This Salted Lime Tahini Freezer Fudge is bursting with rich flavors. Nut-free, with absolutely zero sugars, it’s also ketogenic, paleo, vegan, and Whole30-compliant! Whip up this energy dense snack in just 10 minutes for a truly satiating pick-me-up.
Turning to my friend, I asked, “What do you think of when you hear salt and lime?” Grinning, she replied, “Tequila shots!”
Okay, so I’m not teaching you how to make tequila shots, but I am giving you the easiest snack to keep in your freezer. You don’t have to be 21 years old to have it, and no one will pull you over on the highway if you’re driving while eating it. Although, I wouldn’t recommend it anyway since the taste might be too distracting.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Usually I’m already licking my fingers by the time I make it to my car, happily thinking about the fudge I still have waiting for me at home. It’s quickly becoming my favorite thing to grab when I’m in a rush or need a quick burst of energy. For the sake of not sounding like a broken record, I won’t spew a boatload of information (yet again) at you about the importance of including healthy fats in our diet. If you’re one of those nutrition/bio nerds like me, then you can read more about fat basics or get some other ideas for tahini here, here, and here.
Over the last couple of years, as I learned more about friendly fats, the ketogenic diet kept crossing my radar. In a nutshell, ketosis is a metabolic state caused by eating a low-carb high-fat diet. Reducing your net carb intake to around 20 grams per day, and consuming majority of your calories from fat forces your body to break down fat for energy. People who stick to a keto lifestyle say that it helps improve mental focus, increase energy levels, and manage blood sugar and insulin resistance. While I choose not to eat this way, I realized that higher fat intake is better for me.
However, if you are following some sort of low-carb dietary plan, then you’re probably frustrated by all of the incredible looking treats you can’t have. Guess what though? You get to have this Salted Lime Tahini Freezer Fudge! There is absolutely ZERO sugar in these cups, not even any of the unrefined ones, because let’s face it– you can’t have those either. All of the flavors come from the fresh lime, tahini, ginger, coconut oil, and salt.
Oh, yeah, that’s the entire ingredient list right there.
Originally I was heading down the classic peanut butter fudge route. You already know about my undying love of peanut butter, but sometimes I need to switch it up, especially if I want my brothers to enjoy my food too. Peanut allergies are one of the most common allergies in the US, so I know that more of you understand the struggle. I used to think that using peanut, or another nut, butter was the be all-end all of treats, but then tahini really changed the game.
The first time I bought tahini was when I was in Israel for the year, where it seemed like people go through it like water. I cracked open the jar, inhaled the nutty scent that burst forth, and drizzled it over my salad. Except, people kept giving my bowl weird looks, until one girl finally had the heart to tell me that you’re supposed to mix raw tahini with water to thicken it. Oops? I actually still prefer it when it’s drippy, but shhhh we won’t tell them that.
Regardless what you mix it with, tahini still gets really thick, making it the ultimate allergen-friendly alternative when you NEED some fudge in your life. I get it, we all have those days. I’m actually in the running for the longest fudge-craving streak. Double dog dare you to try to beat me.
Traditionally, people add lemon juice to tahini. I’m sure it would taste just as amazing in this fudge, if you’re not into lime. The main goal is getting that burst of freshness and slight acidity to play off the tahini’s nuttiness. If you’re in a pinch, don’t sweat it– bottled lime juice will work. I’m biased, though, and need to insist that fresh really is best.
I like to garnish these with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and lime zest for a beautiful pop of color. Because even your freezer fudge deserves to look like a queen.
If you try this recipe, I’d love your feedback. Leave a comment below, save it on Pinterest, or tag #lensesandlentils on Instagram so that I can see your creations!
- 1 cup tahini
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- juice and zest of ½ a lime
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- coarse sea salt, to taste
- Mix the first 4 ingredients in a bowl until smooth and evenly distributed. Taste and add salt as needed.
- Using a silicone or lined mini muffin tin, divide the tahini mixture into 12 cups. Freeze for at least 1 hour, until fully hardened.
- Top with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and lime zest. Best served straight from the freezer.
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