Spiced Sesame Bars
Spiced Sesame Bars are crunchy, flavorful treats with warm spices and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings with a sweet and nutty profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg until well combined.
- Add brown sugar and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in melted butter.
- Sift in flour, salt, baking soda, allspice, mace, and cinnamon, mixing well.
- Sprinkle half of the sesame seeds evenly in the bottom of a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining sesame seeds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nutty flavor, consider substituting half of the sesame seeds with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour instead of regular flour. Ensure even mixing to avoid lumps, and don't overmix after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender. These spiced sesame bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spiced sesame bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can also crumble them over yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack. For a richer treat, try serving alongside Ruth'S Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies to create a wonderful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spiced sesame bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until they are just warmed through, maintaining their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Sesame Bars contains roughly 227 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 891mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
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 white sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use white sugar in place of brown sugar, but the flavor and moisture level will differ. Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like taste and helps keep the bars moist. If you decide to substitute, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
What can I substitute for the egg?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for moisture. Alternatively, a flaxseed egg made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can work well, allowing the bars to maintain their structure and binding.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they turn a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, ensuring they don't overbake for the best texture.
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).