Name: Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup raspberries; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend); 3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 + 2 tbsp cup refined coconut oil or neutral oil; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature

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The moment you bite into a freshly baked heart shaped brownie, you’re greeted with a slightly crunchy top giving way to a dense, fudgy center. The luscious raspberry swirl adds a pop of color and a tangy burst that dances on your palate, while the creamy cheesecake topping is a silky, dreamy counterpart to the richness beneath. It’s a sensory experience that evokes romance and indulgence, perfect for celebrating love or simply treating yourself.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping

Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping

I’ll always remember the excitement of baking something special for my best friend on Valentine’s Day. In our tiny kitchen, we could barely fit the two of us, yet we managed to whip up desserts that tasted of sweet friendship and laughter. These Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping) are inspired by those moments—rich, delightful, and undeniably fun to make. So grab your favorite mixing bowl and let’s create a treat that’s not only visually captivating but also remarkably delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This delightful dessert comes together in about an hour, making it an easy choice for any occasion.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite offers a rich chocolate experience paired with a refreshing raspberry tingle and creamy cheesecake.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The adorable heart shape turns this brownie into an impressive dessert for loved ones.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just a sweet snack any day of the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit gluten-free diets with a quick swap for gluten-free flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup raspberries: Fresh or thawed frozen raspberries work great here, offering a tangy burst of flavor. If you can’t find raspberries, consider using strawberries or blueberries for a different twist.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the raspberries.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the brownies and cheesecake’s flavors, giving them warmth and depth.
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature: This creamy element creates a luscious topping. If you’re avoiding dairy, a vegan cream cheese alternative can be a suitable replacement.
1/3 cup granulated sugar: For the cheesecake layer, this helps to sweeten and balance the tanginess.
1 large egg, room temperature: Helps to bind the cheesecake mixture; always use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is to enhance the cheesecake layer; the more vanilla, the better!
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): This gives structure to the brownies. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted: Gives a deep, dark chocolate flavor that elevates the brownies. Be sure to sift it to avoid clumps.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
3/4 + 2 tbsp cup refined coconut oil or neutral oil: Coconut oil adds a hint of richness, but any neutral oil works as well.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Essential to the brownie batter, it creates sweetness and fudginess.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: More vanilla is always a good idea, adding flavor complexity to the brownie mix.
3 large eggs, room temperature: The magic ingredient that helps the brownies rise and form a delightful texture.

How to Make Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping)

Simmer and Strain: Begin by placing the raspberries in a small saucepan with the sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat for about 5–8 minutes, gently stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. This not only intensifies the raspberry flavor but also transforms it into a beautiful sauce. Once thickened, strain this mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds and set aside the vibrant sauce to cool.

Beat the Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and the 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes should do. Then, add one egg and the half teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until the cheesecake mixture is thoroughly combined. You want it silky with no lumps, so take your time with this step.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This is vital because it ensures that the cocoa and flour are evenly distributed throughout the brownies, creating a consistent texture.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, the 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and the tablespoon of vanilla extract until well combined. Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This creates an airy base for the brownies, so make sure everything is nicely blended before moving on.

Merge the Mixtures: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them together gently until just blended; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser brownies. When you see no more flour streaks, you’re ready for the next step.

Layer and Swirl: Spread the brownie batter into a lined 9×9 inch baking pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter, smoothly spreading it out. Finally, use a spoon to dollop the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Grab a skewer or toothpick and gently swirl it through both layers for a stunning marbled effect.

Bake Until Perfect: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t over-bake—these are supposed to be richly fudge-like! Once baked, let cool completely on a wire rack.

Chill and Cut: After cooling, refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours before cutting into adorable heart shapes. This helps the cheesecake topping firm up and makes it easier to slice through. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a sweet presentation, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!

Storing & Reheating

To store your heart shaped brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their freshness, chill them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a gooey, warm treat. Just be aware that refrigeration might alter the texture slightly, but a quick warm-up can refresh the flavors beautifully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese and eggs; this helps them blend better and contributes to a smoother final texture.
It’s easy to overmix when combining the dry and wet ingredients; stop when you see no more flour streaks to achieve that perfect fudginess.
If possible, let the brownies sit overnight in the fridge; this can enhance the flavors and help the cheesecake topping set even more.
Consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter for added richness and a delightful surprise in every bite.
Don’t skip the straining of the raspberry sauce; it really amplifies the smoothness and taste without the seeds.

These Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping) are a sweet treat worth sharing, full of flavor and heart. They merge rich chocolate, tart raspberry, and creamy cheesecake into a delightful ode to romance. As you get creative in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures. Have fun with it! Enjoy every bite, and let your love for baking shine through in these charming treats.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these heart shaped brownies can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely after baking, then store them in the refrigerator. Chilling them overnight can actually enhance the flavors and make them even more delicious!

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen raspberries before use, and you can follow the recipe as is. They will provide the same tangy flavor as fresh ones, making the raspberry swirl just as delightful.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies into heart shapes?

For perfectly shaped hearts, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter. If your brownies are a bit soft after chilling, you might find it easier to warm the cutter slightly under hot water before cutting. This helps create cleaner edges.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the cheesecake layer?

Definitely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese substitute. While the flavor might vary slightly, you’ll still get that lovely creamy topping to complement the brownies.