This cool, no-bake dessert is a sweet treat made with tahini, dates, and whipped cream. Simple, satisfying and beautiful.
Calling all tahini lovers…
I often have a jar of tahini on hand. It’s an essential ingredient for hummus and great for drizzling over roasted vegetables, though I had never really thought of using it in a sweet preparation. Somewhere along the way, I came across a recipe for tahini mousse. I had jotted down the idea in one of my many recipe notebooks. Books and books full of recipes just waiting to be tested (if only I had the time).
At first, I was on the fence about this tahini mousse. But the more I tried it, the more I liked it, to the point where I couldn’t get enough of it. I found myself walking past the refrigerator, spoon in hand, savoring a spoonful here and there.
Just three ingredients (tahini, date syrup, and cream), though the mousse has a lot going on from a taste standpoint. It has a strong tahini flavor and a creamy, luscious texture.
I should point out that not all tahini is created equal. Really good tahini is mild, nutty, and rich with a smooth, creamy texture. Lower quality tahini, on the other hand, is bitter, astringent, dry, and/or chalky. It might require a bit of trial and error and some taste testing to find good tahini.
This tahini mousse is sweetened with date syrup, also known as silan, a thick, dark brown syrup made from, you guessed it, dates. I suspect you can substitute with other sweeteners (although, I haven’t tried), but date syrup has a distinct fruity flavor to it.
To prepare, simply mix the tahini and date syrup together. Then, fold in the whipped cream. Chill and serve.
The pomegranate seeds and sprigs of mint add an extra pop of flavor and texture.
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Sweet Tahini Mousse
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Silky smooth tahini mousse, sweetened with date syrup.
Topped with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint.
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) cream
- 1 cups (237 ml) tahini
- 3/4 cup date syrup
- pomegranate seeds
- sprigs of mint
Instructions
- Whip the cream until it forms medium to stiff peaks.
- Combine the tahini and date syrup in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Fold in the whipped cream, reserving a small amount for topping.
- Divide the mousse into four small serving dishes.
- Chill for at least 1 hour or longer.
- When ready to serve, spoon some cream on top, drizzle with date syrup, and top with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of mint.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality tahini with a strong aroma.
- If date syrup is unavailable, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, but adjust the amount to taste.
- Store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tahini should I use for the Sweet Tahini Mousse?
It’s best to use high-quality tahini that is mild, nutty, and rich with a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid lower quality tahini that can be bitter and dry.
Can I substitute the date syrup in the mousse with another sweetener?
While you can try substituting with other sweeteners, the flavor and consistency may vary, and I haven’t personally tested other options.
How do I achieve the right texture for the mousse?
Make sure to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks before folding it into the tahini and date syrup mixture to ensure a light and airy texture.