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 these mash-up desserts during a holiday potluck and everyone was fascinated by the unexpected ingredients—matcha and miso together was a revelation, and chai tiramisu instantly disappeared. The cheesecake bars impress every time.
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 especially loves sampling these desserts side by side and guessing the flavors in each bite. They're perfect for sharing at big gatherings.
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 check packaging for allergen details.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (average): 320 calories, 19 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Pin Finish your dessert table with these creative mash-ups and watch guests reach for seconds. Each bite brings the world to your kitchen!
Recipe Q&A
- → What flavors are highlighted in these desserts?
These desserts feature matcha, miso, chai spices, black sesame, and chocolate for vibrant, international flavors.
- → Can I substitute ingredients if I can't find some?
Tahini can replace miso in brownies, green tea or espresso work for chai, and peanut butter can swap for black sesame paste.
- → How long do these desserts need to chill before serving?
Chai tiramisu and cheesecake bars should chill at least 2 hours for best texture and flavor development.
- → Which special kitchen tools are required?
You'll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer, an 8-inch baking pan, a sifter, spatula, and serving cups or glasses.
- → What allergens are present in these desserts?
The desserts contain gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame. Check ingredient labels for additional allergens.
- → Are these desserts vegetarian?
Yes, all desserts are vegetarian and suitable for non-meat, non-gelatin diets.
