Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Toast the Sesame Seeds
- If not already toasted, place sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.½ cup sesame seeds
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add half of the toasted sesame seeds to the dry mix.1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup sesame seeds
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, honey, and lemon zest (if using). Add the milk gradually, mixing until combined.2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp honey, Zest of 1 lemon, ½ cup milk
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 10 minutes.
Notes
- Toasting the sesame seeds is key to unlocking their rich, nutty flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- For a more decadent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm honey.
- To make your batter lighter, whip the egg whites to soft peaks and gently mix them in before you bake.