Black Sesame Cake

Black Sesame Cake is a delicious and unique Japanese dessert that features the rich, nutty flavor of black sesame seeds. It is often made into a dense and moist cake with a slightly crunchy texture. Here's a recipe for making Black Sesame Cake:

Ingredients:

1. 
   
2. 1 cup black sesame seeds
3. 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
4. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
9. 2 large eggs
10. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11. 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a dry skillet, toast the black sesame seeds over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a food processor or blender, grind the toasted black sesame seeds into a fine powder.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground black sesame seeds, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
5. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional garnish:

1. Powdered sugar for dusting
2. Extra black sesame seeds for sprinkling

Assembly:

1. Once the cake is fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
2. Sprinkle some black sesame seeds over the top for added decoration, if desired.
3. Slice the cake and serve at room temperature.

Enjoy your Black Sesame Cake, a unique and flavorful Japanese dessert that celebrates the distinct taste of black sesame seeds!