Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

Introduction

Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie is a dessert that tells a story—one of bold flavor and comforting roots. I’m Emma Caldwell, a homegrown chef from Asheville, North Carolina, and my love for baking began in my grandmother’s tiny kitchen. She believed food should always feel personal, and this recipe is no exception.

The Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie combines the nutty richness of black sesame with the soft, almond-sweet elegance of frangipane, layered into a classic blondie base. The result? A chewy, buttery bite with deep flavor and just the right amount of sweet.

Whether you’re baking for family or sharing a treat with friends, this Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie brings something different to the table—and it’s easier than you think to make at home.

Discover great ideas like my fruity pebbles cheesecake tacos for your next dessert twist.

Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 blondies 1x

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Description

A chewy, golden blondie swirled with black sesame frangipane for a nutty twist on a classic dessert bar.

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Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup black sesame paste
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 egg (for frangipane)
• 2 tbsp butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment.
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until glossy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; mix just until combined.
4. Fold in flour and salt until a thick batter forms.
5. In another bowl, make the frangipane by combining almond flour, black sesame paste, sugar, softened butter, and egg.
6. Pour half the blondie batter into pan. Drop spoonfuls of frangipane. Swirl lightly with knife.
7. Repeat with remaining batter and frangipane. Swirl again.
8. Bake for 28–32 minutes until edges are golden and center is just set.
9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

• Store in airtight container at room temp up to 4 days.
• Freeze up to 2 months individually wrapped.
• Swap black sesame with tahini or hazelnut for variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 blondie
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Understanding the Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

What Is a Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie?

A Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie is a sophisticated take on a traditional blondie—a dense, chewy bar similar to a brownie but flavored with brown sugar and vanilla instead of chocolate. What makes this version special is the addition of two unique elements: black sesame paste and almond frangipane.

The result is a layered dessert bar with rich nuttiness, a slightly earthy undertone from the sesame, and a soft, buttery texture enhanced by the frangipane. It’s a blend of rustic simplicity and patisserie-level elegance, bringing together Western and Asian influences in a single bite.

Origins of Frangipane and Black Sesame in Baking

Frangipane, a creamy almond-based filling, has roots in classic French baking. Traditionally used in tarts like the Galette des Rois, frangipane adds moisture and a luxurious nutty flavor to baked goods. Meanwhile, black sesame has long been a staple in East Asian cuisines, used in everything from savory noodles to sweet soups and confections.

By combining these two ingredients in a Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie, you’re merging cultures and textures—creating something truly original. This recipe honors tradition but isn’t afraid to play with it.

Looking for inspiration? Try my sourdough breakfast toast for a savory morning twist on your baking day.

Why This Flavor Combo Works So Well

• Contrast of textures: The soft, gooey blondie base contrasts with the smooth frangipane layer.
• Flavor balance: The sweet, buttery base pairs beautifully with the toasty bitterness of black sesame.
• Visual appeal: The natural charcoal-gray tone of black sesame offers a dramatic look against the golden blondie crust—perfect for gifting, sharing, or Instagramming.

This dessert isn’t just tasty—it’s memorable. And once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a favorite among flavor-forward home bakers.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

Black Sesame Paste

This is the bold, nutty heart of the Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie. Choose toasted black sesame paste for a rich, earthy flavor. You can buy it at Asian markets or blend toasted black sesame seeds with a splash of oil to make your own.

Almond Frangipane

Frangipane adds that soft, creamy top layer. Made with almond flour, butter, sugar, egg, and a hint of vanilla, it melts into the blondie as it bakes—adding depth without overpowering sweetness.

Chewy Blondie Base

The foundation is a classic blondie: brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and flour. The brown sugar adds caramel notes, and the soft texture pairs beautifully with the frangipane and sesame flavors.

Check out this creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce for another unexpected comfort recipe.

Quick Ingredient Tips

• Use unsalted butter for balance.
• Superfine almond flour creates a smooth frangipane.
• Room-temp eggs blend more evenly.

Easy Swaps

These core ingredients make the Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie both unique and foolproof.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide for Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure everything is at room temperature—especially the eggs and butter. This helps your batter mix smoothly and bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Blondie Base

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Then fold in:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. This is the chewy, buttery base of your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie.

Step 3: Whip the Frangipane

In a separate bowl, cream together:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Mix until smooth. This will become the soft, nutty layer that bakes right on top of the blondie.

Step 4: Add the Black Sesame

Drop spoonfuls of black sesame paste across the blondie batter before spreading the frangipane over it. Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl gently for a marbled look—or layer it cleanly for contrast.

Don’t miss our Snickers protein smoothie if you’re in the mood for a sweet post-bake treat.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 28–32 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once cool, cut into 9 or 12 squares. These bars are rich, so smaller pieces go a long way. Serve slightly warm, at room temp, or chilled from the fridge for a fudgier texture.

Tips for Texture, Flavor & Appearance

Texture Tips

To keep your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie soft and chewy:

• Don’t overmix after adding flour.
• Bake just until the center is set—edges firm, middle slightly soft.
• Always use brown sugar for moisture.

Flavor Balance

Black sesame is earthy, frangipane is sweet. To balance:

• Use a pinch of salt in both layers.
• Add a splash of vanilla.
• Keep sugar moderate to let sesame shine.

Discover great ideas like my berry boost protein smoothie if you love bold but balanced flavor.

Make It Look Good

• Swirl sesame paste into the base for a marbled look.
• Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds on top.
• Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Even with simple tweaks, your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie can look and taste bakery-worthy.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Make It Gluten-Free

You can easily adapt the Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie for gluten-free diets:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
• Check your sesame paste and baking powder for hidden gluten.

The result stays chewy and satisfying—no one will know it’s gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option

Swap out dairy with:

• Vegan butter or coconut oil for both base and frangipane
• Almond milk (if needed to loosen your frangipane)

These substitutes hold up beautifully without affecting the structure or flavor.

Nut-Free Version

If almond flour isn’t an option:

• Replace it with sunflower seed flour for similar fat and texture.
• You can also make a sesame-only blondie by skipping the frangipane and doubling the sesame paste.

Add-In Ideas

Want to switch it up?

• Fold in white chocolate chunks or toasted coconut.
• Add a thin layer of matcha or espresso powder to the frangipane for a twist.

Don’t miss our deviled egg macaroni salad for another surprising but crowd-pleasing combo.

Serving Options

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with extra black sesame paste for a dramatic finish.
• Cut into mini bars for party trays.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

To keep your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie fresh and chewy:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week—just let it come to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the oven for 5–10 minutes at 300°F.

The sesame and frangipane flavors deepen slightly after a day, making them even better the next day.

Make-Ahead Prep Tips

Want to get a head start? Here’s how:

• Frangipane: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Blondie base: Mix and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking.
• Fully baked bars: Bake, cool, then store—great for party planning or holiday prep.

Check out my marry me chicken pasta for another dish you can prep ahead for busy days.

Reheating for Best Texture

To bring that fresh-baked texture back:

• Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Or pop a batch in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

A quick reheat melts the frangipane slightly and softens the sesame base—like it just came out of the oven.

Pairings & Serving Ideas

Perfect Pairings for Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie

This rich, nutty dessert deserves equally thoughtful pairings. Whether you’re serving it after dinner or bringing it to a potluck, here’s what goes beautifully with your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie:

• Hot Drinks: Try with strong black coffee, matcha lattes, or a toasted rice tea like genmaicha. The earthy sesame flavor plays well with roasted notes.
• Chilled Drinks: Serve with cold brew, milk tea, or almond milk over ice for a smooth, creamy contrast.
• Dessert Wines: A splash of sweet plum wine or amaretto enhances the frangipane’s almond flavor.

Toppings & Finishing Touches

Want to take things up a notch? Here are a few simple ways to dress it up:

• Drizzle with warm black sesame paste or sweetened condensed milk.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar or toasted sesame seeds before serving.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert plate-worthy finish.

When to Serve It

• At family gatherings or potlucks
• As a thoughtful food gift
• After a savory Asian-inspired dinner
• On a cozy weekend baking day

Looking for another creative dessert twist? Try my fruity pebbles cheesecake tacos—fun, colorful, and full of nostalgic flavor.

This blondie may look refined, but it’s incredibly easy to serve and always gets compliments.

Cultural Influence Behind the Recipe

The Tradition of Frangipane

Frangipane has deep European roots, especially in French and Italian pastry. It’s traditionally used in elegant desserts like the Galette des Rois, tarts, and croissants. Made from almond flour, butter, sugar, and egg, it offers a custard-like texture and rich nuttiness.

In the Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie, frangipane brings a touch of refinement to a rustic bar, layering in old-world charm with modern flavor.

Black Sesame in Asian Cuisine

Black sesame has been used for centuries in East Asian cooking—especially Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. From sweet soups and sesame balls to mochi and soft-serve, it’s loved for its deep, roasted flavor and symbolic meaning (often associated with strength and longevity).

Pairing black sesame with frangipane celebrates a blend of cultures—East meets West—while keeping things approachable for the home baker.

Fusion Without the Fuss

This blondie isn’t trying to be complicated—it’s a celebration of familiar textures with bold, memorable flavors. It’s fusion done right: thoughtful, balanced, and grounded in respect for both traditions.

Looking for another comfort dish with cultural roots? Try my high-protein chicken salad recipe—simple ingredients, global flair.

This section gives your dessert a story to tell—perfect for impressing guests or just feeling connected to the cultures behind your ingredients

Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues

Dry Texture?

If your Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie turns out dry:

• Don’t overbake—pull it out when the center is just set.
• Measure flour properly—scoop and level, don’t pack.

Frangipane Sinking?

This happens if:

• The blondie base is too warm—let it cool a few minutes before layering.
• The butter in your frangipane is too cold—use soft, room-temp butter.

Not Enough Sesame Flavor?

• Use toasted black sesame paste, not plain tahini.
• Swirl in a little extra before baking.
• Cut back slightly on sugar if your paste is unsweetened.

Try pairing it with my skinny paloma recipe for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavor.

Bakes Unevenly?

• Use a light metal pan.
• Rotate halfway through baking.
• Let batter rest 5 minutes before it goes in the oven.

These small tweaks will help you get it just right every time.

Conclusion

The Black Sesame Frangipane Blondie is a modern twist on classic comfort baking—earthy, nutty, soft, and bold. It fuses cultures and textures in one easy, unforgettable bite. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or just indulging at home, this recipe delivers something familiar yet fresh.

Looking for more baking inspiration? Check out my high-protein cottage cheese chocolate mousse for a sweet, creamy surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)