These heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake brownies are a sweet and cute treat! Rich chocolate brownies topped with a smooth raspberry cheesecake make every bite special and delightful.
Who can resist a brownie that looks like a heart? Perfect for sharing (or not)! I love serving these with a little extra raspberry sauce on top for a fun twist. 🍫❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you’re out of unsalted, you can use salted butter; just reduce additional salt in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives depth to the chocolate flavor. You can swap it with dark cocoa for a more intense taste, or even use Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar sweetens the brownie. If you’d like a healthier alternative, consider coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures 1:1.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries work best, but frozen ones are a great alternative. Just thaw and drain them first. If berries aren’t available, you can use fruit preserves or jam for a similar swirl.
Cream Cheese: It creates that creamy cheesecake layer. If you’re looking for lower fat, consider using Neufchâtel cheese as a substitute, which has less fat than regular cream cheese.
How Do I Get a Beautiful Marble Swirl?
The marbling technique is key to making your brownies not just delicious but visually appealing! Start by dropping spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture and berry puree onto the brownie layer. Here’s how to create that swirl:
- Don’t overdo the swirling! Just a gentle mix with a knife or toothpick creates a lovely pattern—a little mixing is all you need.
- Use a light hand, dragging through the layers carefully to maintain visible chunks of cheesecake and berry.
- Experiment with the swirl until it looks beautiful, but aim to keep the distinctive layers intact!
This technique adds flair not only in taste but also in presentation, making these brownies perfect for sharing!
Heart-shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for raspberries)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for raspberry puree)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes for preparation, followed by 35-40 minutes in the oven. After baking, cool the brownies in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting into hearts. You’ll get a total of about an hour of your time plus chilling time if you want them chilled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan with a bit of butter or oil. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal once the brownies are baked, creating a little overhang.
2. Mix the Brownie Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Next, sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix so your brownies stay nice and fudgy.
4. Pour the Brownie Batter
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This will form the bottom layer of your heart-shaped dessert.
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious cheesecake topping!
6. Create the Raspberry Puree
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for about 3-4 minutes until the raspberries break down and become saucy. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture to remove the seeds, then let it cool down.
7. Assemble the Layers
Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Then, add small spoonfuls of the raspberry puree on top of the cheesecake layer. This will create the beautiful marbling effect!
8. Swirl the Topping
Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the raspberry puree into the cheesecake mixture to create a lovely marbled pattern. Don’t overdo it; just a few swirls will give you a beautiful look!
9. Bake the Brownies
Place your baking pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye out for when the cheesecake layer is set and the edges of the brownies start pulling away from the sides of the pan.
10. Cool Down
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will take about 30 minutes—patience is key!
11. Cut Out Heart Shapes
When cool, carefully lift the entire block of brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the brownies.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
These beautiful heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake brownies are now ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are perfect for sharing on special occasions or just because you want a delicious treat!
Enjoy these rich, fudgy brownies with a delightful creamy raspberry swirl—perfect for celebrating love or adding a sweet touch to any day!❤️
Can I Use Different Berries for the Swirl?
Absolutely! While raspberries add a lovely tartness, you can also use strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just prepare the berries in a similar way, mashing and heating them to create a puree.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
How Do I Get Clean Cuts When Slicing the Brownies?
To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For heart shapes, a heart-shaped cookie cutter works best if you chill the brownies slightly in the fridge before cutting.