Pin A creative collection of globally inspired desserts blending flavors and techniques from around the world—think matcha-miso brownies, chai tiramisu, and black sesame cheesecake bars.
I first experimented with dessert mash-ups after traveling abroad and sampling creative sweets. Bringing together global ingredients and methods made my holiday gatherings extra special with a memorable twist!
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.
Pin My family loved tasting and rating each dessert, giving lively feedback and sharing stories of their favorite international treats. These mash-ups sparked heartfelt conversation and much laughter around the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 20x20 cm (8-inch) baking pan, saucepan, heatproof bowl, sifter, spatula, serving cups or glasses
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame. Check labels for allergen safety especially in miso and cookies
Nutritional Information
Calories (average per serving): 320. Fat: 19 g. Carbohydrates: 32 g. Protein: 6 g
Pin Try a new mash-up each time for endless dessert possibilities. These inventive sweets are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Recipe Questions
- → How do I create a marbled effect in matcha-miso brownies?
Gently fold in miso paste at the end, leaving visible streaks throughout the brownie batter for a marbled look.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in chai tiramisu?
Yes, use green tea or espresso instead of chai. Mascarpone can be replaced by whipped cream cheese if needed.
- → What alternatives exist for black sesame paste?
If unavailable, substitute with peanut butter or tahini, which offer a similar rich and nutty profile.
- → What pan size works best for these desserts?
A 20x20 cm (8-inch) baking pan works well for both brownies and cheesecake bars, ensuring proper thickness and even baking.
- → How long should I chill desserts before serving?
Allow tiramisu and cheesecake bars to chill for at least 2 hours for best texture and flavor development.
- → Are these desserts suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all options use vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Please review allergen information for dietary needs.