Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Featured in: Sweet Crunch

Experience desserts reimagined with flavors and techniques inspired by cuisines around the world. This creative collection brings together matcha-miso brownies with their rich chocolaty base and subtle umami, chai tiramisu layered with spiced tea-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, and bold black sesame cheesecake bars with a chocolate cookie crust. Each treat marries global ingredients and fusion methods, spotlighting baking traditions from East and West. Perfect for adventurous bakers seeking unique sweets, these mash-ups offer inventive twists and luscious textures sure to excite both palate and presentation.

Updated on Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:06:00 GMT
Decadent matcha-miso brownies topped with rich chocolate and a hint of saltiness.  Save
Decadent matcha-miso brownies topped with rich chocolate and a hint of saltiness. | kookycrunch.com

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.

When I first tried combining matcha and miso in brownies, it sparked a series of experiments in the kitchen. These mash-ups have become a hit at gatherings, surprising everyone with their creative flavors and textures.

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.
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| kookycrunch.com

Sharing these desserts at family celebrations always brings up stories about everyone's favorite sweets from around the world. It's become a delicious way to explore flavors together.

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

Per serving (average): Calories: 320, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 6 g

Mini cups of chai tiramisu, layered with creamy mascarpone and fragrant spices.  Save
Mini cups of chai tiramisu, layered with creamy mascarpone and fragrant spices. | kookycrunch.com

These mash-up treats are perfect for sharing or gifting. Enjoy discovering new dessert favorites with every bite.

Recipe FAQ

What makes the brownies distinctive?

The combination of matcha and white miso adds earthy and savory notes to classic chocolate brownies, creating a marbled, umami-rich treat.

Can ingredients be substituted?

White miso can be swapped with tahini, chai can be replaced by green tea or espresso, and peanut butter is a possible substitute for black sesame paste.

How is chai tiramisu prepared?

Ladyfinger biscuits are dipped in chai tea, layered with a creamy mascarpone mix, then finished with cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder.

What's special about the cheesecake bars?

Black sesame paste gives these bars a nutty depth and striking color, while a chocolate cookie crust adds texture and contrast.

Are these desserts suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all dessert options here are vegetarian-friendly, though they contain dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, and sesame.

Any serving suggestions?

Pair these sweets with dessert wine or green tea for enhanced enjoyment and complementary flavors.

Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Explore bold desserts with global flavors—matcha brownies, chai tiramisu, and sesame cheesecake bars.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Medium

Heritage Fusion

Output 12 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Matcha-Miso Brownies

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, chopped
03 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
07 1 tablespoon matcha powder
08 1 tablespoon white miso paste
09 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Chai Tiramisu

01 1 cup mascarpone cheese
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1/4 cup sugar
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 1/3 cup strong chai tea, cooled
06 12 ladyfinger biscuits
07 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
08 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
09 Cocoa powder, for dusting

Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars

01 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
02 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 14 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 1/2 cup sugar
05 2 large eggs
06 1/4 cup black sesame paste
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 Pinch of salt

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Matcha-Miso Brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Phase 02

Melt Chocolate Mixture: Combine unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Place over gently simmering water and stir until melted and smooth.

Phase 03

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Whisk in granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture, add eggs one at a time, and blend in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Phase 04

Add Dry Ingredients and Fold Miso: Sift all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and sea salt into the bowl. Stir just until combined, then gently fold white miso paste to achieve a marbled effect.

Phase 05

Bake and Cool Brownies: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes until brownies are set and remain fudgy. Cool completely before slicing.

Phase 06

Prepare Chai Tiramisu Filling: Beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until thick and smooth.

Phase 07

Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfinger biscuits into cooled strong chai tea, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange in serving cups or glasses.

Phase 08

Finish Chai Tiramisu: Spread mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Dust with ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and cocoa powder to finish. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Phase 09

Prepare Cheesecake Bar Base: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into a lined 8-inch square pan to form the crust.

Phase 10

Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Blend in black sesame paste, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Phase 11

Bake and Chill Bars: Pour filling over crust and smooth. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, until set. Allow to cool, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan
  • Saucepan and heatproof bowl
  • Sifter
  • Spatula
  • Serving cups or glasses

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (from miso), and sesame.
  • Check miso and cookie labels for specific allergen content.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g