Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Featured in: Sweet Whispers

Indulge your sweet tooth with fusion desserts that bring together global ingredients and inventive techniques. Savor matcha-miso brownies with marbled layers, creamy chai tiramisu in fragrant mini cups, and black sesame cheesecake bars resting on buttery chocolate crusts. Each creation balances tradition and innovation, complemented by hints of spice, tea, and rich chocolate. With options to customize ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these desserts offer an adventurous journey through international flavors while remaining approachable for home bakers.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:52:00 GMT
Delicious matcha-miso brownies topped with chocolate and a hint of miso flavor.  Save
Delicious matcha-miso brownies topped with chocolate and a hint of miso flavor. | butterhollow.com

Global Dessert Mash-Ups brings together a creative collection of desserts inspired by flavors and techniques from around the world. Whether you love matcha-miso brownies, chai tiramisu, or black sesame cheesecake bars, these fusion treats are sure to delight any adventurous palate.

I was first inspired to make these mash-ups after traveling and tasting desserts from different cultures. Combining matcha with miso or pairing chai tea with tiramisu creates excitement every time I bake.

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.
Indulge in layers of chai tiramisu, featuring creamy mascarpone and spiced ladyfingers.  Save
Indulge in layers of chai tiramisu, featuring creamy mascarpone and spiced ladyfingers. | butterhollow.com

My family loves taste-testing each new dessert combination, and everyone has their favorite mash-up. These sweet treats have created new sharing traditions at our gatherings.

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 check ingredient labels for allergens, especially for miso and cookies.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is approximately 320 calories, 19 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.

Savory black sesame cheesecake bars with a crunchy chocolate crust, perfect for sharing. Save
Savory black sesame cheesecake bars with a crunchy chocolate crust, perfect for sharing. | butterhollow.com

Experiment, share, and enjoy the unforgettable flavors of these global dessert mash-ups with friends and family!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

What makes these desserts globally inspired?

Each treat uses distinctive ingredients and techniques from different cuisines, such as matcha, miso, chai, and black sesame.

Can I substitute white miso in the brownies?

Yes, tahini works as an alternative, providing similar texture with a nutty undertone.

Is the tiramisu caffeinated?

Chai tea is used instead of espresso, offering subtle spice and a lighter caffeine level.

Where can I find black sesame paste?

Asian grocery stores typically stock black sesame paste; if unavailable, peanut butter is a good substitute.

Are these desserts suitable for vegetarians?

All treats are vegetarian-friendly and do not contain gelatin or meat-derived ingredients.

How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate desserts in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture.

Global Dessert Mash-Ups

Fusion treats spotlight matcha, chai, miso, and sesame, inviting international flavors into every sweet bite.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat duration
35 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Medium

Heritage Fusion

Output 12 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

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
05 100 ml 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. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water; stir until melted and smooth.

Phase 03

Blend Wet Ingredients: Whisk in sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.

Phase 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, matcha powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold until just blended.

Phase 05

Marble with Miso: Gently fold in white miso paste, leaving streaks for a marbled appearance.

Phase 06

Bake Brownies: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until just set but moist in the center. Cool completely before slicing.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Assemble Tiramisu Cups: Quickly dip ladyfinger biscuits into cooled chai tea. Arrange in serving cups or glasses.

Phase 09

Layer and Finish Tiramisu: Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then dust generously with cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder.

Phase 10

Chill Tiramisu: Place tiramisu cups in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Phase 11

Prepare Cheesecake Crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-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 extract, and a pinch of salt.

Phase 13

Assemble and Bake Cheesecake: Pour filling over cookie crust. Smooth the top and bake at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until set. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Phase 14

Chill Cheesecake Bars: Refrigerate baked cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, eggs, soy (miso), and sesame.
  • Check miso and cookie ingredients for potential allergens before use.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

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