Pin A creative collection of globally inspired desserts blending flavors and techniques from around the world, including matcha&miso brownies, chai tiramisu, and black sesame cheesecake bars. These fusion treats are perfect for anyone seeking bold flavor combinations and inventive presentation.
I discovered the joy of mixing global flavors while experimenting for a family gathering, and these desserts quickly became requested favorites. The marbled brownies and creamy cheesecake bars never fail to impress guests, and the chai tiramisu cups are a personal go-to for dinner parties.
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) 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 for marbled effect. Pour batter into pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes until set but fudgy. Cool before slicing.
- Chai Tiramisu:
- Beat mascarpone, cream, sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Dip ladyfingers into cooled chai tea and layer in serving cups. Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers. Dust with cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder. Chill at least 2 hours.
- Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars:
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into a lined pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then black sesame paste, vanilla, and salt. Pour over crust. Bake at 160°C (325°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, until set. Cool, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing.
Pin At our last reunion, making these desserts together became a fun hands-on activity, and tasting them side-by-side sparked family debates about which flavor combination was best.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, 20x20 cm (8-inch) baking pan, saucepan and heatproof bowl, sifter, spatula, and serving cups or glasses for tiramisu.
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame. Review ingredients, especially miso and cookies, for allergies before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (average): Calories: 320, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 6 g.
Pin Serve these globally inspired treats with dessert wine or green tea for an extra special touch. Their bold flavors and beautiful presentation always make them stand out.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes these sweets globally inspired?
Each treat combines ingredients and techniques from various cuisines, such as Japanese matcha, Italian tiramisu, and Chinese sesame, for a truly global experience.
- → Can I substitute miso in the brownies?
Yes, tahini works as a savory alternative if miso paste is unavailable, retaining a similar creamy texture and subtle flavor.
- → How do I get a marbled effect in brownies?
Gently fold miso paste into the batter until streaks remain, creating a visually appealing marbled look when baked.
- → Is chai tiramisu suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the tiramisu uses a vegetarian-friendly blend of mascarpone, cream, chai tea, and spices, without any gelatin or meat-based ingredients.
- → Can the cheesecake bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap chocolate cookie crumbs for gluten-free cookies to easily create a gluten-free version of the cheesecake bars.
- → Where can I find black sesame paste?
Look for black sesame paste in Asian grocery stores, or substitute with peanut butter for a different, nutty twist.
- → What can I serve with these sweets?
Pair with dessert wine or fragrant teas such as green tea or chai to enhance the diverse, rich flavors of each dessert.