Black Sesame Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, the Black Sesame Layer Cake is bound to become your new dessert obsession. This cake brings together the deep, nutty aroma of black sesame paste with a fluffy, moist crumb that simply melts in your mouth. Easy enough for any home baker, you won’t need to hunt down hard-to-find tools or ingredients. Just mix, bake, layer, and enjoy a celebration-worthy cake that’s as stunning as it is delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Building a Black Sesame Layer Cake doesn’t require a pantry full of exotic supplies. In fact, each ingredient is chosen for the way it highlights the pure, toasted flavor of black sesame, ensures tenderness, and delivers beautiful, dramatic color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Eggs: Create structure and add a rich, delicate crumb to the cake.
• Sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps the layers become golden and tender.
• Oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and gives it a lovely lightness, even after chilling.
• Black sesame paste: The secret star, infusing the cake with bold, nutty flavor and signature charcoal hue.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang, keeps the cake moist, and gives the crumb a bit of lift (feel free to substitute plain, vanilla yogurt, or sour cream if you like).
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly and stays fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works with the yogurt to help tenderize and aerate the crumb.
• Kosher salt: Brightens and balances the sweetness, bringing out more sesame flavor.
• Flour: The structure builder that holds your beautiful layers together.

How to Make Black Sesame Layer Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Set the scene for success by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing three 6-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment and give the sides a light coating of oil or baking spray. This simple step will guarantee that your Black Sesame Layer Cake releases beautifully when it’s time to assemble.

Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Grab your stand or hand mixer and beat together the eggs and sugar for a few minutes, until the mixture turns pale and doubles in volume. You’re looking for fluffiness—the air you whip in now helps give each layer of your Black Sesame Layer Cake its irresistible lift and tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate the Oil

With the mixer on low, slowly stream in the oil and continue mixing until the batter looks smooth and cohesive. This step ensures an even, luxurious texture that makes every forkful feel melt-in-your-mouth, never dry or crumbly.

Step 4: Combine the Black Sesame and Yogurt

In a small bowl, stir together the black sesame paste and yogurt until you have a uniform, silky mixture. This not only boosts the nuanced flavor but also disperses those striking sesame notes evenly throughout your cake layers.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This way, the leavening agents and salt are distributed evenly, so your Black Sesame Layer Cake bakes up sky-high, with consistent flavor and texture.

Step 6: Combine, Alternate, and Mix Gently

Now, it’s time for a gentle touch! Alternate adding the black sesame-yogurt mixture and the dry ingredients into your egg batter, mixing on low or by hand each time, until everything is just combined. Resist the urge to overmix; this is the secret to a soft, pillow-like cake crumb.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes; they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before layering and frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Assemble

Once your cake rounds are cool, layer them up with your favorite buttercream—vanilla, black sesame, or even a subtle cream cheese icing pairs wonderfully! Smooth on generous layers, stack each cake round, and finish with a dramatic flourish on top. This is when your Black Sesame Layer Cake truly becomes a showstopper.

How to Serve Black Sesame Layer Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your finished cake by sprinkling extra toasted black sesame seeds on top, adding edible flowers for a playful contrast, or swirling a bit of black sesame paste into your final layer of frosting. These simple touches add both beauty and even more irresistible aroma to every slice.

Side Dishes

A slice of Black Sesame Layer Cake is fantastic alongside a cup of matcha, jasmine tea, or even a scoop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a full dessert spread, consider pairing it with roasted seasonal fruit or small fruit tarts that echo its nutty richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn your cake into a celebration centerpiece, try baking mini versions for individual servings, decorating with gold leaf, or layering the cake in jars for a portable, picnic-friendly treat. However you present it, the striking look—and bold flavor—will always impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Black Sesame Layer Cake covered at room temperature for up to three or four days. For extra freshness, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or store the whole cake in an airtight container.

Freezing

Want to savor your cake for weeks to come? Freeze unfrosted cake layers individually wrapped in plastic, then pop them in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, then frost as desired.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, zap individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; this restores just-baked moisture without melting the frosting too much. Fresh layers with just a hint of warmth—the ultimate comfort!

FAQs

Can I use black tahini instead of black sesame paste?

Absolutely! Black tahini is practically the same thing and brings a comparable nuttiness and dramatic color to your cake.

Is there a gluten-free version of Black Sesame Layer Cake?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend; just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

What type of buttercream goes best?

Classic vanilla buttercream adds a sweet balance, but black sesame or honey buttercream are also excellent for enhancing that toasted flavor theme.

How can I make the layers even more moist?

Make sure to measure your oil and yogurt carefully, avoid overbaking, and don’t skip the mixing tips—these all help keep your cake deliciously tender!

Can I scale this up for a larger cake?

Absolutely—just double the recipe for three 8-inch layers or triple it for a tall party-sized cake. Keep an eye on bake time and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about baking (and sharing) a Black Sesame Layer Cake—the flavor, the dramatic look, the way it always surprises and delights. If you’re craving something special, this recipe is your invitation to jump in and create a truly unforgettable dessert. Happy baking!

Black Sesame Layer Cake Recipe

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Capture the nutty flavor of black sesame in this gorgeous layer cake. This moist, fluffy cake is full of flavor and made using black sesame paste for convenience.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: One 3-layer 6″ round cake
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Eggs:

2

Sugar:

1 cup

Oil:

1/4 cup

Black Sesame Paste:

1/2 cup

Greek Yogurt:

1/2 cup (see notes for substitutes)

Baking Powder:

1 tsp

Baking Soda:

1/4 tsp

Kosher Salt:

1/4 tsp

Flour:

1 cup

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and line three 6″ round cake pans.
2. Mix Eggs and Sugar: Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy using a stand or electric mixer.
3. Add Oil: Incorporate oil and beat until homogenous.
4. Prepare Sesame Paste Mixture: Combine black sesame paste and yogurt in a separate bowl.
5. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding yogurt mixture and dry ingredients into the cake batter, mixing gently until just incorporated.
7. Bake: Divide batter into three cake pans and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-24 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Frost: Allow cake rounds to cool before frosting with your preferred buttercream.
9. Serve: Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Notes

You can substitute an equal amount of plain yogurt, vanilla yogurt, or sour cream for the greek yogurt.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: Approximately 280
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg