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Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping Recipe

4.8 from 321 reviews

Delight in these decadent Heart Shaped Brownies featuring a rich cocoa base swirled with a luscious raspberry sauce and topped with a creamy cheesecake layer. Perfectly baked to a moist, fudgy texture and chilled for a refreshing finish, these brownies are a romantic treat ideal for special occasions or anytime you crave a gourmet dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Raspberry Swirl

  • 1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Topping

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or neutral oil
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare Raspberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate seeds, and set the smooth sauce aside.
  2. Make Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and creamy in texture.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, and salt to combine evenly.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, blend the refined coconut or neutral oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
  5. Combine Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until all components are combined without overmixing to preserve a tender crumb.
  6. Assemble in Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer. Spoon the prepared raspberry sauce on top and use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the sauces together to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature. Then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the cheesecake topping firmly.
  9. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Serve and enjoy this elegantly styled dessert perfect for celebrations and romantic occasions.

Notes

  • Use fresh or thawed frozen raspberries for the best flavor and texture in the raspberry swirl.
  • Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth batter and cheesecake topping.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor and richer color.
  • Allow the brownies to chill fully to make cutting into heart shapes easier and to enhance flavor melding.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and ensure your oil choice fits your dietary needs.

Keywords: heart shaped brownies, raspberry swirl brownies, cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, Valentine's Day dessert, marbled cheesecake brownies, romantic brownies