Sesame bars are one of those deceptively simple pleasures that blur the line between everyday snack and elegant garnish. At their core, they’re made from raw or toasted sesame seeds bound together with a sweetener—typically honey, sugar, or maple syrup—but from there, the possibilities are endless. The texture can be tailored to taste, from chewy and pliant to crisp and snappy, depending on the ratio of binder to seeds and how long they’re cooked. Beyond the basics, they welcome additions like roasted nuts, dried fruit, or a hint of spice. A touch of sea salt sharpens their sweetness, while a sprinkle of lemon zest or even a drizzle of chocolate adds complexity and depth.
Traditionally enjoyed as a portable, energy-boosting snack or as a sweet finish to a meal, sesame bars also make a surprisingly sophisticated companion to cocktails and desserts. In this simple recipe, I use them as a garnish for my New Moon Rising cocktail—a sweet, spicy, bourbon forward riff on the classic Bloody Mary—where their nutty sweetness adds balance and texture. Quick, versatile, and satisfying, they’re proof that even the simplest ingredients can deliver big rewards.
Making Sesame Bars
Place a piece of parchment paper on a counter or cutting board and tape down the four corners securely. Spray it and a rolling pin with non-stick cooking spray. Keep a sharp knife nearby to cut the sesame bars.
Toast the sesame seeds over low heat 2-3 minutes until they get just a little bit of color. Set aside to cool.
Melt the sugar in a heavy bottom pot while stirring over low heat, about 5 minutes until fully melted.
When melted, remove from heat immediately to avoid burning the sugar. Mix in the sesame seeds thoroughly until they are fully coated in the caramelized sugar.
Spread the sesame seed mixture, using the rolling pin to the desired thickness – about 1/8”to 1/4”.
Slice into 1-3/4 “ X 3” bars while hot with a sharp chef’s knife. Let them cool completely, separate them and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Sesame Bars
A delicious snack with toasted sesame seeds and caramelized sugar
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10-15 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sesame seeds
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by placing a piece of parchment paper on a counter or cutting board and tape down the four corners securely. Spray it with non-stick cooking spray
- Spray a rolling pin and place a sharp knife nearby to cut the sesame bars
- Toast the sesame seeds over low heat 2-3 minutes until they get just a little bit of color, then set aside to cool
- Melt the sugar in a heavy bottom pot while stirring over low heat, about 5 minutes until fully melted
- When melted, remove from heat to avoid burning the sugar and mix in the sesame seeds thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until they are fully coated in the sugar
- Spread the sesame seed mixture, spreading it out with the rolling pin to the desired thickness – about 1/8”- 1/4”
- Slice into 1-3/4 “ X 3” bars while hot with a sharp chef’s knife
- Let them cool completely, separate them and store in an airtight container until ready to serve