Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars

In our household, sweet treats are a constant temptation, especially in the evenings when cravings strike. However, the usual sugar-laden desserts often leave us feeling sluggish and guilty. That’s why discovering this Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bar recipe was a game-changer. Initially, I was skeptical – could a sugar-free brittle actually satisfy our sweet tooth? The answer, resoundingly, was YES! From the first bite, we were hooked. The delightful crunch of sesame seeds, perfectly balanced sweetness, and the satisfyingly nutty flavor made it an instant hit. Even my kids, usually the harshest critics of “healthy” desserts, devoured these bars. What I love most is that I can indulge without the sugar crash or the guilt. These brittle bars have become our go-to treat – perfect for an afternoon snack, a light dessert after dinner, or even a healthy energy boost during the day. They are surprisingly easy to make, and the recipe is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and satisfying sweet treat that everyone will love, look no further. These Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars are your answer!

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful sugar-free sesame brittle bars:

• Sesame Seeds (2 cups): The star of the show, providing a nutty flavor, satisfying crunch, and a good source of healthy fats and fiber. Opt for hulled or unhulled, depending on your preference and availability.
• Sugar-Free Sweetener (1 cup Erythritol Blend): This replaces traditional sugar, offering sweetness without the blood sugar spike. Erythritol blends, often combined with stevia or monk fruit, work exceptionally well for brittle, providing a clean taste and good crystallization.
• Coconut Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a subtle richness and healthy fats. You can also use other neutral oils like avocado oil or melted butter if preferred.
• Almond Flour (1/4 cup): Optional, but it adds a bit of structure and a slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the brittle. It also helps absorb any excess moisture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and comforting note to the brittle. Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
• Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors in the brittle, preventing it from tasting bland.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of delicious Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars:

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet (approximately 9×13 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the brittle from sticking and make removal easy. Lightly grease the parchment paper or silicone mat with coconut oil or cooking spray for extra insurance. Set aside.
2. Toast the Sesame Seeds (Optional but Recommended): For a deeper, more intense sesame flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds. Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside. Toasted sesame seeds add a wonderful depth of flavor but this step can be skipped if you are short on time or prefer a milder sesame taste.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the toasted sesame seeds (or untoasted if skipping step 2), sugar-free sweetener (erythritol blend), almond flour (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk together to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This step ensures that the sweetener and almond flour are well incorporated with the sesame seeds before adding the wet ingredients.
4. Melt the Coconut Oil: In a small, microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the coconut oil. If using the microwave, heat in 15-second intervals until just melted. If using a saucepan, melt over low heat, stirring constantly. Be careful not to overheat the oil.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir quickly and thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the melted coconut oil. The mixture should be slightly moist and clumpy.
6. Spread the Mixture onto Baking Sheet: Pour the sesame seed mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or your hands (lightly dampened to prevent sticking), spread the mixture evenly in a thin layer across the baking sheet. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch for optimal brittleness. The thinner you spread it, the crispier the brittle will be.
7. Bake the Brittle: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the brittle is lightly golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as ovens can vary. The brittle may not look completely set when you take it out, but it will continue to harden as it cools.
8. Cool and Harden: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the brittle cool completely on the baking sheet. Do not attempt to break it apart while it is still warm, as it will be soft and may crumble. Allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or until it is completely hardened and brittle. The cooling process is crucial for achieving the desired crunchy texture.
9. Break into Pieces: Once the brittle is completely cool and hardened, gently break it into irregular pieces with your hands or carefully use a knife to score it and then break along the score lines. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars!
10. Storage: Store the Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. For longer storage, you can store them in the refrigerator, but they may become slightly harder.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. These values are based on a recipe divided into 12 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 Bar (approx. 1/12th of the recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 150 kcal
• Fat: 12g

Please note: These nutritional facts are approximate and intended as a general guide. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes gathering ingredients, toasting sesame seeds if desired, and mixing)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour – 1 hour 35 minutes (including cooling)

This Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare. Most of the time is hands-off cooling time, making it a convenient treat to make even on busy days.

How to Serve Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars

These versatile Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a Healthy Snack: Grab a piece for a satisfying mid-morning or afternoon snack to curb hunger and provide a boost of energy without the sugar crash.
• As a Light Dessert: Serve a few pieces after dinner as a light and guilt-free dessert option. They pair perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or sugar-free coffee.
• Crumbled Topping for Yogurt or Oatmeal: Break the brittle into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding for added texture and flavor.
• With Sugar-Free Ice Cream or Nice Cream: Complement the creamy texture of sugar-free ice cream or nice cream (banana-based ice cream) with the crunchy brittle for a delightful dessert combination.
• Party Appetizer or Treat: Arrange the brittle pieces on a platter for a healthy and unique party appetizer or treat. They are sure to be a conversation starter.
• Homemade Gift: Package the brittle bars in cellophane bags or decorative boxes to create a thoughtful and healthy homemade gift for friends and family.
• Travel Snack: Pack them as a convenient and healthy snack for road trips, hikes, or picnics. They are less messy than many other snack options.
• Paired with Cheese: For a more sophisticated palate, try pairing small pieces of the brittle with mild cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a sweet and savory combination.

Additional Tips for Perfect Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars turn out perfectly every time:

1. Toast Your Sesame Seeds: While optional, toasting the sesame seeds beforehand significantly enhances their nutty flavor and aroma, resulting in a more flavorful brittle. Don’t skip this step if you want to maximize flavor.
2. Use a Quality Sugar-Free Sweetener: Choose a high-quality erythritol blend specifically designed for baking and crystallization. Some sweeteners can recrystallize or have an aftertaste. Experiment with different brands to find one you prefer.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the brittle while it’s baking. Overbaking can lead to a bitter taste and burnt edges. Remove it from the oven as soon as it turns lightly golden brown and bubbly.
4. Spread Evenly: Ensure you spread the sesame seed mixture in a thin and even layer on the baking sheet. This will promote even baking and prevent some parts from being too thick and others too thin.
5. Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the brittle to cool completely and harden fully before breaking it apart. Trying to break it while warm will result in a crumbly mess.
6. Storage is Crucial: Store the brittle in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. Exposure to air and humidity can make it soft and sticky. Add a food-safe desiccant packet to the container for extra protection against moisture, especially in humid climates.
7. Experiment with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with adding other flavors. Try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, or even a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
8. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Sweetness preferences vary. If you prefer a less sweet brittle, you can slightly reduce the amount of sugar-free sweetener. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust accordingly. Remember that the sweetness will intensify slightly as it bakes and cools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars

Q1: Are these Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars truly sugar-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is designed to be sugar-free. It uses an erythritol blend sweetener instead of traditional sugar. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is not metabolized by the body in the same way as sugar, resulting in minimal impact on blood sugar levels and fewer calories.

Q2: Can I use a different sugar-free sweetener?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit sweetener or stevia blends. However, erythritol blends are often recommended for brittle recipes due to their crystallization properties and clean taste. Be mindful that different sweeteners have varying sweetness levels, so you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness.

Q3: Are these brittle bars suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
A: Yes, these Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars can be a great option for keto or low-carb diets. They are low in net carbohydrates due to the use of a sugar-free sweetener and the naturally low-carb nature of sesame seeds. Always check the nutrition label of your specific ingredients for precise carb counts and adjust serving sizes accordingly to fit your dietary needs.

Q4: Can I make these brittle bars vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Ensure you are using coconut oil or another plant-based oil and not butter, which is sometimes used in traditional brittle recipes.

Q5: Why is my brittle sticky instead of crunchy?
A: Stickiness in brittle is often caused by moisture absorption. This can happen if the brittle is not cooled completely, if it’s overcooked at too low a temperature, or if it’s stored in a humid environment. Ensure you bake it until golden brown and bubbly, cool it completely before breaking, and store it in an airtight container.

Q6: Can I add other ingredients to the brittle?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize your brittle by adding other ingredients. Consider incorporating chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, peanuts), seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds), spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom), or even a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate after it has cooled.

Q7: How long do these Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars last?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these brittle bars will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they might become slightly harder. Avoid storing them in humid conditions, as moisture can affect their texture.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure you use a larger baking sheet or divide the mixture between multiple baking sheets for even baking. Keep the thickness of the brittle layer consistent even when making larger batches.

This Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bar recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy treats can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how you can indulge your sweet cravings without compromising your health goals. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident that, like my family, you’ll find yourself hooked on this crunchy, nutty, and guilt-free delight! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the wonderful flavor of these homemade Sugar-Free Sesame Brittle Bars!

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