Black Sesame Pancakes

Featured in: Breakfast & Brunch

These fluffy pancakes are enhanced with aromatic black sesame seeds, creating a nutty flavor and slightly streaked batter. A sweet syrup drizzle completes each serving, offering a unique twist to the classic breakfast favorite. Preparation is straightforward, combining dry and wet ingredients with a homemade black sesame paste. Cooking on a non-stick skillet ensures a golden exterior and tender interior. Optional toppings include toasted sesame seeds, fresh berries, or whipped cream for added texture and taste. Vegan adaptations are also simple with plant-based substitutes.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:32:08 GMT
Fluffy black sesame pancakes with a nutty aroma, topped with golden syrup and toasted seeds for a flavorful breakfast treat.  Save
Fluffy black sesame pancakes with a nutty aroma, topped with golden syrup and toasted seeds for a flavorful breakfast treat. | berrycottage.com

Experience a unique twist on a breakfast classic with these fluffy Black Sesame Pancakes. Infused with the deep, nutty aroma of toasted black sesame seeds and finished with a drizzle of sweet syrup, these pancakes offer a sophisticated flavor profile that is both comforting and exotic.

Fluffy black sesame pancakes with a nutty aroma, topped with golden syrup and toasted seeds for a flavorful breakfast treat.  Save
Fluffy black sesame pancakes with a nutty aroma, topped with golden syrup and toasted seeds for a flavorful breakfast treat. | berrycottage.com

The secret to the striking appearance and intense flavor lies in the homemade sesame paste, which creates beautiful streaks throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is packed with character.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1½ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt
  • Black Sesame Paste: ¼ cup (35 g) black sesame seeds, 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option), 1 tbsp warm water
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or plant-based milk), 1 large egg, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil), 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Serving: Maple syrup or honey, toasted black sesame seeds, fresh berries, whipped cream
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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the paste
Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly, then grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor. Mix with honey and warm water until a thick paste forms.
Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in sesame
Fold in the black sesame paste until evenly distributed. Batter will be thick and slightly streaked with sesame.
Step 6: Prepare skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Step 7: Cook
Pour about ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
Step 8: Flip
Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 9: Serve
Serve pancakes warm, topped with syrup, a sprinkle of toasted black sesame seeds, and optional extras like berries or whipped cream.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an even more intense nutty flavor, you can substitute the homemade paste with store-bought black sesame paste, also known as neri goma, which is available in many Asian markets. Ensure your skillet is not too hot to prevent the seeds in the batter from burning before the pancake is cooked through.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ tbsp water) and using plant-based milk and neutral oil. For those with gluten sensitivities, a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well as a replacement for the wheat flour.

Serviervorschläge

To complement the earthy tones of the sesame, serve these pancakes with a steaming matcha latte or a cup of fragrant jasmine tea. For a more decadent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh seasonal berries on top.

Golden pancakes swirled with black sesame paste, served warm with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries for a wholesome start.  Save
Golden pancakes swirled with black sesame paste, served warm with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries for a wholesome start. | berrycottage.com

Whether for a quiet morning at home or a shared weekend brunch, these Black Sesame Pancakes are a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that stands out from the ordinary.

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Recipe FAQ

How is the black sesame paste prepared?

Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant, then grind to a fine powder. Mix with honey and warm water to form a thick paste.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, replace the egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water, and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.

What texture should the batter have?

The batter should be thick and slightly streaked with black sesame paste, stirred gently to avoid overmixing.

What cooking tools are necessary?

You will need mixing bowls, a whisk, a non-stick skillet or griddle, spatula, and a spice grinder or food processor.

What toppings complement these pancakes?

Maple syrup, toasted black sesame seeds, fresh berries, and whipped cream are great options to enhance flavor and presentation.

How long does the cooking take?

Each side cooks for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and edges set, with an additional 1-2 minutes after flipping.

Black Sesame Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes with nutty black sesame seeds and a sweet syrup finish providing a delightful breakfast treat.

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Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage Asian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1½ teaspoons baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt

Black Sesame Paste

01 ¼ cup black sesame seeds
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon warm water

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 1 large egg
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

01 Maple syrup or honey for topping
02 Toasted black sesame seeds
03 Fresh berries
04 Whipped cream

Directions

Direction 01

Prepare Black Sesame Paste: Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly, then grind to fine powder using spice grinder or food processor. Mix with honey and warm water until thick paste forms.

Direction 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Direction 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Direction 04

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Direction 05

Incorporate Sesame Paste: Fold black sesame paste into batter until evenly distributed. Batter will be thick with sesame streaks.

Direction 06

Heat Cooking Surface: Heat non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

Direction 07

Cook First Side: Pour approximately ¼ cup batter per pancake onto skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on surface and edges appear set.

Direction 08

Cook Second Side: Flip pancakes and cook 1-2 minutes longer until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.

Direction 09

Serve: Arrange warm pancakes on serving plates. Top with syrup, toasted black sesame seeds, and optional berries or whipped cream.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Spice grinder or food processor

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat gluten
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy milk
  • Contains sesame seeds

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 6 g