No-Oven Chocolate Tahini Seed Cups

Annie, Healthy Food by Annie

Crunchy golden seed cups filled with a silky chocolate tahini centre. These healthy no-oven treats are made with simple real ingredients, no oil, and no refined sugar. They are naturally gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and perfect for a wholesome chocolate snack, lunch box treat, or afternoon bite with coffee or tea.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dessert, Healthy Snacks

Cuisine Dairy-Free, Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free, Nut Free, Oil Free, Paleo, Refined Sugar Free

Servings 18

Calories 125 kcal

Ingredients

Crunchy Seed Cups

1 cup sunflower seeds 140 g
¼ cup shredded coconut 20 g
¼ cup sesame seeds 35 g
½ cup + 3 tbsp honey 220 g

Chocolate Tahini Filling

50 to 60 g 90% dark chocolate chopped
3 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp honey
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the cupcake pan
Cut small strips or squares of parchment paper and place them inside each small cupcake mould, leaving a little extra paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift the seed cups out easily once they are set.
Toast the sunflower seeds
Add the sunflower seeds to a pan and toast over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant.
Add the coconut and sesame seeds
Add the shredded coconut and sesame seeds to the pan. Toast for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Watch carefully because shredded coconut and sesame seeds can burn quickly.
Add the honey
Pour in the honey and stir well until the seed mixture becomes sticky and glossy. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the honey coats everything and the mixture starts to hold together.
Shape the seed cups
Working quickly while the mixture is still warm, add a spoonful into each cupcake mould. Place a small piece of parchment paper on top, then press down with your fingers and a spoon to shape the mixture into little cups. Do this one by one, because the mixture is easier to shape while warm.
Warm again if needed
If the seed mixture cools down and becomes too firm to shape, place the pan back over low heat for a short time to warm it again. Once it softens slightly, continue shaping the cups.
Cool the seed cups
Let the seed cups cool completely until they become firm enough to hold their shape.
Make the chocolate tahini filling
Melt the dark chocolate with tahini, honey, and a pinch of salt using a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth, glossy, and creamy.
Fill the cups
Spoon the chocolate tahini filling into each crunchy seed cup
Set and serve
Once the cups are filled with the chocolate tahini filling, you can enjoy them straight away with a softer, creamier centre, or transfer them to the refrigerator for about 5 minutes if you prefer a firmer chocolate filling. Gently lift the cups out using the parchment paper before serving.

Notes

For a softer, creamier chocolate centre, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
The shredded coconut and sesame seeds can burn quickly, so toast the sunflower seeds first, then add the coconut and sesame seeds and stir often.

Storage Note

Store the seed cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cups firm and crunchy. Because the base is held together with honey, they may soften slightly if left at room temperature for too long. For a firmer chocolate centre, enjoy straight from the fridge. For a softer, creamier filling, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts per Serving:

Nutrition per serving:1 of 18 servings, Calories:125 kcal, Protein:3 g, Carbohydrate:13 g, Net Carb:11 g, Sugars:10 g, Fat:8 g, Saturated Fat:2 g, Fiber:2 g, Sodium:15 mg

Nutrition Facts Notes:

✔️ Nutrient-dense sweet snack: These sunflower sesame chocolate tahini cups are made with seeds, tahini, dark chocolate, coconut and honey, giving you a more nourishing option than regular candy cups.

✔️ Refined sugar-free: Sweetened with honey instead of white sugar, these cups have a natural sweetness while still tasting rich and dessert-like.

✔️ Healthy fats for satisfaction: Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and tahini provide mostly unsaturated fats, helping each cup feel satisfying and balanced.

✔️ Source of plant-based minerals: Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and tahini naturally provide minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorus and selenium, which support normal energy metabolism and overall wellness.

✔️ Vitamin E for antioxidant support: Sunflower seeds provide vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports healthy cells, skin health and overall eye health.

✔️ Antioxidant-rich dark chocolate: Using 90% dark chocolate adds cocoa antioxidants and deep chocolate flavor with less sugar than regular milk chocolate.

✔️ Source of fibre: Seeds, coconut and dark chocolate add fibre, supporting digestion and helping slow the release of energy.

✔️ Plant-based friendly: This recipe is naturally dairy free when made with dairy-free dark chocolate, making it suitable for plant-focused eating.

✔️ No refined flour or grains: These cups are made without flour, pastry or biscuits, making them naturally gluten free when all ingredients are certified gluten free.

✔️ Balanced energy bite: The mix of natural carbohydrates from honey, healthy fats from seeds and tahini, and a little plant protein makes these cups a good small snack with coffee, tea or after a meal.

✔️ Naturally low sodium: With only a pinch of salt, these cups are naturally low in sodium compared with many packaged sweet snacks.

✔️Portion-controlled dessert:At around125 calories per cup, they are easy to portion for lunchboxes, meal prep, afternoon snacks or a healthier homemade sweet treat.

Note: These values are approximate and actual values may vary based on the specific brands or type of ingredients used.