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Heart Shaped Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.7 from 117 reviews

Delight in these decadent Heart Shaped Brownies featuring a luscious raspberry swirl and creamy cheesecake layer. Made with rich semi-sweet chocolate and swirled with fresh raspberry sauce, these brownies offer a perfect balance of chocolatey indulgence and fruity brightness, finished with a smooth cheesecake marbling that adds a creamy texture and eye-catching design.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Swirl:

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 12 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Raspberry Sauce: Place the raspberries, sugar, and optional lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens lightly. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds, then set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out after baking.
  3. Make the Brownie Batter: Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; fold gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  4. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
  5. Layer the Brownie and Cheesecake: Pour brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, followed by small spoonfuls of cooled raspberry sauce on top of each cheesecake dollop.
  6. Create the Swirl: Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the raspberry sauce through the cheesecake layer, creating a beautiful marbled pattern without overmixing to keep layers distinct.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges of the brownies start to pull away from the pan. The center should be slightly moist with crumbs but not wet when tested with a toothpick in the brownie portion.
  8. Cool and Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Once chilled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart-shaped brownies, or cut into squares if preferred.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature, enjoying the rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and bright raspberry swirl in every bite.

Notes

  • You can use high-quality cocoa powder instead of chocolate, adjusting butter as needed for texture.
  • Full-fat cream cheese is best for a smooth cheesecake layer; Neufchâtel can be used for a lighter option.
  • Frozen raspberries should be thawed before making raspberry sauce for even cooking.
  • Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days to maintain quality and safety.
  • Prepare the brownies a day ahead; keep refrigerated and cut with the cookie cutter before serving for best presentation.
  • If a heart-shaped cutter isn’t available, cut the brownies into squares or rectangles—the flavor remains equally delightful.
  • Add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or other berry purees for variation if desired.

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