Pistachio Tahini Halva
This pistachio tahini halva is a no-bake Middle Eastern dessert made with tahini, milk powder, powdered sugar, and pistachios.
Halva, like this easy pistachio tahini halva, is one of the most famous Middle Eastern desserts. And although it differs from one region to another, the most common variation is this sweet, crumbly mixture made with tahini (sesame seed paste) and pistachios.
Pistachio halva is usually store-bought, but it is easy to make your own homemade pistachio tahini halva dessert at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a food processor, and you're good to go!
How to Make Pistachio Halva
Place the tahini, powdered sugar, milk powder, and rosewater (if using) into your food processor.
Process until fully incorporated.
In a glass container, add some parchment paper and a bottom layer of chopped nuts.
Add the tahini halva mixture on top of the nuts.
With the back of a spoon, press the mixture into the parchment-lined container.
Add some more chopped nuts on top. Refrigerate for at least an hour or until it firms up.
Tips and Tricks
Don't over-process. Only mix until everything is fully incorporated, or it will get grainy and clumpy.
If you add pistachios, sprinkle them onto the bottom of your container and also on top. This will make sure they press into your halva.
The size of your container depends on the thickness you want your halva to be. I used a very small container (a glass Tupperware) for a thick, tall block. You can spread it as thin or as thick as you like. You can also leave it as is and have it as crumbles.
Line your container with parchment paper or brush with oil. This makes sure you don't ruin the perfect shape of your halva, so it doesn't stick to the container.
Customize your halva. You can add in some cinnamon, cocoa powder, chopped dates, nuts, or just go with the classic plain halva. Chocolate and tahini go great together (like in these chocolate tahini brownies).
📋 Recipe
Pistachio Tahini Halva
Ingredients
- ¾ cup tahini paste
- 1 cup milk powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon rosewater optional
- ½ cup chopped unsalted pistachios optional
Instructions
- Place the tahini paste, milk powder, powdered sugar, and rosewater (if using) into the food processor and process until fully incorporated.
- In a small glass container, add parchment paper. Sprinkle some crushed shelled pistachios on the bottom.
- Firmly press the tahini halva mixture into the container. Sprinkle pistachios on the top.
- Let the halva set in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing.
Notes
- Don't over-process the mixture, or it will get clumpy and grainy.
- You can also brush the container with oil instead of lining it with parchment paper.
- Salted pistachios can be used in lieu of unsalted pistachios.
- Ingredient Notes
- Tahini: To make halva, tahini paste is the essential ingredient. It's a paste made purely of roasted sesame seeds, which you can find at your local grocery store (or on Amazon). Another option is to make your own tahini paste.
- Milk Powder: This is just dehydrated milk and is what holds your homemade halva together. You can use full-fat, skimmed, or non-dairy powdered milk. I personally prefer skimmed.
- Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar (also called icing sugar or confectioner's sugar). You don't want to use regular table sugar or your halva will be grainy instead of smooth and crumbly.
- Rosewater: Optional, but it gives your homemade halva a special perfumed flavor. You'll only need about a tablespoon.
- Pistachios: Also optional, but I love adding a ton of pistachios to my halva. The crunch from the pistachios mixed with the melt-in-your-mouth smoothness of the tahini is just out of this world.
Nutrition
FAQs
Homemade pistachio halva will be good for 7-8 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
My favorite way to eat halva is to just slice it and have it on its own next to a cup of coffee or tea. Other ways to have it are spreading it on top of a slice of toasted bread or salted cracker for a sweet and savory treat. Or you can try crumbling or sprinkling it onto baked goods like cookies, cakes, and brownies. Get creative with it, the options are limitless.
Although the tahini in this delicious dessert is packed with all kinds of nutrients, it should be eaten in moderation due to its high sugar content.
Halva is made with tahini, powdered sugar, and milk powder.
I will definitely try this recipe since I have loved it ever since I was a child especially with pistachio nuts. By the way, the Lebanese call it HA – LAH- WEE.
Thanks for the comment Marilyn! Let us know how you like it
How is Tahini paste made
Tahini can be purchased at a grocery store, online on Amazon, or made at home. This is my homemade tahini recipe.
Thank u soooo..much, I never knew it was an easy recipe to prepare..I just love this halwa..whilst working in Bahrain for every get together i would aim for this halwa.. 😋
This recipe looks very nice and simple, I really want to try it, but I'm vegan, what can I replace milk powder with please?
Hi Charley, I would try coconut milk powder as a substitute. I have not tried it yet, so I’m not sure how it will turn out.
Soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, cashew milk are other options. Although I have not tried it, it sounds Amazing to begin! Happy Baking! 😄
Thanks for the suggestions Thuy!
Have made this twice now. Wasn't sure about the rose water after smelling it(reminds me of my mother's bath oil) but I tried it anyway and liked it. Easy recipe, will be part of my regular rotation going forward.
Thanks for the comment, and glad you liked it! Rose water (and orange blossom water) are common flavorings in middle eastern desserts. You can leave it out or keep it.
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe!
I Made for a gathering and it was a hit, everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again and also prefect for Ramadan.
Thanks, Shadi!
Thank u soooo..much, I never knew it was an easy recipe to prepare..I just love this halwa..whilst working in Bahrain for every get together i would aim for this halwa.. 😋
Thanks for the comment! Halwa is absolutely delicious and super simple to make.
I had no idea it was this easy to make halva. It's a perfect treat and I will be making this often.
Very Easy and Stunning Idea...Also very Healthy and Tasty..
Hi my name is Harry and I would like to know what I could use instead of milk The halva
Hi Harry that’s an excellent question and to be honest I don’t know. I haven’t tried non-dairy powdered milk alternatives but that’s where I would start. You can tell pretty quickly if it will work or not since the recipe takes a couple of minutes. Next time I make halva I’ll experiment a bit and report back. Let us know if you find something that worked too!
Do you buy pre-made tahini paste?
If so what kind?
Yes, I use store bought tahini paste. Any kind will work.
This halva looks delicious! Such a fun dessert.
Something unique. Sesame seeds sounds healthier too. My first attempt to making this delicious Halva. Yum Yum Yum
Such an easy no-bake dessert that tasted delicious