Global Dessert Mash-Ups (Printable)

Enjoy inventive sweets merging flavors like matcha, chai, and black sesame in creative world-inspired desserts.

# 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)

10 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese
11 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 cup sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 100 milliliters strong chai tea, cooled
15 - 12 ladyfinger biscuits
16 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
18 - Cocoa powder, for dusting

→ Black Sesame Cheesecake Bars

19 - 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
20 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
21 - 14 ounces cream cheese, softened
22 - 1/2 cup sugar
23 - 2 large eggs
24 - 1/4 cup black sesame paste
25 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
26 - Pinch of salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt unsalted butter with chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
02 - Whisk granulated sugar into the warm chocolate mixture, then add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
03 - Sift all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and sea salt into the bowl. Mix gently until barely combined. Fold in white miso paste, allowing streaks to remain for a marbled appearance.
04 - Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until set but still fudgy in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
05 - Beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until thick and smooth. Briefly dip ladyfinger biscuits into cooled chai tea and layer in serving glasses.
06 - Spoon mascarpone mixture over soaked ladyfingers. Dust with ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cocoa powder. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
07 - Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press evenly into parchment-lined 8-inch square pan for a firm base.
08 - Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in black sesame paste, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
09 - Spread mixture over crust and smooth the top. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then chill for a minimum of 2 hours before cutting into bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Brings together unique flavors from multiple cuisines
  • Offers impressive results for special occasions or gatherings
02 -
  • Black sesame paste is most easily found in Asian grocery shops.
  • Swap white miso for tahini if you can't find it locally.
03 -
  • Do not overbake brownies: look for fudgy center, not dry edges.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for best cheesecake texture.