Williams' Black and White Layer Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A stunning layered cake with a rich black sesame layer and creamy white chocolate layer, perfect for celebrations with a touch of whimsy. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers black sesame paste, all-purpose flour, sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 30 min Serves 10 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. For black layer: Whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup black sesame paste, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt in a large bowl. Beat 1/2 cup softened butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. Step 3: For white chocolate frosting: Melt 6 oz white chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water. Cool slightly. Beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in melted white chocolate. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk, then beat until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Step 4: Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread half the frosting on top. Place second layer on top and frost entire cake. Use a piping bag to create zigzag patterns on sides for decorative touch.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Williams' Black and White Layer Cake take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (45 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Williams' Black and White Layer Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Williams' Black and White Layer Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Williams' Black and White Layer Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Williams' Black and White Layer Cake?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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