Simple sesame cake from Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings (page 115) by Yossy Arefi

Always check the publication for a full list of ingredients. An Eat Your Books index lists the main ingredients and does not include 'store-cupboard ingredients' (salt, pepper, oil, flour, etc.) - unless called for in significant quantity.

Notes about this recipe

sarah_tptfm6 on March 23, 2026

Awesome flavor. Baked for about 30min, it did not appear dark at all but got so dry. Definitely test early on. I paired this with the whisky caramel and it was great. Next time I want to fold some halva into the batter.
ellwell on March 12, 2026

Very dry on its own. This cake has a slight tahini flavor and really needs some cream or whipped cream to moisten and maybe even jam to give it more taste— It was sort of like a scone texture.
sambong on July 28, 2025

Loved it. Served with whipped cream and macerated strawberries and cherries. Very tasty.
shep0012 on December 07, 2024

So good. I added dark chocolate chips, one of the recommended variations, and loved it. I only had 2% milk and mostly black sesame seeds (mixed with just a handful of the white seeds), and still thought it was excellent. Our kitchen looked like a sesame-seed-strewn crime scene from the flipping and cutting but it was worth it. Edited 5/10/26 to add: I’ve made this so many times now. It’s really fantastic.
EmilyR on July 11, 2024

Steller use of sesame seeds and tahini. I made 4 mini loaves… they baked for ~20 minutes. one towards the back of my oven was more done than the others so I can see how it could get crumbly. Next time I will rotate like a good baker. The others were moist and they pack a great flavor punch. Dangerously delicious!
kshell on March 14, 2024

This is a perfect snack cake. Not too sweet. Good with tea or coffee. Good for breakfast. I liked it best the next day.
stockholm28 on January 25, 2024

Very good. I agree it is the flavor of halvah. I think the variation with chocolate chips would also be delicious.
Lepa on July 12, 2021

Wow, we loved this simple cake. My husband said it was like halvah in cake form. I loved the slightly bitter aftertaste of the seeds. I made it in a 8x8 pan and didn't have the dry crumb another poster complained about. There are so many gems in this book but this cake is a standout.
et12 on July 11, 2021

This was good and easy to make. The crust formed on top and bottom reminded me of sesame snaps. I made this in a loaf pan and thought the crumb a bit dry, can see why the book recommended serving with whipped cream.
Victoria_from_London on April 17, 2021

Unusual, nutty & delicious & quick. I'm using Shauna Ahern's all-purpose gluten-free flour recipe (millet, glutinous rice, potato starch) with a (standard?) loaf pan and it's taking 1h05 in a preheated oven.
Astrid5555 on November 19, 2020

Delicious and so quick to make. A sesame lover’s (me!) dream cake.