5-Ingredient Honey Sesame Bars are a delicious and aromatic treat made with sugar, honey, and, of course, sesame seeds. Simple and accessible to everyone, it’s perfect for making during the any season and even to gift to people or serving at the end of a meal with coffee or a digestif.
Simply pour the sugar, honey, and lemon juice into a nonstick pan and, once melted, pour in the sesame seeds all at once to quickly set. Spread the mixture between two sheets of parchment paper, let it cool, and then create a delicious array of fragrant bars, perfect for a snack with a cup of tea or before an intense workout.
What Are Honey Sesame Bars?
The honey sesame crunchy bar has ancient origins stretching back to Greek and Middle Eastern traditions. In ancient Greece, a similar treat called pasteli—made with sesame seeds and honey—was prized for its energizing qualities and even used by warriors. Meanwhile, in Sicily, Arab influences gave rise to cubaita or giuggiulena, festive sweets made of honey-bound sesame, often enjoyed during Christmas. The version featured in our recipe reflects this rich Mediterranean heritage—simple, natural ingredients transformed into a timeless and nutritious delicacy that has traveled across cultures for centuries.
Pro Tips for The Best Honey Sesame Bars
Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before mixing them with the honey. This brings out their natural oils and intensifies the nutty aroma, enhancing the final taste.
Simmer the honey and sugar gently until it reaches a golden, slightly thickened stage—too little and it won’t bind properly; too much and it becomes bitter or overly hard. Look for a slight amber color and soft bubbling (around 140–150°C if using a thermometer).
Once the sesame is mixed in, pour the mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone mat immediately—it sets fast. Spread it evenly with a rolling pin or spatula lightly oiled or wet to avoid sticking.
Don’t wait too long to slice the bars. Score or cut them while the mixture is still warm and pliable, otherwise it will harden and become difficult to shape.
What Is The Best Honey To Use for These Bars?
The best honey for honey sesame bars is a light to medium amber honey with a delicate yet aromatic flavor, such as acacia, wildflower, or orange blossom honey. These varieties balance sweetness with subtle floral notes and won’t overpower the nutty taste of the sesame. Avoid dark, intense honeys like buckwheat, which can dominate the flavor profile. Opting for raw or high-quality local honey can also enhance the natural depth and texture of the bars.
Can I Add Anything Else to These Sesame Bars?
Popular options include chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios), dried fruits (such as cranberries or raisins), a pinch of sea salt, or spices like cinnamon or cardamom. A touch of lemon or orange zest adds brightness, while a drizzle of dark chocolate on top creates a rich contrast.
Why Are My Bars Not Hardening and Falling Apart?
If your sesame bars aren’t hardening and are falling apart, it’s likely due to the honey-sugar mixture not reaching a high enough temperature during cooking. The syrup needs to simmer until it thickens and reaches the “soft crack” stage (about 140–150°C / 285–300°F) to properly bind the sesame seeds. Undercooked syrup remains too runny, causing the bars to stay soft or crumble. Using a candy thermometer ensures accuracy, and letting the mixture set fully at room temperature before cutting also helps firm them up.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Definitely! They’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 weeks. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can cause the bars to soften or become sticky.
How to Store Honey Sesame Bars
To store honey sesame bars properly and keep them crisp, let them cool completely after cooking, then place them in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Store the container in a cool, dry place at room temperature—avoid areas with humidity or direct sunlight. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 weeks.
How to Make Honey Sesame Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (150 g) sesame seeds (toasted)
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra crunch)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A little oil or butter (for greasing)
Instructions:
- Toast the sesame seeds
- Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Cook the honey mixture
- In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar (if using), and salt.
- Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly (soft-ball stage if you use a candy thermometer, around 240°F / 115°C).
- Mix in sesame seeds
- Remove from heat, quickly stir in the toasted sesame seeds and vanilla.
- Mix until seeds are well coated.
- Shape the bars
- Grease a parchment-lined baking dish or tray lightly with oil/butter.
- Pour the hot mixture onto it and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Place another parchment sheet on top and press firmly with a rolling pin or flat surface to compact.
- Cool and cut
- Let it cool for 20–30 minutes.
- Once set but still slightly warm, cut into bars or diamonds with a sharp knife.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For extra crunch, store in a cool, dry place (avoid humid kitchens).
✨ Optional Twist Ideas:
- Add chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or peanuts) for variety.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon or cardamom for extra flavor.
- Dip one end of the bars in melted dark chocolate for a decadent version.
