A rich and striking black sesame vanilla swirl cake with nutty depth and warm vanilla sweetness.

Scale

For the Black Sesame Batter:

1 cup black sesame seeds

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Batter:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

For Decorating:

Whipped cream

Black sesame seeds

Fresh berries

1. Toast the black sesame seeds and grind to paste.

2. Cream butter and sugar for sesame batter. Add eggs and vanilla.

3. Whisk dry ingredients and combine with milk. Fold in sesame paste.

4. Prepare vanilla batter the same way with vanilla bean paste.

5. Alternate batters in pans and swirl.

6. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.

7. Cool completely.

8. Layer cake and decorate as desired.

Store covered for up to three days.

Pairs well with berries or citrus zest.

Keywords: black sesame vanilla swirl cake, black sesame cake, unique pastries, unusual cake flavors