Ever tried a snack so simple yet so irresistibly delicious that you just had to make it again? This is Pasteli - your new obsession. These easy Greek honey sesame bars are proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most magical flavors!
What Is Pasteli?
Pasteli is a traditional Greek honey - sesame bar dating back to ancient times. It can be found all over Greece, from street markets, to bakeries and Greek households. You can find variations of this sweet sesame snack across the Mediterranean and the Middle East where sesame sweets are very popular.
Whether you call it sesame seed candy or honey sesame bars, it's a delicious sweet snack that's incredibly easy to make! So, let's dive into this sesame crunch recipe that's been loved for generations!
✏️ Sometimes the term "sesame candy" may also refer to another dessert called Halva, made with tahini (sesame paste) and sugar syrup.
For more traditional Greek desserts, don't miss this easy Greek Baklava with walnuts and honey, or another honey spiced dessert, the famous Greek Melomakarona Cookies.
📋Pasteli Ingredients
This Greek sesame honey candy recipe is made with just two ingredients - sesame seeds and honey.
However, if you want to make it extra crunchy (like the one you buy from the store), you'll have to add some sugar too - that's up to you.
Sesame seeds: Toast them for the best flavor, but be careful not to burn them, as they'll turn bitter. You can use hulled or unhulled seeds-hulled ones have a milder taste. Black sesame seeds can also be used alone or mixed in for extra depth.
Raw honey: Greek thyme honey is ideal for an authentic flavor. But since you'll be cooking it, I don't suggest using the most expensive honey you have.
White granulated sugar: Optional, if you want it extra crunchy.
Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
- Orange zest or lemon zest
- Ground cinnamon or cloves
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped almonds, pistachios, peanuts or other nuts
👉 If you add orange zest or spices, add them the last minute. Don't cook them with the honey because they may get burnt. These spices are usually added to a very similar snack called melekouni.
👉 A bit of olive oil or another vegetable oil should be used for brushing the parchment paper where you'll transfer the pasteli after cooking.
🔪How to Make Pasteli
Making these chewy sesame candy bars (also known as sesame honey crackers) is super easy, but a few expert tips will ensure you get the perfect texture-whether you prefer it crunchy or chewy. For the detailed instructions with photos please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds
For a small quantity, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes (don't use high heat because you risk burning them). Stir constantly until they're golden and fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor and gives the pasteli its signature taste. However, you can also use raw sesame seeds
👉 For large quantities I suggest roasting the sesame seeds in the oven, to save time and to avoid burning them. Spread in a thin layer and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Heat the Honey
In a saucepan, pour the honey and heat over medium-low heat until it starts bubbling gently. The longer you cook it, the crunchier your pasteli bars will be (just be careful don't burn the honey-if it starts to smell like burnt caramel remove from heat).
✅ For soft, flexible sesame bars boil for 1-2 minutes or if you have a food thermometer until honey reaches 248°F (120°C) .
✅ For firm, crunchy texture boil for 5-7 minutes or until honey reaches 257°F (125°C).
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Once the honey reaches the right consistency, stir in the warm sesame seeds and mix well to coat them evenly.
Step 4: Shape
Quickly, transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly.
Step 5: Cut and Enjoy!
Once set and slightly warm, cut into bars or bite-sized squares. Let them cool completely and wrap each piece with parchment paper. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
👨🍳 Expert Tips
✅ Honey is the star ingredient, so go for raw, unfiltered Greek honey. Thyme honey or forest honey is ideal.
✅Sesame seeds should be warm when added to the honey; otherwise, the temperature will drop, making the mixture stiff and hard to work with.
✅ Work quickly. The mixture sets fast once cooled, so shape it immediately after mixing.
✅ Store it right. Keep pasteli bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a month.
💭 FAQs
This honey sesame bar is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
On-the-go snack: Perfect for a midday energy boost.
With yogurt: Crumble pasteli over Greek yogurt for an extra crunch.
With Greek coffee or an easy chai latte : The honey sweetness pairs beautifully with a warm drink.
In Salads: Add a crunchy element and add it to green salads.
Gift it: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with twine for a homemade, heartfelt gift.
Absolutely! Pasteli isn't just a treat-it's a powerhouse of nutrition. Here's why:
Sesame seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They're loaded with calcium, iron, and magnesium, making them great for bone health and overall wellness.
Honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It's a much better alternative to refined sugar and gives pasteli its deep, caramel-like sweetness.
No refined sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Unlike most commercial sesame bars, this sesame honey snack is 100% natural.
That said, pasteli is still a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation. But if you're looking for a snack that satisfies your cravings while providing real nutrients, this is it!
Melekouni (external link) is the traditional sweet of Rhodes, offered as a treat at joyful occasions such as engagements, weddings, and baptisms. Although it resembles pasteli, it differs in taste and has a softer texture.
The ingredients used to make it are honey, unhulled sesame, almonds, orange peel, lemon juice, and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander seeds.
🍳 More Greek Desserts
Pasteli is one of those sesame recipes you have to try! If you made this Greek Honey Sesame Bars Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
🎥Pasteli Video
Music on video: Fun, Musician: AlexGuz
📖 Recipe
Pasteli: Greek Honey Sesame Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For Pasteli with honey only
- 1 cup (150 g) sesame seeds (see note#1)
- ⅓ cup (100 g) honey (see note#2)
Or for extra crunchy Pasteli
- 1 cup (150 g) sesame seeds (see note#1)
- 3 Tablespoons (60 g) honey (see note#2)
- 3 Tablespoons (40 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
- Begin by brushing two pieces of baking paper with oil. Line your baking dish (or pan) with one piece and keep the other for smoothing the surface of the sesame mixture.You can spread the sesame seed mixture on a regular baking sheet to about ½-inch thickness. For a cleaner shape, use a small baking pan, approximately 4 x 6.3 inches (10 x 16 cm), or a 6-inch diameter round pan.
- For a small quantity, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir constantly until they're golden and fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor and gives the pasteli its signature taste. However, you can also use raw sesame seeds.👉 For large quantities I suggest roasting the sesame seeds in the oven, to save time and to avoid burning them. Spread in a thin layer and bake at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally.
- In a saucepan, heat the honey (and sugar, if using) over medium-low heat until it starts to bubble. It may foam but that's okay. The longer you cook it, the crunchier your pasteli bars will be (just be careful don't burn it-if it starts to smell like burnt caramel remove from heat).✅ For soft, flexible sesame bars boil for 1-2 minutes or if you have a food thermometer until honey reaches 248°F (120°C).✅ For firm, crunchy texture boil for 5-7 minutes or until honey reaches 257°F (125°C).
- Once the honey reaches the right consistency, stir in the warm sesame seeds and mix well to coat them evenly, for about 1 minute. This is the time for the add-ins (cinnamon, zest, ect.) if using.
- Quickly, transfer to the baking sheet and spread the mixture evenly. It should be approximately ½ inch thick. Cover with the greased piece of baking paper and gently press with the back of a tumbler to flatten.
- Once set and slightly warm, cut into bars or bite-sized squares. Let them cool completely and wrap each piece with parchment paper. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
George says
Great tips! I like pasteli on the soft side, so it came out perfect with just the honey. I will make it again for sure!