Save to Pinterest A creative collection of globally inspired desserts blending flavors and techniques from around the world. This mash-up includes matcha-miso brownies, chai tiramisu, and black sesame cheesecake bars for the adventurous sweet tooth.
I first tried blending miso with matcha in brownies after tasting a similar treat abroad. Bringing together chai tiramisu and black sesame cheesecake bars made every gathering memorable, with friends asking for the recipes again and again.
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 to Pinterest My kids always help sprinkle cocoa over the tiramisu cups, and each cousin has their favorite bar to take home. These desserts have become a family celebration tradition.
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), sesame. Check ingredients labels if cooking for people with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Average per serving: 320 Calories, 19 g Total Fat, 32 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Protein
Save to Pinterest Try pairing these desserts with dessert wine or green tea for the full international experience. Mash up new flavors and create your own favorites!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a marbled effect in matcha-miso brownies?
Gently fold the miso paste into the brownie batter so streaks remain. Don’t overmix to maintain a marbled appearance.
- → Can I substitute black sesame paste in cheesecake bars?
Yes. Peanut butter offers a different twist, or try tahini for a similar texture if black sesame paste is unavailable.
- → What is the best way to infuse chai flavor in tiramisu?
Brew a strong chai tea, let it cool, then quickly dip ladyfingers before layering into cups with the mascarpone mixture.
- → Are these desserts suitable for vegetarians?
All components use vegetarian ingredients. Double-check labeling on items such as miso and cookie crumbs for added assurance.
- → Can I prepare these desserts ahead of time?
Yes, brownies and cheesecake bars should be cooled and chilled before serving, and tiramisu tastes better after chilling for several hours.
- → How do I serve chai tiramisu?
Individual cups or glasses work best for presentation; dust with cocoa or cinnamon just before serving for added aroma.