Sesame seeds because this is a sesame candy, but let me expand here and say this recipe is made with almost any nut of your choice. I've seen this made with pistachios, almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts or a combination of nuts.
  • Sugar and honey are the main sweeteners here and make the glue to hold all the seeds together.
  • A little bit of water to help sugar dissolve in honey and the lime juice to help prevent crystallization.
  • Vanilla extract is optional, I just love vanilla and I add a little bit not to overwhelm the sesame flavor.

Recipe Instructions

A collage of three images for toasting sesame seeds.
  1. In a skillet over medium heat add sesame seeds.
  2. Toast until golden brown will take about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour the sesame seeds immediately in a well oiled bowl and set aside to cool down.
A collage of three images of making the honey syrup to make sesame bars.
  1. In saucepan over medium heat mix in sugar, honey, water, lime juice and vanilla if using.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 5minutes.
  3. Pour the honey mixture over the sesame and mix well to combine.
A collage of two images showing how to make sesame candy.
  1. Pour the mixture over the parchment paper.
  2. Wet your hands with water and shape the sesame mixture into a square with the thickness you prefer. Let it cool completely then cut into bars

Expert Tips

  • If you do not have sesame oil you can use vegetable oil.
  • You can toast the sesame seeds in the oven but I prefer the skillet method to keep them from browning too much.
  • You can actually use this recipe for a variety of nuts and seeds. Examples are pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds...etc.

Recipe FAQs

Are sesame seeds nuts?

If you are asking because of health issues, read this. Although I have a kid who is allergic to sesame, sesame seeds are not considered tree nuts.

Do sesame seeds need to be washed?

I actually never washed my sesame seeds before and I was so surprised that some people do. If you are afraid that you might burn the seeds though, you might want to wash them to reduce the likelihood of burning them.

Sesame bars on a parchment paper placed on a wooden board.
A stack of sesame cany bars arranged on a white plate.

Sesame Candy

A delicious crunchy treat for sesame lovers made with few ingredients. Sesame candy bars is very popular across many Mediterranean countries
4.79 from 14 votes
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Halal
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories: 138kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup sesame seeds (200g )
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g )
  • ½ cup honey (180g)
  • ½ teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • Sesame oil for brushing

Instructions

  • Generously brush a bowl with sesame oil.
  • Brush an 11”X17” parchment paper with sesame oil as well.
  • In a skillet or pan, over medium heat, add sesame seeds and toast until golden brown will take about 4-6 minutes. Stir with a spatula so the seeds will not burn.
  • Pour the sesame seeds immediately in the oiled bowl and set aside to cool down.
  • In saucepan over medium heat mix in sugar, honey, water, lime juice and vanilla if using.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 5minutes.
  • Pour the honey mixture over the sesame and mix well to combine.
  • Pour the mixture over the parchment paper. Wet your hands with water and shape the sesame mixture into a square with the thickness you prefer.
  • Let it cool completely then cut into bars with a sharp knife.
  • Store in an air tight container at room temperature and separated by well oiled parchment paper.

Notes

  • If you do not have sesame oil you can use vegetable oil.
  • You can toast the sesame seeds in the oven but I prefer the skillet method to keep them from browning too much.
  • You can actually use this recipe for a variety of nuts and seeds. Examples are pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds...etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 138mg | Iron: 2mg
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First published Jan 5, 2014. Last updated October 23, 2020 with new recipe, images, step by step instructions and readability.

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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Asha

    March 16, 2023 at 11:28 pm

    Hello Amira , I have a question, can we use ghee or melted butter instead of the oil thank you.

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 21, 2023 at 12:27 pm

      I haven't tried that before Asha.

      Reply
  2. Miska Knezevic

    February 06, 2023 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    Top 10!

    Reply
  3. Mariehellen

    June 25, 2022 at 7:06 am

    Thank you Princess for this recipe. I have just made them and I mixed with roasted coarsely grated pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. They just came out amazingly tasty.

    Reply
  4. Nina

    June 16, 2022 at 8:27 am

    This did not work out. I followed directions exactly and the bars did not set. It would be useful to include the temperature needed to cook properly. Very disappointing.

    Reply
  5. Sheila Marie

    June 24, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    Thank you for the recipe, Amira. I made this a few times for the office (years ago) but I lost the recipe along the way. At the moment I only have a small amount of sesame seeds left - but I also just bought some pine nuts. Maybe I'll mix, but probably not this time. I hope the pine nuts work!

    Reply
    • Amira

      June 28, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you so much Sheila, I am so glad you liked it.

      Reply
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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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