Name: Japanese Black Sesame Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons black sesame paste; 1 1/4 cup (300 ml / 10 oz) whole milk; 1 packet plain gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons); 2 Tablespoons white sugar; 1/3 cup (100 ml / 3 oz) heavy cream; Sweetened whipped cream (whipped cream with a little confectioner’s sugar added); Toasted black sesame seeds

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Introduction

Japanese Black Sesame Pudding is a smooth, creamy dessert with a rich, nutty flavor that’s both unique and comforting. This easy-to-make pudding combines the deep taste of black sesame with a delicate sweetness, perfect for a refined treat or an impressive finish to any meal.

The image shows three clear glass bowls arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a two-layer dessert: the bottom layer is a creamy, speckled gray mixture with a slightly grainy texture, and the top layer is a small dollop of smooth white cream placed in the center. The cream on each bowl is decorated with tiny black seeds scattered on top, adding contrast. The overall look is simple and clean with soft colors and clear glass that reveals the layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons black sesame paste
1 1/4 cup (300 ml / 10 oz) whole milk
1 packet plain gelatin
2 Tablespoons white sugar
1/3 cup (100 ml / 3 oz) heavy cream
Optional garnish: sweetened whipped cream (add a little confectioner’s sugar)
Optional garnish: toasted black sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Place the gelatin in a small bowl and add a tablespoon or two of cold water, just enough to moisten it. Stir gently to combine and set aside for a few minutes to bloom.
Step 2: Heat the whole milk in a small saucepan until warm, then add the white sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm milk mixture and whisk until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Remove the pan from heat.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a deep bowl and whisk in the black sesame paste until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Place the bowl into a larger bowl filled with ice water and continue whisking gently to help the pudding cool quickly.
Step 6: Once cooled, whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Pour the pudding into small glass bowls or decorative glassware. Refrigerate for at least one hour until the pudding firms up completely.
Step 8: Before serving, garnish with sweetened whipped cream and toasted black sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh black sesame paste for the richest flavor, or toast and grind black sesame seeds if paste is unavailable.
For a vegan alternative, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut milk instead of whole milk.
Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the sesame flavor.
Sweetened whipped cream can be made at home by lightly sweetening heavy cream with confectioner’s sugar and whipping until soft peaks form.

Storage

Store the pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep garnishes separate to maintain texture. To reheat, allow the pudding to come to room temperature or enjoy chilled as is—this dessert is best served cold.

How to Serve

The image shows three clear glass bowls placed closely together on a white marbled surface, each filled with a creamy gray pudding that has tiny black specks throughout. Each pudding has a single dollop of white whipped cream on top, adorned with small black seeds scattered over the cream, giving a slightly textured look. The bowls are round and transparent, showing the smooth, uniform texture of the pudding inside, while the whipped cream adds a soft and fluffy contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the pudding up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.

What can I substitute for black sesame paste?

If you don’t have black sesame paste, you can grind toasted black sesame seeds finely and mix them with a small amount of neutral oil or honey to create a similar consistency and flavor.