This recipe for Black Sesame Latte Coffee features the flavour of sesame in two ways, in the tahini sesame paste as well as in the black sesame cream. This double sesame coffee is rich and robustly flavoured.
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What is black sesame?
Black sesame is a tiny black seed used in Asian cuisine.
It's enjoyed on its own, or ground into a paste for fillings in rice dumplings (tang yuan), or as a dessert soup.
What does black sesame taste like?
Black sesame has an earthy, nutty, slightly bitter taste.
What is tahini?
Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment made from lightly toasted or untoasted, ground, hulled sesame.
It is beige in color and is a main ingredient in hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva.
What's the difference between tahini and Chinese sesame paste?
Tahini is lighter in colour, where as Chinese (white) sesame paste (zhi ma jiang) is made with deeply roasted ground sesame, giving it a darker color.
For this recipe, you can use either tahini or Chinese sesame paste.
Both will give a toasted sesame flavour, however, if you prefer a deeper sesame taste, go for Chinese sesame paste.
Why you'll love this recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare and adds a nutty depth of flavour to your regular coffee.
If you're a fan of sesame, you'll get a double hit of it in this drink -- once in the tahini, and another in the black sesame cream.
It's a great way to add robust, earthy flavour.
I find this recipe works best with slightly sweetened coffee.
Ingredients you'll need
- tahini: a Middle Eastern sesame paste that is beige in colour; you can also use Chinese sesame paste, which is darker brown in colour
- espresso: or a strong coffee
- simple syrup: or sweetener such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc. optional, to your taste
- ice
- whole milk: or non-dairy alternative
- heavy whipping cream: or coconut cream, if you're vegan
- black sesame powder: if you don't have black sesame powder, you can grind black sesame seeds in a coffee grinder until it becomes a powder; alternatively, you can use black sesame paste if you have that on hand
How to make black sesame coffee
In a glass or mug, combine tahini/sesame paste, espresso and simple syrup or sweetener, if using.
Use a hand-held frother to froth up the mixture.
Add ice and top with milk.
Make the black sesame whipped cream
In a jar, combine heavy whipping cream with black sesame powder and powdered sugar.
Whip the cream with a whisk or milk frother, until cream reaches firm peaks.
Dollop the black sesame cream onto the drink.
Stick in a straw, stir and serve immediately.
What to pair the coffee with
Try pairing with Miso Tahini Brownies, or Hojicha Espresso Cookies.
For more nutty flavour, try it with Chinese Almond Cookies, Black Sesame Brochi (Brownie Mochi), or Hodugwaja-Inspired Chestnut Black Sesame Waffles.
FAQs
Can I make it hot?
Yes, this sesame latte tastes great hot -- just omit the ice.
How can I make it vegan?
Swap the milk for non-dairy/plant-based milk, and use a coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, you can use an instant coffee or slightly sweetened 3-in-1 coffee as well.
Other coffee recipes to explore
Cold Brew Coffee (With Espresso Option)
Vietnamese Iced Coconut Coffee
Iced Ube Latte (Purple Yam Coffee)
More black sesame recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
No Churn Black Sesame Ice Cream
Homemade Black Sesame Oat Milk
Hojicha Black Sesame Oat Latte
Hodugwaja-Inspired Chestnut Black Sesame Waffles
Black Sesame Brochi (Brownie Mochi)
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Black Sesame Latte Coffee
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoon tahini/sesame paste
- 2 shots espresso
- 1-2 teaspoon simple syrup or other sweetener, to your taste
- ice
- ½ C milk of your choice
Black sesame cream:
- 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 4 heaped tsp black sesame powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a glass or mug, combine tahini/sesame paste, espresso and simple syrup or sweetener, if using.
- Use a hand-held frother to froth up the mixture.
- Add ice and top with milk.
Make the black sesame whipped cream:
- In a jar, combine heavy whipping cream with black sesame powder and powdered sugar.
- Whip the cream with a whisk or milk frother, until cream reaches firm peaks.
- Dollop the black sesame cream onto the drink.
- Stick in a straw, stir and serve immediately.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
This looks incredible, Michelle! I have espresso every day, and this is the perfect way to change up the flavor!
Ben
Can you clarify about the sesame? You mentioned black sesame powder or making it yourself With black sesame seeds, but then you Mention white Chinese sesame paste
Thanks
Michelle
Hi Ben, this sesame coffee latte uses two different types of sesame: black sesame in the form of powder (mixed into the whipping cream) and white sesame paste/tahini, mixed with the espresso:
Black sesame: You can either use black sesame powder, which is pre-ground and ready to use, or you can make your own by toasting black sesame seeds and grinding them into a powder.
White Chinese sesame paste (or tahini): This is a different ingredient made from white sesame seeds. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a milder flavor compared to black sesame powder.
Hope that helps.
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
How wonderful! I've made (and loved) halva iced coffee, so I know I will love this latte with tahini, too!
Raymund | angsarap.net
This Black Sesame Latte Coffee recipe sounds amazing! I love the idea of adding a nutty depth of flavor to my regular coffee, and the double hit of sesame in the tahini and black sesame cream sounds like a delicious treat. I appreciate the explanation of black sesame and tahini, as well as the option to use Chinese sesame paste for a deeper sesame taste. I can't wait to try this recipe and pair it with some Miso Tahini Brownies or Hojicha Espresso Cookies. Thank you for sharing this recipe, Michelle!
Amanda
So delicious and so easy to make. Not gonna lie, I ate some of the paste by itself on a spoon and it was so good lol.