Sesame Toffee Bars
Crunchy sesame toffee bars with rich chocolate and warm spices, perfect for snack time or sharing at gatherings, offering a delightful combination of nutty, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast sesame seed in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chopped or ground nuts.
- Sift flour with cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, then add to the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Spread the dough ¼-inch thick onto a 13 x 15-inch baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- While baking, melt semi-sweet chocolate pieces in a double boiler over hot water.
- Spread melted chocolate evenly over the hot baked cookies.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seed on top while still warm.
- Cut into bars while warm. Yield approximately 48 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can substitute the chopped or ground nuts with additional sesame seeds or sunflower seeds. Ensure to toast the sesame seeds lightly to enhance their flavor. When spreading the dough, dampen your fingers to prevent sticking. If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the dark brown sugar slightly, but be cautious not to alter the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These sesame toffee bars are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with Margaret Rozell's Fruit Salad for a contrasting fresh flavor. For a festive touch, consider drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sesame toffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm again, briefly microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Toffee Bars contains roughly 100 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 4g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of margarine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in equal amounts. Butter will give the bars a richer flavor. Just ensure it's softened for easier creaming with the brown sugar.
What can I use if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate?
If you don't have semi-sweet chocolate, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate as alternatives. Keep in mind that dark chocolate will yield a richer taste, while milk chocolate will add sweetness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are lightly golden on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).