Pin A creative collection of globally inspired desserts blending flavors and techniques from around the world: matcha-miso brownies, chai tiramisu, and black sesame cheesecake bars. Each treat features inventive flavor mash-ups for a dessert experience that spans continents.
I tried these mash-ups for a family gathering, and the variety was a huge hit. The matcha-miso brownies intrigued the chocolate lovers, while the chai tiramisu and black sesame cheesecake bars brought a delightful twist that got everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Matcha-Miso Brownies: 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, 200 g (1 cup) bittersweet chocolate (chopped), 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 70 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp matcha powder, 1 tbsp white miso paste, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Chai Tiramisu (mini cups, optional): 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese, 150 ml (2/3 cup) heavy cream, 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 100 ml strong chai tea (cooled), 12 ladyfinger biscuits, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars: 200 g (2 cups) chocolate cookie crumbs, 75 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter (melted), 400 g (14 oz) cream cheese (softened), 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar, 2 large eggs, 60 ml (1/4 cup) black sesame paste, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Matcha-Miso Brownies:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20x20 cm (8-inch) baking pan with parchment paper. Melt butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Whisk in sugar, then eggs one at a time, and vanilla. Sift in flour, matcha powder, and salt. Stir until just combined. Gently fold in miso paste until streaks remain for a marbled effect. Pour batter into pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until set but still fudgy. Cool completely before slicing.
- Chai Tiramisu:
- Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Quickly dip ladyfingers into cooled chai tea and layer in serving cups. Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Dust with cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder. Chill in fridge at least 2 hours before serving.
- Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars:
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into a lined 20x20 cm (8-inch) pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then black sesame paste, vanilla, and salt. Pour over crust and smooth the top. Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 25–30 minutes, until set. Cool, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing.
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My children loved helping layer the tiramisu cups, and cutting the brownies became a fun little contest—with everyone eager for the piece with the prettiest matcha swirl.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 20x20 cm (8-inch) baking pan, saucepan and heatproof bowl, sifter, spatula, serving cups or glasses
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame. Always double-check miso and cookie ingredients for extra allergens.
Nutritional Information
Average per serving: 320 calories, 19 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein
Pin Enjoy these mash-up desserts as a showstopping finale to any gathering, and share the fun of global flavors with friends and family!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you create the matcha-miso brownies?
Melt butter and chocolate, whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then sift in flour, matcha, and salt. Fold in miso paste for a marbled look, bake, and cool.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in these desserts?
Yes, you can swap white miso with tahini in brownies and use green tea or espresso instead of chai in tiramisu. Peanut butter is a good alternative for black sesame.
- → What special equipment do I need?
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, an 8-inch square pan, saucepan, sifter, spatula, and serving cups or glasses are recommended for these desserts.
- → Are these desserts vegetarian?
Yes, all listed desserts are suitable for vegetarians as they contain dairy, eggs, and plant-based ingredients but no meat.
- → How can I achieve a marbled effect in brownies?
Gently fold in the miso paste after mixing the batter, allowing streaks to remain rather than fully blending it for visual flair and complex flavor.
- → Are there allergen considerations for these treats?
These desserts contain gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame. Always check labels for potential allergens.