Chocolate Tahini Date Fudge
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making chocolate tahini date fudge because it combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty flavor of tahini. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without any guilt! The medley of naturally sweet dates and creamy tahini creates a luscious texture that keeps me coming back for more. Whether served as a snack or dessert, it’s a delightful indulgence I can enjoy without hesitation. Plus, it takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when I'm short on time.
When I first made chocolate tahini date fudge, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The combination of dates and tahini proves to be a match made in heaven, and the fudge members of my family can’t get enough of it! I decided to experiment with adding different spices, like cinnamon, and was amazed at how a little bit of extra flavor could elevate this treat to new heights.
What makes this fudge so successful, in my experience, is letting the dates soak in hot water for just a few minutes. This simple step ensures they blend smoothly into the fudge mixture, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Next time I make it, I might try swapping out the tahini for almond butter!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty tahini
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- No baking required - perfect for quick preparations
The Importance of Soaking Dates
Soaking your Medjool dates is a crucial step in crafting this fudge. By immersing them in hot water for about 5 minutes, you are not only softening their texture but also enhancing their natural sweetness. This process makes them easier to blend, resulting in a smooth, creamy fudge without chunks. If you find your dates particularly dry or tough, extending the soak time to 10 minutes can help achieve the perfect consistency.
After soaking, be sure to drain the dates well—too much excess water can compromise the fudge's texture. You want a rich, thick consistency that holds its shape after chilling. If the mixture appears too runny after blending, you can add a tablespoon of extra cocoa powder to thicken it without altering the flavor.
Finishing Touches and Variations
The choice of toppings for your chocolate tahini date fudge can elevate its visual appeal as well as its flavor. Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while coconut flakes introduce a tropical hint, beautifully complementing the chocolate. Try lightly toasting your nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nuttiness before sprinkling them over the fudge. This additional layer can transform each bite.
For those looking to switch things up, consider mixing in a pinch of sea salt or sea salt flakes directly into the fudge. This not only balances the sweetness but intensifies the chocolate flavor. Adding ingredients like chia seeds or hemp seeds can also boost the nutritional profile while maintaining the fudge's creamy texture. Experimenting with flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, can create unique twists on the traditional recipe.
Ingredients
To create this delectable chocolate tahini date fudge, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts or coconut flakes
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your chocolate tahini date fudge:
Prepare the Dates
Soak the pitted dates in hot water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, combine the softened dates, tahini, cocoa powder, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a Dish
Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Chill and Set
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the fudge firm up.
Cut and Serve
Once set, remove the fudge from the dish and cut it into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut flakes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try including a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder in the fudge mixture. You can also experiment with different nut butters for variety.
Storage Tips
To keep your chocolate tahini date fudge fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about a week, though the flavors will deepen over time. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If you prefer your fudge chilled, simply serve it directly out of the fridge for a firmer texture, which some find even more enjoyable.
If you want to prepare the fudge in advance, consider freezing it. Cut the fudge into squares and layer them in a freezer-safe container separated with parchment paper. It will maintain its best quality for up to three months. When you're ready to indulge, allow the fudge to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, preventing any unnecessary mushiness.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable, so if you're hosting a gathering or want to stock your freezer, you can double or triple the ingredients without any adjustments to the process. Just be mindful of the mixing capacity of your food processor; if your machine is smaller, blend in batches to ensure everything is evenly combined. If you notice that your fudge mixture is getting too thick to blend properly, adding a splash of water can help create a smoother consistency.
When scaling, consider adjusting the flavoring elements as well. Keeping the same proportion of vanilla extract, salt, and sweetener will maintain the fudge's sweetness. However, if you're experimenting with different flavorings or toppings, adjust these based on your preference for each batch to keep the variations interesting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of sweeteners?
Yes! Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.
→ How should I store the fudge?
Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
→ Can I freeze this fudge?
Absolutely! You can freeze the fudge for up to three months. Just make sure to cut it into pieces and store in a freezer-safe container.
→ Is this fudge vegan?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.
Chocolate Tahini Date Fudge
I absolutely love making chocolate tahini date fudge because it combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty flavor of tahini. This easy no-bake treat is perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without any guilt! The medley of naturally sweet dates and creamy tahini creates a luscious texture that keeps me coming back for more. Whether served as a snack or dessert, it’s a delightful indulgence I can enjoy without hesitation. Plus, it takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when I'm short on time.
Created by: Natalie Briggs
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 pieces
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts or coconut flakes
How-To Steps
Soak the pitted dates in hot water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the softened dates, tahini, cocoa powder, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Line a small baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the fudge mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the fudge firm up.
Once set, remove the fudge from the dish and cut it into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut flakes before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try including a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder in the fudge mixture. You can also experiment with different nut butters for variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g