Salted Tahini Shortbread Bars

I’ve been dying to make some sort of layered, chocolate-shortbread bar for a while now, so these babies are a long time coming. Plus, I’m always looking to satisfy my sweet tooth in a way that shows my body some love as well, and these ingredients couldn’t be any more on point.

The real star of the show, of course, is the tahini. And for those who are a little skeptical of using this in a sweet recipe, let this recipe be the delicious opinion-changer you’re in need of.

Tahini is not only tasty, but it’s also incredibly healthy with tons of good fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus and manganese, both of which play vital roles in bone health as well as vitamins B1 and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production.

Plus, tahini even has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to fight off cancer, strengthen the central nervous system, protect liver and kidney function and more!

For additional ways to get more tahini into your diet (in delicious ways, of course), also check out my:

• Harvest Buddha Bowl with Lemon Herb Tahini
• Crunchy Thai Salad with Ginger Tahini Dressing
• Asian Veggie Noodle Bowl with Ginger Tahini Sauce
• Superfood Tahini Dressing
• Seasonal Veggie & Quinoa Bowl with Herbed Tahini
• Greek Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Chickpeas

But if you’re not a fan of tahini, have a sesame allergy or simply prefer to use what you already have on hand, you can most definitely swap out this ingredient for the nut or seed butter of your choice. These bars will be delicious with whatever you choose to include.

This layer, along with the classic, healthified shortbread crust (which also makes an appearance in my Pecan Pie Bars, Magic Bars, and Meyer Lemon Bars) make the perfect base for the chocolate topping.

This is simply a combination of cacao powder, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla and salt all melted together to create a tasty, chocolatey element, which is always needed in my book.

Cacao powder is one of my favorite, nutrient-packed baking ingredients, and I always encourage y’all to try out my favorite brand, Karen Berrios Superfoods for the highest quality you can find. You can also use code GOODNESSWITHG for 20% off your order!

After you layer and cool these different components, be sure to remember a very important addition – the flaky sea salt. I’m a sucker for Maldon, as it provides the perfect salty kick that balances out the sweetness of these bars perfectly.

I recommend storing the finished product in the fridge or freezer before serving to guests, your family, or yourself for that matter (my personal favorite  ).

Be sure to let me know if you decide to give these goodies a try!