Pepper Cake

Name: Pepper Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup warm water; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 4 tbsp white sesame seeds; 1/2 tsp fleur de sel or coarse salt (for topping)

A savory Taiwanese snack with a crispy, peppery exterior and a tender, fluffy crumb inside. Golden, aromatic, and utterly addictive with black pepper and sesame seeds.

50 minMediumServes 8220 cal/serving

TaiwaneseAppetizerOvenVegetarian

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Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup warm water
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp sesame oil
4 tbsp white sesame seeds
1/2 tsp fleur de sel or coarse salt (for topping)

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2

In a large bowl, mix 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt.
3

Add 2/3 cup warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
4

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
5

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, covered with a damp towel.
6

In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper, and 4 tbsp white sesame seeds.
7

Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a ball.
8

On a floured surface, roll one piece into a thin rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
9

Brush generously with the pepper-sesame mixture.
10

Roll up tightly from the short end, then coil and flatten gently into a round shape about 3-4 inches in diameter.
11

Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining 3 pieces.
12

Brush the tops with any remaining pepper-sesame mixture.
13

Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp fleur de sel or coarse salt (for topping).
14

Bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
15

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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Questions

What oven temperature does Pepper Cake need?

For Pepper Cake, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 25 minutes, in step 14.

What should Pepper Cake look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 14: cook until deep golden brown and crispy.

Is there a substitute for toasted sesame oil in Pepper Cake?

The entry for Pepper Cake calls for 2 tbsp sesame oil. In its place: There is no neutral substitute for the toasted flavor. Warm a spoonful of sesame seeds in a neutral oil, or leave it out and finish with toasted seeds.

Does Pepper Cake contain sesame?

Yes: 2 tbsp sesame oil and 4 tbsp white sesame seeds. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Pepper Cake?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 220 calories, with 6 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate and 9 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 380 mg sodium.

Can I freeze Pepper Cake?

It is not a good candidate. Refrigerate what is left of Pepper Cake within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

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