Sweet Sesame Crunch

Delight in the rich, nutty flavor and satisfying chewiness of homemade sesame candy bars, a cherished confection enjoyed across numerous Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cultures. Known by various names such as Pasteli in Greece, Semsemeyah in Egypt, and Sumsumiyah in Lebanon, these exquisite sesame honey bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a naturally gluten-free snack that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This recipe brings a piece of ancient culinary tradition right into your kitchen, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and texture that’s both simple to make and incredibly rewarding.

Especially prevalent during religious celebrations and festive occasions in many regions, including Egypt where they are often enjoyed alongside Turkish delights, these sesame bars symbolize warmth, hospitality, and shared joy. Their timeless appeal lies in their wholesome ingredients and straightforward preparation, making them a staple in many households and a delightful discovery for anyone new to these traditional sweets. Whether you’re seeking a quick energy boost, a delightful accompaniment to your coffee or tea, or a unique homemade gift, these chewy sesame bars are sure to impress with their authentic taste and effortless creation.

Why This Sesame Candy Recipe is a Must-Try

This sesame candy recipe stands out for its incredible simplicity and consistent results, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks. It truly is a foolproof method, requiring no complex techniques, specialized equipment, or obscure ingredients. With just a handful of staple items likely already in your pantry—primarily sesame seeds, sugar, and honey—you can whip up a batch of these delectable bars in a remarkably short time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach, ensuring a perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and nutty goodness every single time, without the guesswork often associated with homemade confections.

Beyond its ease, this recipe is highly adaptable. While the star is undoubtedly the sesame seed, the foundational honey-sugar syrup can bind almost any nut or seed combination you desire, opening up a world of flavor possibilities. This versatility means you can easily customize your bars to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, always resulting in a delicious, naturally gluten-free snack that satisfies sweet cravings without any fuss. Its quick preparation time of under 30 minutes also makes it an ideal last-minute dessert or an impromptu snack for unexpected guests.

Unlock the Health Benefits: The Nutritional Powerhouse of Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are more than just a delicious ingredient; they are tiny nutritional powerhouses packed with an impressive array of health benefits. These small but mighty seeds are an excellent source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for heart health. They are also rich in plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, and provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, essential for digestive health.

Furthermore, sesame seeds are loaded with important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. These nutrients contribute to bone health, energy production, immune function, and overall well-being. When combined with honey, another natural ingredient known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, these candy bars transform into a wholesome snack option that provides sustained energy. Enjoying these treats means indulging in a delicious confection that also contributes positively to your daily nutritional intake, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

A Journey Through Culinary Traditions: The Cultural Significance of Sesame Candy

Sesame honey bars hold a significant place in the culinary tapestry of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa. Their history dates back centuries, with variations found across ancient civilizations where sesame was a revered crop. In Greece, Pasteli is a traditional sweet, deeply embedded in cultural practices and often associated with celebrations, festivals, and even periods of fasting due to its simple, natural ingredients. It symbolizes longevity and fertility, often gifted at weddings.

Egyptian Semsemeyah, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of “Halawet El Mouled,” a collection of traditional sweets prepared for the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. This annual celebration sees families gathering to share these confections, highlighting the deep cultural and religious connections of these treats. Beyond these specific names, similar confections are found from Turkey (where they are called Susamlı Çubuk) to the Levant and North Africa, each with its unique regional twist but sharing the core elements of toasted sesame seeds and a sweet, binding syrup.

These bars are more than just food; they are an embodiment of tradition, community, and the simple pleasures of life, often shared among family and friends during gatherings and holidays. They represent a legacy of natural ingredients and resourceful cooking, passed down through generations. Their enduring popularity speaks volumes about their irresistible taste and their profound role in cultural heritage, serving as a sweet reminder of shared history and communal joy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sesame Candy Bars

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown and Their Roles

• Sesame Seeds: The absolute star of this candy, imparting its signature nutty flavor, aromatic richness, and delightful crunch. While unhulled white sesame seeds are most commonly used for their classic appearance and taste, you can experiment with black sesame seeds for a distinct visual contrast and a slightly more robust, earthy flavor profile. The true versatility of this recipe shines through in its ability to adapt to nearly any nut or seed. Feel free to substitute part or all of the sesame seeds with your favorite alternatives like crunchy pistachios, sweet almonds, buttery cashews, earthy peanuts, or fragrant hazelnuts. A combination of these also works wonderfully, allowing you to customize your candy bars to your exact preference and explore new flavor dimensions.
• Granulated Sugar and Honey: These two act as the primary sweeteners and, crucially, as the “glue” that binds all the seeds together. The combination of granulated sugar and liquid honey creates a perfectly balanced sweetness and a stable, viscous syrup structure that sets firmly yet remains delightfully chewy. Honey also contributes to the rich, complex flavor and the beautiful golden hue of the final product, adding depth that sugar alone cannot achieve.
• Water: Just a small amount of water is added to the saucepan to help the granulated sugar dissolve smoothly and evenly into the honey. This ensures a uniform syrup without any grainy texture, facilitating the creation of a consistently smooth and shiny candy. It assists in reaching the ideal temperature and consistency for the mixture before it’s combined with the sesame seeds.
• Lime Juice: A vital, yet often overlooked, ingredient. The acidity from the lime juice (fresh lemon juice can also be used as a substitute) plays a critical role in preventing the sugar from crystallizing as the syrup cools. It acts as an invert sugar, ensuring your candy bars remain smooth, pliable, and perfectly chewy rather than becoming brittle, hard, or grainy. This small addition makes a significant difference in the final texture.
• Vanilla Extract (Optional but Recommended): While the natural flavor of freshly toasted sesame seeds is wonderfully robust and satisfying on its own, a touch of pure vanilla extract can add a subtle layer of aromatic complexity and warmth. It enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile without overpowering the distinct taste of sesame. If you’re a vanilla enthusiast, feel free to add it; otherwise, you can certainly omit it and let the pure, unadulterated sesame flavor shine through.
• Sesame Oil (or Vegetable Oil): This oil is primarily used for generously greasing your mixing bowl, parchment paper, and cutting knife. Sesame oil lends a complementary, subtle nutty aroma to the finished bars, but any neutral-flavored vegetable oil (such as canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil) works perfectly fine to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to surfaces, ensuring easy handling and clean cuts.

Crafting Your Sesame Candy Bars: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect, chewy, and irresistible sesame candy bars every time. Precision in timing and temperature is key to achieving the ideal texture and flavor.

Preparing the Sesame Seeds and Work Surfaces

1. Before you begin cooking, generously brush a heat-resistant mixing bowl and an 11”x17” piece of parchment paper with sesame oil or any neutral vegetable oil. This crucial step prevents the sticky candy mixture from adhering to your surfaces, making subsequent steps much easier.
2. In a dry, wide skillet or pan, place your sesame seeds over medium heat. It’s important to use a dry pan as any residual moisture can steam the seeds rather than properly toast them, affecting their flavor and texture.
3. Toast the sesame seeds, stirring continuously and gently with a sturdy spatula, for about 4-6 minutes. Continue until they achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color and become wonderfully fragrant. Keep a very close eye on them, as sesame seeds can burn quickly and easily. The rich aroma is your best indicator that they are perfectly toasted.
4. Immediately transfer the hot, toasted sesame seeds into the well-oiled bowl you prepared earlier. This action effectively stops the cooking process and prevents them from over-browning or becoming bitter. Set them aside to cool slightly while you proceed with preparing the syrup.

Creating the Perfect Honey Syrup

5. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, water, lime juice, and vanilla extract (if you are using it). Place the saucepan over medium heat.
6. Stir the mixture gently and consistently until the granulated sugar completely dissolves into the liquids, ensuring no grains remain. Once dissolved, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil.
7. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer and continue to cook the syrup for approximately 5 minutes. During this time, the syrup will gradually thicken and achieve a sticky, syrupy consistency. A simple way to test for readiness is the “cold water test”: drop a very small amount of the simmering syrup into a cup of very cold water. It should form a soft, pliable ball that holds its shape but is still bendable. If it’s too soft, continue simmering for another minute or two. If it hardens instantly, it’s slightly overcooked, which will result in a crunchier bar.

Combining the Ingredients and Shaping the Bars

8. Carefully and quickly pour the hot honey syrup directly over the toasted sesame seeds in the oiled bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly and vigorously until all the sesame seeds are evenly coated and well combined with the syrup. Work quickly and efficiently, as the mixture will begin to set and become less pliable as it cools.
9. Immediately transfer the warm, still-workable sesame mixture onto the prepared oiled parchment paper. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and to allow for easier shaping, wet your hands with a little water. Gently press and shape the mixture into a uniform square or rectangle, aiming for your desired thickness. A thinner bar will result in a crispier texture, while a thicker one will be more delightfully chewy.
10. Allow the shaped sesame candy to cool completely and undisturbed at room temperature. This cooling process is absolutely crucial for achieving the correct firm, yet chewy, texture and allowing the bars to set properly. Once fully cooled and firm to the touch, use a sharp, well-oiled knife to cut the large slab into individual bars or elegant diamond shapes.
11. Store the finished sesame candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and to prevent them from sticking together, layer them between sheets of well-oiled parchment paper. They will maintain their delicious chewiness and flavor for up to two weeks, making them perfect for meal prep or as a grab-and-go snack.

Expert Tips for Sesame Candy Perfection

• Choose Your Oil Wisely for Greasing: While sesame oil offers a complementary, subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall profile of the bars, any neutral vegetable oil (such as canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil) will work perfectly for generously greasing your mixing bowl, parchment paper, and cutting knife. The key is to grease all surfaces thoroughly to prevent the sticky mixture from adhering, ensuring easy handling and clean cuts.
• Mastering Sesame Seed Toasting: The skillet method is highly recommended for toasting sesame seeds as it offers superior control over the heat, allowing you to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning. Stir continuously to ensure even toasting. If you prefer using an oven for larger batches, spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F (160°C) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Always watch them closely, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in an instant.
• Embrace Versatility: This recipe is incredibly adaptable and encourages experimentation. Feel free to substitute sesame seeds with other nuts and seeds such as pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or even a mix of your favorite combinations. Ensure that any nuts or seeds used are lightly toasted before mixing with the syrup to enhance their flavor and crunch. This flexibility makes the recipe a fantastic base for various sweet treats.
• Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: The small addition of lime juice (or lemon juice) is not just for a hint of flavor; its acidity plays a critical role in preventing the sugar from crystallizing as the syrup cools. This ensures your candy remains wonderfully smooth and chewy, not grainy or brittle. It acts as an invert sugar, crucial for the desired texture.
• Work Swiftly and Strategically: The honey-sugar mixture sets quite fast once it’s removed from heat and combined with the seeds. Have all your greased surfaces (bowl, parchment paper, knife) ready and within reach before you start cooking the syrup. Work quickly when mixing and shaping the candy to ensure an even consistency before it becomes too firm to manage.
• Optimal Storage for Freshness: To maintain their deliciousness and texture, store your cooled sesame candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results and to prevent them from sticking together, especially in humid conditions, layer them between sheets of well-oiled parchment paper. Stored correctly, they will maintain their freshness and delightful chewiness for up to two weeks.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic sesame candy bars are undeniably delicious, their simple base allows for wonderful creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and additions to personalize your batch.

Flavor Variations to Explore

• Spiced Sesame Bars: For a warm, aromatic twist, add a pinch of ground cardamom, a dash of cinnamon, or even a tiny amount of ginger powder to the syrup mixture while it’s simmering. These spices beautifully complement the nutty flavor of sesame.
• Nutty Combinations: Beyond substituting sesame, try adding a small amount of finely chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts along with the sesame seeds. This creates an extra layer of texture and a more complex flavor profile. Ensure they are lightly toasted beforehand.
• Bright Citrus Zest: Incorporate one teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest into the syrup for a brighter, more vibrant taste that cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing note.
• Dried Fruit Infusion: For a chewier texture and a burst of natural sweetness, gently fold in a small amount of finely chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even golden raisins with the sesame seeds before adding the syrup.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, once the bars are completely cooled and set, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over them. Allow the chocolate to set before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.

Serving Your Homemade Sesame Candy

These versatile and delightful bars are perfect for any occasion, from a simple snack to a sophisticated dessert element:

• Coffee or Tea Companion: Their delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch pair wonderfully with a hot cup of strong coffee, traditional Turkish tea, or even a refreshing mint tea, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
• Energy Boost: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars from honey, they make an excellent pre-workout snack, a quick energy boost during a busy day, or a wholesome addition to a packed lunch.
• Homemade Gift: Package them beautifully in a decorative tin, a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or a charming box for a thoughtful, handmade gift during holidays, housewarmings, or special occasions.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange them elegantly alongside other traditional Middle Eastern sweets, fresh seasonal fruit, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impressive and varied dessert spread that’s sure to please.
• After-Meal Treat: Offer them as a light yet satisfying sweet ending to any meal, providing a textural contrast and a pleasant sweetness.

Common Questions About Homemade Sesame Candy Bars

Sesame Honey Candy Bars

A truly delightful and crunchy treat perfect for sesame lovers, made with just a few simple ingredients. These traditional sesame candy bars are incredibly popular across many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, offering a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying texture. This gluten-free recipe is quick to prepare and yields a wholesome snack.

Rated 4.79 from 19 votes

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Course:
Dessert, Snack

Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Diet:
Gluten Free, Halal

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Yields:
16 servings

Calories:

138 kcal

Author:

Amira

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup sesame seeds (approx. 200g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (approx. 100g)
• ½ cup honey (approx. 180g)
• ½ teaspoon lime juice
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Sesame oil (for greasing, or vegetable oil)

Instructions

1. Generously brush a heat-resistant bowl and an 11”x17” piece of parchment paper with sesame oil (or vegetable oil). Set aside.
2. In a dry skillet or wide pan, add the sesame seeds over medium heat. Toast them until they are golden brown and aromatic, stirring frequently with a spatula to prevent burning. This will take about 4-6 minutes.
3. Immediately transfer the toasted sesame seeds into the prepared oiled bowl to stop the cooking process and allow them to cool slightly.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, water, lime juice, and vanilla extract (if using) over medium heat.
5. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring it to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens. A cold water test should yield a soft, pliable ball.
6. Pour the hot honey syrup over the toasted sesame seeds in the oiled bowl. Mix vigorously with a sturdy spatula until all the sesame seeds are thoroughly coated with the syrup. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set.
7. Transfer the warm sesame mixture onto the prepared oiled parchment paper. Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, and then gently press and shape the mixture into a uniform square or rectangle to your desired thickness.
8. Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature until firm. Once cooled, use a sharp, oiled knife to cut into individual bars or diamond shapes.
9. Store the finished sesame candy bars in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness and to prevent sticking, separate layers with pieces of oiled parchment paper.

Recipe Notes

• If you don’t have sesame oil, any neutral-flavored vegetable oil works well for greasing.
• For superior control and even browning, toast sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to use other nuts like pistachios, hazelnuts, or almonds in place of or in combination with sesame seeds.
• Lime juice is crucial for preventing sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, chewy texture.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 138 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 18 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Saturated Fat: 1 g |
Sodium: 2 mg |
Potassium: 71 mg |
Fiber: 2 g |
Sugar: 15 g |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 138 mg |
Iron: 2 mg

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First published January 5, 2014. Last updated October 23, 2020 with a new recipe, improved images, step-by-step instructions, and enhanced readability.