Our simple halva recipe is a sesame-based gluten and dairy-free candy, perfect for any sweet snack.
Halva, a sesame-flavored Israeli candy, has won over our family. Naturally gluten and dairy-free, our halva recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with just two main ingredients – sugar and tahini, while the others provide added flavors.
A dense, sweet, sometimes flaky candy, halva is a popular treat in Jewish households worldwide. Flavors range from the traditional sesame to chocolate, pistachio, coconut, or any number of delicious options.
For me, growing up, halva was an acquired taste, as I rarely got more than a nibble. When we did have it, the lion’s share went to my dad, as it was his favorite.
Halva vs. Halvah vs. Halwa
If you are wondering about the difference between halva, halvah, and halwa, you are not alone. In fact, despite always believing that halva and halvah are simply two English spellings of a Hebrew word, when I did a bit of fact-checking, I discovered several things.
First, despite being a classic Israeli candy, halva may not have originated in Israel. Some say it began in India as halwa, although halwa is more of a creamy pudding that typically doesn’t contain sesame.
Others are convinced halva or halvah has Middle Eastern origins, possibly Ottoman, Byzantine, Persian, or Arabic. The name is believed to derive from the Arabic word ‘halwa’ meaning ‘sweet confection.’ So perhaps the original letters weren’t Hebrew.
Regardless of the halvah / halva origin, it is usually a candy consisting of tahini and either sugar or honey. The classic Israeli halva candy we make is pareve.
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Our halva recipe ticks all the boxes
Our first homemade halva was about ten years ago. At that time, our daughter was a competitive athlete who often brought sweet treats to her coaches. With a new member of the coaching team came a new challenge. He was gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and egg-free and assured me he was too much bother.
Our halva recipe ticked all his boxes. A few modifications later, and we think we have a perfectly sweet, and satisfying recipe.
- Gluten-free (and celiac-safe)
- Dairy-free
- Egg-free
- Vegan
- Soy-free
- It can be nut-free (although we often top it with optional slivered almonds)
- Easy to make
What you need to make halva
Ingredients for halva
- Tahini (we use roasted tahini)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Supplies
- Small loaf pan or several ramekins
- Two medium saucepans
Step by step images to our halva recipe
Serving suggestions
We cut our halva into bite-sized pieces and eat it like candy using our fingers. However, we have seen it served as large slices eaten with a fork.
Our printable halva recipe
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Halva Recipe
A sweet sesame treat that is free from gluten, dairy, soy, and egg. A nut-free option is available.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 cup) white sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 250 grams (9 oz) tahini
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional almond slivers
Instructions
- Use cooking spray to lightly coat a small loaf pan. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent crystallization. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a second saucepan, warm the tahini, stirring continuously until it is warm and softens. Do not overheat. Remove from heat.
- Stir in cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sugar mixture. Mix until well incorporated and appears shiny.
- Transfer into the greased pan and press to shape flat. Let cool completely.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Cut into bite-size pieces. Enjoy.
Notes
Note: The halva will begin to set quickly once the tahini is heated. Therefore, all of the ingredients should be combined quickly.
Halva can be eaten cold or at room temperature. Different members of our family prefer it each way.
While halva can be eaten immediately, this recipe is best if it sets in the refrigerator for 24 hours before enjoying.
Optional: Sometimes we add slivered almonds on top for a different flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 ozAmount Per Serving: Calories: 408Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 105gFiber: 0gSugar: 105gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
If you prefer coconut flavors to the sesame in tahini, try our coconut macaroon recipe
Additional halva recipes to try
- Sesame and Coconut Halva – sounds like a winning combination based on honey and sesame seeds from Delicious Obsession.
- How about some Homemade Halvah Bars – these delicious treats are made with honey rather than sugar from To Simply Inspire.
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My husband loves this candy! It can be hard to find though. Sounds easy to make!
Halva is my FAVORITE sweet to eat — and I just love tahini, period — but I’ve never thought to make it! Bookmarking this now…
I’d love to try our your halva recipe. I’ve tasted it once or twice before but making my own would be the real deal!
Growing up in Russia, I used to eat a lot of halva! It brings back all of the sweet childhood memories 🙂 I really have to try your recipe very soon!
When I saw this recipe I knew I had to try it – it’s right up my alley and the flavours were AMAZING! So delicious xx
Now this is a candy I have got to try! I love that it is gluten free because that means my husband can enjoy it too!
Oh wow – thanks for the step by step instructions – these halva look so good – and thanks to your easy recipe, I can try these out soon.
I love the extra bit of history you added to this recipe! The halva looks incredibly decadent, something I’m eager to try myself. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful dish!