How to Make Sesame Butter Cake: A Deliciously Nutty Treat

Sesame butter cake, also known as sesame paste cake, is a beloved dessert in many Asian countries. Its unique flavor, a delightful combination of nutty, sweet, and savory, has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of people worldwide. If you’re looking for a new baking adventure, look no further! This recipe will guide you through creating a moist and flavorful sesame butter cake that will impress your friends and family.

Dive into the World of Sesame Butter Cake

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of tender cake infused with the rich aroma and flavor of toasted sesame seeds. That’s precisely what sesame butter cake offers! Unlike traditional butter cakes that rely on vanilla or chocolate for flavor, this recipe uses sesame butter as the star ingredient. The result is a subtly sweet cake with a unique savory note that will have you craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup sesame butter (tahini)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon sesame butter
• Pinch of salt
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Tools of the Trade:

• 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Spatulas (rubber and offset)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack

Let’s Get Baking!

1. Prepare your pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream together butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the sesame butter: Gently fold in the sesame butter until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks for Sesame Butter Cake Success:

• Room temperature ingredients are key! Bringing your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature before starting will ensure that everything emulsifies properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even rise.
• Don’t overmix! Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Check for doneness early: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
• Cool completely before frosting: This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

Elevate your Cake with a Sesame Glaze:

While the cake is delicious on its own, a simple glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, sesame butter, and salt until smooth. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.

Slice of sesame butter cake with sesame seed garnish

FAQs about Sesame Butter Cake:

Can I use tahini instead of sesame butter?

Yes, tahini is simply another name for sesame butter. Make sure to choose a good quality tahini for the best flavor.

Can I freeze sesame butter cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

What can I serve with sesame butter cake?

This cake pairs well with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.

Ingredients for sesame butter cake

Sesame Butter Cake: Your New Baking Favorite

This sesame butter cake recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The unique flavor and tender crumb will surely impress, and the aroma filling your kitchen while it bakes is simply heavenly. So why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite cake recipe!

For more delicious and easy-to-follow cake recipes, check out our guides on how to make Kek Sarang Semut, a delightful Indonesian ant nest cake, or explore the wonderful world of sesame seed cakes for more sesame-infused goodness. Happy baking!