If you are looking to impress with a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious, the Black Sesame Marble Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. This decadent treat combines the rich, chocolatey indulgence of classic brownies with the nutty, slightly smoky flavor of black sesame, all swirled together in a mesmerizing marble pattern that looks almost too good to eat. Each bite offers a tender, fudgy texture contrasted with the unique depth of black sesame, making these brownies a perfect conversation starter at any gathering or a special indulgence for your own dessert cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating that luscious brownie texture and the distinctive black sesame flavor. With a few pantry staples and a special black sesame paste, you’ll be set to create something truly wonderful.
- 6 oz unsalted butter: Provides rich moisture and helps achieve that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the intense chocolate flavor with just the right sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth and extra moisture for softness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while contributing to the brownie’s dense, chewy quality.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate and sesame flavors.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey or dry.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers the rich chocolate punch essential for classic brownies.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Amplifies all the flavors, especially the chocolate and black sesame.
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped: Adds luscious pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies.
- 1/4 cup black sesame paste, unsweetened: The star ingredient offering that characteristic nutty, earthy taste and striking black color.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the sesame mixture): Balances the slightly bitter notes of sesame, keeping the flavor approachable.
- 1 tablespoon hot water (for the sesame mixture): Helps loosen the black sesame paste to swirl beautifully in the batter.
How to Make Black Sesame Marble Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This simple step ensures easy removal later, giving your brownies perfect, clean edges without any sticking or crumbling.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Dissolve Sugars
Gently melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in both the granulated and brown sugars until completely dissolved. This step creates a smooth, glossy mixture that is key to a fudgy brownie texture. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time; this ensures they blend smoothly without scrambling. Then add the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting aroma that elevates the entire brownie experience.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. Folding these into the wet mixture gently but thoroughly is key to keeping your brownies dense and moist, without overworking the batter.
Step 5: Add Chopped Dark Chocolate
Fold in the chopped dark chocolate chunks. These create delightful little bursts of chocolate goodness throughout the brownies, adding an extra layer of richness and texture with every bite.
Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into your parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even surface, setting the stage for the beautiful black sesame marble effect you’re about to create.
Step 7: Prepare Black Sesame Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the black sesame paste with the granulated sugar and hot water until smooth and pourable. This mixture will provide that signature black sesame flavor and a striking visual contrast in your brownies.
Step 8: Create the Marble Effect
Dollop spoonfuls of the black sesame mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Use the tip of a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the two together, creating a mesmerizing marbled pattern that looks as fantastic as these brownies taste.
Step 9: Bake the Brownies
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 28 to 32 minutes. The edges should be firm and set while the center remains slightly fudgy. Testing with a toothpick is key – it should come out with moist crumbs, never completely dry.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out in one piece, then slice into 16 even squares to serve. The cooling process helps the brownies set up perfectly and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Black Sesame Marble Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted black sesame seeds sprinkled on top can add a lovely finishing touch. You might also drizzle a little melted white or dark chocolate for extra visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla or black sesame ice cream, balancing warmth and cold. A cup of hot green tea or coffee complements the nutty and chocolatey flavors beautifully, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these brownies on a rustic wooden board decorated with a small bowl of black sesame paste for dipping, or arrange them alongside fresh berries to add a pop of color and freshness. For a party, stack them as a brownie tower or cut into bite-size pieces for elegant skewers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moist and fudgy consistency. Keeping them out of direct sunlight prevents the chocolate from blooming and preserves that rich flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving; freezing does not affect the distinctive marble swirls or flavor.
Reheating
For a warm treat, gently reheat brownies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. The warmth enhances the gooey texture and brings out the aromatic black sesame notes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use black sesame seeds instead of black sesame paste?
While black sesame seeds have a wonderful flavor and crunch, they won’t provide the smooth, spreadable texture or the intense sesame taste that the paste gives. You could try making your own paste by grinding seeds with a bit of oil, but ready-made paste is key for that marble effect.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate on hand?
If you don’t have dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips can be a fine substitute. They may make the brownies slightly sweeter but will still melt nicely and create those rich pockets of chocolate.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free baking blend that works in a 1:1 ratio to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
How do I make my black sesame marble brownies more fudgy?
To boost fudginess, slightly reduce the flour by a tablespoon and avoid overbaking. The key is pulling them out when the center is still just a bit underdone, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I use a different sized pan?
You can bake these in a 9×9 inch pan, but the brownies will be thinner and may bake faster, so reduce baking time by 3 to 5 minutes and keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Black Sesame Marble Brownies Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of brownies. The unique flavor, striking appearance, and perfect fudgy texture come together in a way that’s sure to delight both your eyes and your taste buds. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy sharing this little piece of dessert magic with your loved ones. Once you make these brownies, they’re bound to become one of your new favorites too!
Print
Black Sesame Marble Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Black Sesame Brownies, featuring a decadent blend of dark chocolate and a unique swirled black sesame paste that adds a nutty depth to the classic brownie recipe. Perfectly moist with a marbled pattern, these brownies are an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover seeking an exotic twist.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 6 oz unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Black Sesame Swirl
- 1/4 cup black sesame paste, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the sides to help lift the brownies out easily after baking.
- Melt Butter and Dissolve Sugars. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Remove from heat and stir in both the granulated and brown sugars until fully dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla. Whisk the eggs into the cooled butter and sugar mixture one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated to prevent overworking the batter.
- Add Chocolate. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate evenly throughout the batter to create pockets of melted chocolate within the brownies.
- Transfer Batter to Pan. Pour the prepared brownie batter into the lined baking pan and smooth the top for an even bake.
- Prepare Black Sesame Mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the black sesame paste, granulated sugar, and hot water until smooth and pourable, creating a luscious swirl mixture.
- Create Marble Effect. Spoon dollops of the black sesame mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl through the batter, crafting an attractive marbled pattern.
- Bake Brownies. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly fudgy. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into 16 even squares for serving.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- If black sesame paste is too thick, warm slightly before mixing to achieve a smooth swirl.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Dark chocolate chunks can be substituted with chips or finely chopped chocolate.
- To enhance the black sesame flavor, toast sesame seeds lightly and grind them to add to the paste if homemade.
