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Prep time
25 minutes
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Cook time
35 minutes
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Makes
2 8-inch round cakes
Author Notes
Adapted from Maialino's Olive Oil Cake recipe, this "off-roading" version swaps out olive oil for sesame oil, a nutty and pungent alternative. Sesame oil is common in traditional Korean cooking, and I wanted to infuse its characteristic flavor into a cake.
The oil's flavor and aroma are definitely evident in the cake, and would be overpowering if not for the honey syrup and honey whipped cream – both of which provide complementary sweetness and depth that balance the overall flavor profile. If you’re up for an adventurous twist on a classic, give this recipe a try!
—Joy Cho
Ingredients
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2 cups
all-purpose flour
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1 1/4 cups
brown sugar
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1/2 cup
granulated sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons
salt
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1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon
baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon
ground ginger
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1/2 cup
pure sesame oil
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1/4 cup
neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
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1 1/2 cups
whole milk, room temperature
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3
large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon
grated grapefruit zest
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1/4 cup
fresh grapefruit juice
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1/4 cup
honey (for syrup)
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4 tablespoons
honey (for whipped cream)
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1/8 cup
water
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1 1/2 cups
heavy whipping cream
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly coat two 8-inch cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
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Sift the flour into a medium bowl, then add the sugars, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and ground ginger and whisk together.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the oils, milk, eggs, zest and juice and whisk until well-mixed. Add all of the dry ingredients to the oil mixture at once and whisk together until smooth and no lumps remain. Take care not to over-mix.
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Carefully divide the batter between the two pans and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cakes are done when the middles are set and spring back upon touch, and when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Set aside.
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To make the honey syrup, simmer the water and 1/4 cup honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. With the warm cakes still in their pans, brush the syrup over the cake tops, or better yet, poke small holes on the cake tops with a toothpick and pour syrup on top. Let cakes sit for 30-45 minutes while the syrup is absorbed, then invert onto a baking rack and let cool completely.
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When ready to serve, whip together the heavy whipping cream and 4 tablespoons of honey with a stand mixer, electric hand mixer, or by hand until soft to medium peak. Top cake slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream to finish.
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