Name: Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; ½ cup light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons black sesame paste; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup whole milk; 4 tablespoons black sesame seeds; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon black sesame paste (or sifted black sesame powder); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature); Halloween sanding sugar; Spooky sprinkles

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If you are looking to impress your friends and family with a unique and delectably nutty dessert, look no further than this Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe. This cake combines the rich, toasty flavor of black sesame seeds with a luscious caramel layer, all crowned by a dreamy black sesame whipped mascarpone frosting. It’s a stunning twist on the classic upside-down cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, effortlessly marrying texture and flavor in every bite. Once you try this, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for special occasions or an indulgent afternoon treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that play together harmoniously to create its signature taste and texture. Each item is crucial—from the nutty black sesame seeds that give the cake its character, to the rich butter and sugars that build that golden caramel layer you’ll fall in love with.

Butter (4 tablespoons + 4 tablespoons room temperature): Provides richness and helps create the caramel and tender crumb of the cake.
Light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds depth and moisture to the caramel topping.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons + ½ cup): Used both in the caramel and the whipped mascarpone for silky smoothness.
Black sesame seeds (4 tablespoons): Toasty seeds that add crunch and a signature nutty flavor.
All-purpose flour (¾ cup): The base structure of the cake ensuring best texture.
Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Gives the cake the perfect rise and fluffiness.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and lightens the batter.
Black sesame paste (3 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon): Concentrated sesame flavor that infuses both batter and frosting.
Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to both cake and frosting.
Whole milk (½ cup): Moistens the cake gently, keeping it tender.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped mascarpone frosting to perfection.
Mascarpone cheese (4 ounces): Provides a creamy and luscious texture to the frosting.
Halloween sanding sugar and spooky sprinkles: Optional festive decorations to make your cake extra playful and seasonal.

How to Make Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

The magic starts with a buttery caramel layer that will wish you had every bite all over again. Begin by melting butter and stirring in light brown sugar until it thickens into a glossy, rich caramel. Adding a splash of cream softens the mix, creating a velvety bed for the black sesame seeds to nestle in. Pour this mixture into your greased cake pan and chill it briefly to set, preparing it for the batter that follows.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sifting your flour, baking powder, and salt together not only helps the ingredients combine flawlessly but also ensures a light and airy texture in the final cake. Set this dry mix aside while you whip up your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Flavor

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this aerates the batter and brings in sweetness. Next, add your eggs one at a time along with the black sesame paste, which is the secret star giving this cake its unmistakable, rich sesame flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate folding the dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture gently, being careful not to over-mix. The vanilla extract joins now, adding a lovely aroma that complements the black sesame beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Pull your caramel base from the fridge and scatter the black sesame seeds evenly, pressing them gently into the caramel so they stay put. Pour the cake batter over this sticky layer, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Pop the cake in a 350ºF oven for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cake is beautifully risen and golden.

Step 7: Invert the Cake

Once cooled just slightly, gently flip the cake onto a serving plate so your smoky caramel and sesame layer takes center stage. This dramatic reveal is part of the fun with the Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe!

Step 8: Make the Whipped Black Sesame Mascarpone

While the cake cools, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and black sesame paste until soft peaks form. Then fold in creamy mascarpone until you achieve a fluffy yet rich frosting that is utterly dreamy.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Pipe or spread your black sesame whipped mascarpone over the top, dust with black sesame powder or festive Halloween decorations if desired, and your cake is ready to wow everyone at the table.

How to Serve Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe

A slice of dark gray cake with one thick layer sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is topped with smooth, gray frosting that has small orange sprinkles spread across it. On top of the frosting, there is a small, white ghost decoration with a smiling face and some small blue candy pieces around it. Next to the cake, a silver fork holds a bite of the same dark gray cake with gray frosting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of black sesame powder brings an elegant simplicity, enhancing the deep nutty flavors. For a more playful touch, try adding whimsical Halloween sanding sugar or spooky sprinkles—especially fun during the fall season!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with something refreshingly light, like a crisp green tea or a scoop of yuzu sorbet. The citrusy brightness or the subtle earthiness of tea perfectly balance the dense, creamy cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices with a dollop of extra whipped mascarpone or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. Layer the cake pieces alongside small bowls of black sesame seeds or paste for guests to customize their own bites. Presentation is part of the experience, and this cake lets your creativity shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness and prevent the mascarpone frosting from spoiling. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days so you can enjoy it slowly without losing that signature moistness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully if you want to prepare some in advance. Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip up fresh mascarpone topping just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a warm oven (around 300ºF for 10 minutes) to bring back softness and take the chill off. Avoid microwaving as this can alter the texture of the mascarpone frosting and make the cake dry.

FAQs

Can I use toasted black sesame seeds instead of raw?

Absolutely! Toasted seeds will deepen the flavor and add a wonderful crunch, enhancing the cake’s signature nutty profile even more.

Is black sesame paste easy to find? Can I substitute it?

Black sesame paste is more common in Asian groceries and some specialty stores. If you can’t find it, you can blend toasted black sesame seeds with a bit of oil until smooth, or use tahini for a slightly different but tasty alternative.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.

What’s the best way to get the black sesame seeds to stick to the caramel?

After pouring the caramel into your pan and chilling it to set slightly, sprinkle the seeds evenly and press them gently into the sticky layer. This helps them adhere perfectly before adding the batter.

Can I prepare the whipped mascarpone frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. For the best texture, give it a gentle stir or re-whip briefly before frosting your cake.

Final Thoughts

This Black Sesame Upside-Down Cake Recipe is truly a delightful departure from the ordinary that brings something new and exciting to your dessert table. Whether you’re passionate about baking or just looking for a crowd-pleaser, this cake’s unique flavor and gorgeous presentation will have everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this special treat—you won’t regret it!