Chocolate Tahini Date Squares

Name: Chocolate Tahini Date Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 cup tahini; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts); 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Chocolate Tahini Date Squares for a deliciously sweet yet healthy treat. These squares combine the rich taste of chocolate with the nutty flavor of tahini, resulting in an indulgent dessert that feels great to eat. The medley of dates, nuts, and chocolate satisfies my sweet tooth while keeping the ingredients wholesome. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or dessert, these squares are quick to whip up and are always a hit with friends and family. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become one of my go-to recipes!

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:01:21.978Z

While experimenting with various ingredients in my kitchen, I stumbled upon the delightful combination of tahini and chocolate. I quickly realized that the creamy texture of tahini pairs harmoniously with the richness of cocoa, creating an irresistible flavor profile. The addition of nuts and dates not only enhances the taste but also adds a satisfying chewiness that balances the smoothness of the chocolate.

One of my favorite tips when making these squares is to properly measure your ingredients. The right balance of tahini and sweetener ensures that the squares hold together perfectly and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once you master this simple method, you can easily adapt the squares with your favorite nuts or even a pinch of sea salt for an enhanced flavor experience!

        Why You'll Love These Chocolate Tahini Date Squares
        Guilt-free indulgence that's naturally sweetened
Nutty tahini gives a unique twist to classic chocolate treats
Easy to make with just a handful of wholesome ingredients

      

The Role of Tahini

Tahini is a key ingredient in these Chocolate Tahini Date Squares, bringing a creamy, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the cocoa. It not only adds depth but also helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring the squares hold their shape. When purchasing tahini, look for a variety that is smooth and well-mixed; this indicates quality and will yield the best results in your dessert.

In case you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with almond butter or another nut butter, though this will change the flavor profile slightly. Bear in mind that if you're using a thicker nut butter, you may need to adjust the quantity of pitted dates to maintain the right consistency for blending.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the ideal texture for your Chocolate Tahini Date Squares is essential. After pressing the mixture into the baking dish, it should be evenly compact to avoid crumbly squares when cut. A good tip is to use a small piece of parchment paper to help press down firmly without sticking. If the mixture seems too soft after a short chill, a quick additional 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge can help firm it up further before cutting.

For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider incorporating a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after pressing the mixture into the dish. This brings out the chocolate notes and enhances the overall taste, making each bite more satisfying.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Tahini Date Squares store well, making them a great make-ahead treat. Once cut, you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long-term storage, freeze the squares separated by parchment paper; they can last for up to three months. Just ensure to thaw them in the fridge before serving to enjoy their texture at its best.

To elevate your serving experience, these squares can be drizzled with a bit of melted dark chocolate or topped with chopped nuts for extra crunch. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for an indulgent afternoon snack that feels both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients to create your Chocolate Tahini Date Squares:

For the Squares

1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt

These simple ingredients will come together to create a fantastic treat that's both healthy and satisfying!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Chocolate Tahini Date Squares:

Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the pitted medjool dates, tahini, cocoa powder, salt, and half of the nuts. Blend until the mixture is smooth and sticky, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water or more tahini.

Incorporate the Nuts

Add the remaining chopped nuts and shredded coconut to the blended mixture. Pulse a few times until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout.

Shape the Squares

Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking dish or pan, creating an even layer. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure it's packed tightly.

Chill and Cut

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the squares firm up. Once chilled, lift out the mixture from the pan and cut it into squares. Enjoy!

Once you've chilled and cut them, feel free to store the squares in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, try drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the top before chilling. You can also experiment with different nut butters if you don't have tahini on hand!

Exploring Flavor Variations

If you’d like to play around with the flavors, adding spices such as cinnamon or vanilla extract can introduce a warm twist to the squares. Start with a teaspoon of cinnamon or half a teaspoon of vanilla to see how it complements the chocolate and tahini. Remember to blend these into the mixture for a well-distributed flavor boost.

For a fruity variation, incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots into the mix. A quarter cup of chopped dried fruit provides sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs well with the nutty and chocolatey flavors, making the squares even more interesting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your date mixture doesn't blend smoothly, it could be due to the dates being too dry. To remedy this, add a teaspoon of water or extra tahini until the mixture reaches the desired sticky consistency. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, adding a little more cocoa powder can help balance it out while keeping the chocolate flavor prominent.

When cutting the squares, using a sharp knife can prevent them from crumbling. If the mixture is too soft, let it chill for a bit longer in the refrigerator before slicing. Patience pays off to ensure you get perfect, delicious squares that hold their shape without compromising texture.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled depending on your needs. To double the batch, simply double each ingredient and use a larger baking dish. Keep in mind that bigger quantities may require slightly longer chilling time, so monitor the texture closely before cutting into squares.

If you prefer smaller portions, you can divide the mixture into mini squares or even shape them into energy bite balls. Adjust the chilling time accordingly, as smaller pieces may firm up more quickly, allowing for a versatile approach to this delightful treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other sweeteners instead of dates?

While dates give a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, but the consistency may change.

→ How long can I store the squares?

These squares can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer shelf life.

→ Is there a nut-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts entirely and use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

→ Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture to boost its nutritional content, but this may change the texture.