Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Featured in: Happy Bites

Experience an inventive fusion of dessert traditions, combining matcha-miso brownies with swirled flavors, creamy chai tiramisu mini cups layered with spiced tea, and rich black sesame cheesecake bars. This globally inspired assortment highlights unique techniques by marbling miso into fudgy brownies, infusing cardamom and cinnamon into tiramisu, and using nutty sesame for depth in cheesecake. Each treat requires careful layering, gentle folding, and precise baking, resulting in show-stopping sweets perfect for sharing. Experiment with substitutions such as tahini for miso or peanut butter for sesame to further customize your batch. Enjoy with green tea or dessert wine for the ultimate flavor mash-up.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT
Indulge in these decadent Matcha-Miso Brownies, featuring a rich marbled texture.  Save
Indulge in these decadent Matcha-Miso Brownies, featuring a rich marbled texture. | munchhug.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.

I first experimented with these mash-up desserts for a family gathering, and it was amazing to see how curious everyone was about the new flavor combinations. Each treat sparked conversations—and barely any leftovers remained at the end.

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.
Experience the delightful layers of Chai Tiramisu, infused with warm spices and creamy goodness.  Save
Experience the delightful layers of Chai Tiramisu, infused with warm spices and creamy goodness. | munchhug.com

My kids love helping with the brownie swirling and sprinkling spices over the tiramisu. Baking together turns ordinary afternoons into special celebrations—especially when sampling each dessert at the end.

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 double-check miso and cookie ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Savor the unique flavors of Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars, with a smooth, rich filling atop a cookie crust. Save
Savor the unique flavors of Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars, with a smooth, rich filling atop a cookie crust. | munchhug.com

Crafting these desserts always brings a creative spark to my kitchen—let the flavor adventure inspire your next baking session!

Recipe Guide

What makes these desserts globally inspired?

Each dessert uses international ingredients or techniques, such as matcha, miso, chai, and black sesame, merging flavors from different cultures.

Can I substitute white miso in brownies?

Yes, you can use tahini or even nut butters like peanut butter for a similar effect, balancing sweetness and umami.

How do you create marbled brownies?

Swirl miso gently into the brownie batter before baking, leaving streaks for a marbled appearance and balanced flavor.

Is chai tiramisu suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all components—including mascarpone, cream, and spiced chai—are vegetarian-friendly.

Where can I find black sesame paste?

Black sesame paste is available at Asian markets; peanut butter offers a nuttier alternative in cheesecake bars.

What drinks pair well with these desserts?

Green tea, espresso, or a light dessert wine complement the variety of flavors and textures.

Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Blend global flavors with matcha-miso brownies, chai tiramisu, and black sesame cheesecake bars in one creative treat.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Medium

Heritage Fusion

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition preferences 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 (mini cups, optional)

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water until smooth.

Phase 03

Incorporate Sugar and Eggs: Whisk in granulated sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.

Phase 04

Integrate Dry Ingredients: Sift all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and fine sea salt into the chocolate mixture. Stir until batter is just combined.

Phase 05

Add Miso Paste: Fold in white miso paste gently, leaving visible streaks for a marbled effect.

Phase 06

Bake Brownies: Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until just set but still fudgy. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Phase 07

Prepare Chai Tiramisu Filling: Whip mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until thick and smooth.

Phase 08

Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfinger biscuits in cooled strong chai tea and arrange a layer in individual serving cups.

Phase 09

Top with Cream Mixture: Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfinger layer. Dust with cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder.

Phase 10

Chill Chai Tiramisu: Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving for optimal texture.

Phase 11

Prepare Cheesecake Crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into a lined 8-inch square pan.

Phase 12

Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in black sesame paste, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Phase 13

Bake Cheesecake Bars: Pour mixture over crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until just set. Cool, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Saucepan and heatproof bowl
  • Sifter
  • Spatula
  • Serving cups or glasses

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (from miso), and sesame.
  • Verify miso and cookie ingredients for additional allergens.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Lipids: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 6 g