When the clock strikes 3 PM, and you find yourself yearning for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, a slice of this Black Sesame Coffee Cake is just the answer. The moment you step into your kitchen and start toasting the black sesame seeds, a rich, nutty aroma envelops the room, awakening your senses and instantly elevating your spirits. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a quiet weekend’s culinary exploration, and it has since become my go-to for impressing friends and family alike.
The beauty of this cake lies not only in its striking appearance but also in its flavor, combining the earthy essence of black sesame with the light, fluffy texture of a traditional coffee cake. With minimal effort and a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform your tea time or dessert table into a gourmet experience. Trust me, this is not just another cake; it’s a slice of warmth and creativity that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive into this recipe and bring a touch of gourmet flair to your kitchen!
Why is Black Sesame Coffee Cake so special?
Unique Flavor Profile: The rich, nutty taste of black sesame creates a cake that’s anything but ordinary.
Visual Appeal: Its dark, speckled appearance makes it an eye-catching dessert for any occasion.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can bake this gourmet treat even on a busy day.
Perfectly Moist: The addition of sour cream ensures every bite is delightfully moist and fluffy.
Crowd Favorite: Serve this at gatherings, and watch as friends and family ask for the recipe!
Ready to explore more culinary delights? Check out our homemade desserts for more inspiration!
Black Sesame Coffee Cake Ingredients
Discover the key components that make this Black Sesame Coffee Cake a crowd-pleaser!
For the Crumb Topping
- Black sesame seeds – these seeds provide a nutty, distinct flavor that sets this cake apart.
- Brown sugar – adds a touch of caramel sweetness that complements the sesame.
- All-purpose flour – provides structure to the crumb topping when mixed with butter.
- Cold unsalted butter – helps create a crumbly texture; make sure it’s cold for best results.
For the Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour – forms the base of the cake, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder – the leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Kosher salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the batter.
- Unsalted butter – room temperature butter adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake and aids in achieving that classic fluffy texture.
- Large eggs – bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- Sour cream – adds moisture and richness, making each slice melt in your mouth.
- Pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – creates a sweet finishing touch, making for an appealing presentation.
- Milk – thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
- Pure vanilla extract – adds depth to the glaze, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a memorable dessert that your friends and family will love!
How to Make Black Sesame Coffee Cake
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Toast the black sesame seeds in a medium pan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Once done, remove from heat and cool in a shallow bowl.
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Grind the cooled seeds into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This will bring out the nutty flavor of the sesame and ensure it blends well in your cake.
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Mix the ground black sesame, brown sugar, and half a cup of flour in a large bowl. Add the cold butter, breaking it up into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Chill this mixture in the fridge for a brief moment.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the batter. This way, it will be perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake!
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Whisk together the remaining 1 ¾ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt in another large bowl. Set it aside for later.
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Beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
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Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next. Then, add in the sour cream and vanilla, mixing until combined.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until just mixed together. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and airy!
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Spread half of the cake batter evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
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Sprinkle half of the black sesame crumb over the batter evenly, adding a delightful crunch to every slice.
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Layer the remaining cake batter over the crumb mixture, smoothing it out gently for an even baking surface.
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Top with the leftover black sesame crumb, ensuring it covers all edges to create a beautiful finish as it bakes.
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Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. You want it golden brown and enticing!
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Cool the cake completely in the pan after baking. Patience is key here; the flavors will develop beautifully as it cools!
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Whisk together the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and wait for it to set before slicing into squares.
Optional: Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving for a lovely presentation!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Black Sesame Coffee Cake Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful cake; a few simple changes can truly elevate your experience!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities. The texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed walnuts or pistachios for an extra crunch and rich flavor. These nuts enhance the nuttiness of the black sesame beautifully.
- Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter to brighten the flavors with a refreshing citrus note, making it perfect for springtime gatherings.
- Chocolate Lava: Melt dark chocolate into the batter for an indulgent twist. The chocolate will create gooey pockets of deliciousness in every slice!
- Alternative Sweeteners: Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique flavor profile. This adds an earthy sweetness to the cake.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom into the batter for a warm, comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with the sesame.
- Fruity Addition: Fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of juiciness and color that contrasts wonderfully with the nutty base.
- Decadent Frosting: Top with a cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze for a richer texture that pairs perfectly with the sesame tones.
Experiment and let your creativity shine; this cake is a canvas just waiting for your personal touch!
Storage Tips for Black Sesame Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
Fridge: If you need to store it longer, place the cake in the fridge, where it will last for up to a week. Just remember to cover it well to prevent it from drying out!
Freezer: You can freeze slices of Black Sesame Coffee Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Thaw slices at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, ensuring that delightful softness is restored!
Make Ahead Options
These Black Sesame Coffee Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crumb topping and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container; this prevents it from becoming too dry or losing its texture. Also, consider mixing the cake batter ahead of time; simply refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the batter into the pan, add the crumb topping, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have a fresh, delectable cake with minimal effort on those bustling weeknights! Enjoy the convenience and indulge in a slice of this delicious treat!
Expert Tips for Black Sesame Coffee Cake
- Toast Seeds Properly: Ensure you toast the black sesame seeds just until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes; over-toasting can lead to a bitter taste.
- Chill the Crumb Mixture: Keep the black sesame crumb mixture cool before adding it to the cake; this helps maintain a delightful crunch after baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep your Black Sesame Coffee Cake light and fluffy.
- Proper Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan; this helps flavors meld perfectly and makes for easier slicing.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze with a bit more milk if it’s too thick; it should drizzle nicely over the cake without clumping.
What to Serve with Black Sesame Coffee Cake?
Indulge in an extraordinary culinary experience by pairing your coffee cake with delightful accompaniments that will elevate your gathering.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or blueberries adds a burst of color and freshness, perfectly balancing the richness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of homemade whipped cream enhances the cake’s texture, creating a luxurious treat with every slice.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee or your favorite herbal tea invites comforting flavors, making every bite even more enjoyable.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a scoop alongside a warm slice for a heavenly combination of cold and warm, creamy and nutty—simply irresistible!
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with the nutty essence of the black sesame.
- Candied Ginger: The zing of candied ginger offers a unique twist and a spicy kick that complements the earthy flavors of the cake.
- Coconut Milk Latte: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of a coconut milk latte pair exquisitely, creating an indulgent afternoon treat.
- Lemon Curd: Bright and tangy lemon curd provides a zesty contrast, awakening the palate and adding a fresh dimension to your dessert experience.
- Toasted Almonds: Scatter some toasted almonds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, enriching your cake’s already vibrant profile.
Black Sesame Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting black sesame seeds?
Absolutely! When choosing black sesame seeds, look for seeds that are whole, shiny, and have no dark spots or signs of moisture. Fresh seeds will give your cake the best flavor and aroma. Ideally, they should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their quality.
How should I store leftover Black Sesame Coffee Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out!
Can I freeze Black Sesame Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this delightful cake! To do so, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Enjoy!
What if my cake didn’t rise properly?
Very often, cake rising issues are caused by old baking powder or not measuring the ingredients accurately. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and properly stored. If the cake seems dense, check that you didn’t overmix the batter; this can lead to too much gluten development, making your cake less fluffy.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. For the sour cream, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just ensure that all your ingredients are labeled as dairy-free if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions.
Can pets eat Black Sesame Coffee Cake?
While black sesame seeds are safe for pets in small amounts, many of the other ingredients in this cake, like sugar and butter, are not healthy for them. It’s best to keep this delicious treat for yourself and perhaps share a few toasted sesame seeds as a dog-friendly treat!
Irresistible Black Sesame Coffee Cake for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toast the black sesame seeds in a medium pan over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and cool.
- Grind the cooled seeds into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Mix the ground black sesame, brown sugar, and half a cup of flour in a large bowl. Add cold butter and break it up until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the remaining 1 ¾ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add the sour cream and vanilla.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed together.
- Spread half of the batter into a lined 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle half of the black sesame crumb over the batter.
- Layer the remaining cake batter over the crumb mixture.
- Top with the leftover black sesame crumb.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely in the pan.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.