Save 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.
Sampling these desserts for my last dinner party brought such excitement: everyone found a new favorite, and I loved watching guests explore unexpected combinations like matcha with miso and cardamom with cocoa.
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.
Save My family loves trying new desserts together, and these mash-ups have become a fun way for us to travel the world, bite by bite, without leaving our kitchen.
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. Double-check miso and cookie ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Average per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 32 g, Protein 6 g
Save Let curiosity guide you, and share these inspiring flavors with friends or loved ones for a sweet and memorable experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute white miso in brownies?
Yes, tahini is a good alternative if you can't find white miso, adding a similarly nutty undertone.
- → How do I get a marbled effect in brownies?
Gently fold miso paste into the batter until streaks remain, then bake for a visual marble and flavor contrast.
- → What can replace chai in tiramisu?
Green tea or espresso works well instead of chai, creating new flavor profiles for the tiramisu cups.
- → Is black sesame paste easy to find?
Black sesame paste is often at Asian groceries. You may use peanut butter for a different taste if unavailable.
- → How long should desserts be chilled before serving?
Both tiramisu and cheesecake bars benefit from at least 2 hours in the fridge to set texture and deepen flavors.
- → What allergens should I watch for?
These desserts contain dairy, gluten, eggs, soy (in miso), and sesame. Always check ingredient labels for safety.