Indulge in the ancient sweetness of traditional Greek Pasteli – golden honey sesame bars that take just 10 minutes to create.
This timeless Mediterranean treat combines nature’s simplest ingredients into a chewy, nutty delight that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Whether you need a quick energy boost or a guilt-free dessert, these no-bake bars deliver authentic Greek flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or keeping as a healthy snack, these vegetarian-friendly treats showcase why Greek desserts have enchanted food lovers for generations.
Ingredients for Greek Honey Sesame Bars
- Honey: 220g (7.5 oz) – Use pure, quality honey for best results
- Sesame Seeds: 220g (7.5 oz) – Fresh seeds for optimal flavor
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance sweetness
- Lemon Zest: From 1 medium lemon for subtle citrus notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toast the Seeds: Heat sesame seeds in a pan over high heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Set aside while hot.
- Prepare Honey Syrup: Bring honey to boil until foamy. Remove foam, reduce heat to medium, and simmer to 125C/260F. Test readiness in cold water – syrup should form a solid ball.
- Mix Base: Combine hot honey with salt and toasted sesame seeds. Stir continuously for 10 minutes over medium heat until mixture thickens.
- Add Finishing Touch: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon zest.
- Shape and Set: Pour mixture into a lined 22cm round pan. Spread evenly with a spoon.
- Final Steps: Let cool for 20 minutes, then cut into portions while still slightly warm for easier slicing.
Temperature Tips for Perfect Pasteli
Getting the honey to the right temperature is key for these sweet treats! If you’re new to candy-making, don’t worry – the cold water test works just as well as a thermometer.
When you drop a bit of the honey in cold water, it should form a firm ball that holds its shape but isn’t too hard. Too soft, and your bars won’t set properly; too hard, and they’ll be tough to eat.
Storage Tips
These honey sesame bars can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks! Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Keep them in a cool, dry place – but not in the fridge, as this can make them too hard. If you live somewhere warm, you can pop them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before eating.
Serving Ideas
Pasteli makes a wonderful sweet snack any time of day! Try breaking them into smaller pieces and adding them to a Greek-themed dessert board with fresh figs and nuts.
They’re also perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or herbal tea. For a modern twist, crumble them over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a beautiful breakfast or dessert.
Simple Variations
While traditional pasteli is perfect as is, you can play around with tiny tweaks. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few drops of vanilla extract with the lemon zest.
You can also mix in some chopped almonds or walnuts with the sesame seeds – just make sure to toast them first! For a darker, more intense flavor, use a mix of black and white sesame seeds.
Greek Honey Sesame bars (Pasteli)
Equipment
- Frying pan
- Round pan (22cm/8.5 inch diameter)
Ingredients
- 220 g honey (7.5 oz.)
- 220 g sesame seeds (7.5 oz.)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 medium lemon zest
Instructions
- To prepare this Greek honey sesame bars (Pasteli) recipe start by toasting the sesame seeds. Place a frying pan over high heat and add the sesame seeds. Toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden (not too brown). Remove the sesame seeds from the pan and set aside. Continue with the rest of the recipe quickly, so that the sesame seeds remain hot. Alternatively you can spread the sesame seeds in a pan and toast them in the oven at 180-190C (375F).
- In the same pan add the honey and bring to a boil, until it starts to foam. Remove the foam using a spatula, turn down the heat to medium and let it simmer until its temperature has reached 125C/260F. If you don’t have a thermometer, take a bowl of cold water and drip in a teaspoon of the honey syrup. Let it cool down for a few seconds then shape it into a small ball using your fingers. Take it out of the water and drop it on your work surface. If it sounds like it is solid, the honey syrup is done.
- Its now time to add the remaining ingredients for your pasteli. Add a pinch of salt and the toasted sesame seeds and stir for about 10 minutes over medium heat, using a wooden spatula. The mixture should thicken considerably and stick to the spatula.
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the lemon zest and stir.
- Line a round pan (22cm/ 8.5 inch. diameter) with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Be careful not to touch it, as it is very hot. Spread the mixture very well using a spoon.
- Let the pasteli cool down for about 20 minutes and them cut into portions. If you let it cool completely then it would be harder to cut into pieces.