Delicious Homemade Sesame

This delicious homemade sesame cake is a soft, lightly sweet bake with a nutty sesame aroma and a tender crumb. It has a gentle crunch on top from toasted seeds and a moist sponge inside that stays fresh for days. The recipe is straightforward and suitable for beginners, with simple mixing and reliable results. From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Ingredients

For the cake batter

• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 150g caster sugar
• 180g unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping

• 3 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp caster sugar

How to Make Delicious Homemade Sesame

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease and line a 23 x 30cm tray bake tin, making sure the paper comes up the sides for easy lifting.
• Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Stir briefly to combine, then set aside.
• Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
• Add eggs and flavourings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour if the mixture looks like it may curdle. Mix in the sesame oil and vanilla extract.
• Combine and loosen: Fold in the remaining flour gently, followed by the milk, until you have a smooth, dropping consistency.
• Fill the tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and the extra sugar.
• Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
• Cool: Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Results

How do I stop the sesame seeds from burning?

If your oven runs hot, loosely cover the cake with foil for the final 10 minutes of baking to protect the topping.

Why is my cake dry?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Check the cake at the earliest baking time and remove it as soon as the skewer is clean.

Can I make the flavour stronger?

You can increase the sesame oil by half a tablespoon, but avoid adding more as it can overpower the sponge.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee
• Add a spoon of Greek yogurt on the side
• Drizzle lightly with honey before serving

Storage

Room temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight.

Refrigerator

The cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and avoid reheating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated fat: 9g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs