Heart-shaped brownies are a sweet way to celebrate any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. Picture rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious raspberry swirl, all topped with creamy cheesecake. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dessert that not only looks adorable but tastes heavenly. These brownies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in on your own while cozying up with a good book.

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 first made these heart-shaped brownies as a surprise treat for my partner, and they quickly became a favorite in our house. The warmth of the cocoa flavor and the freshness of the raspberry sauce intertwine beautifully in every bite. From the moment you cut into them and reveal those delightful swirls, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a romantic favorite. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor, making them a go-to for anyone wanting to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 25 minutes of preparation time, these brownies are ready to bake in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor and tangy raspberry make for a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Shaped like hearts, they’re a charming addition to any celebration or dessert table.
Flexible Serving: These brownies are suitable for birthdays, holidays, or simply a lovely afternoon treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap for gluten-free flour for a delightful gluten-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup raspberries: Fresh or thawed frozen raspberries work beautifully for this recipe, offering a tart contrast to the sweet brownies.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: This subtle sweetness helps to enhance the natural flavor of the raspberries.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to both the brownie batter and cheesecake.
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese creates a luscious, creamy cheesecake layer atop the brownies.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: This sugar sweetens the cheesecake, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.
1 large egg, room temperature: An egg adds structure to the cheesecake layer, helping it set perfectly.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Extra vanilla in the cheesecake enhances its flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Flour provides structure to the brownies. A gluten-free blend can be used for gluten sensitivities.
¾ cup dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted: This cocoa provides deep chocolate flavor and richness to the brownies.
¼ teaspoon salt: Salt intensifies the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
¾ + 2 tbsp cup refined coconut oil or neutral oil: The oil keeps the brownies moist and fudgy; feel free to substitute with vegetable or canola oil.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This sugar nourishes the brownies, creating a great texture and flavor.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adding vanilla to the brownie mix enriches its overall taste.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Eggs provide the necessary moisture and structure, ensuring a fudgy consistency.

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

Simmer Raspberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup raspberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Once it reaches a sauce-like consistency, strain it through a sieve to remove the seeds, then set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and ⅓ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. This creamy mixture will complement the chocolate brownies perfectly.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ¾ cup sifted dutch-process cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This dry mix is essential for achieving the right texture in your brownies.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of refined coconut oil (or neutral oil), 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Add the remaining 3 large room temperature eggs, incorporating each one fully before adding the next. This step helps create a well-emulsified mixture.

Combine Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to denser brownies. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.

Layer the Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Then, pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, spreading it out carefully. Finally, spoon the raspberry sauce over the cream cheese layer. Use a skewer or toothpick to swirl the raspberry sauce gently into the cheesecake layer, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a fudgy texture.

Cool and Chill: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they have cooled, chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This cooling process firms up the cheesecake layer perfectly.

Cut into Hearts: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut the chilled brownies into charming heart shapes. Serve them as a delightful treat for any occasion!

Storing & Reheating

To store your heart-shaped brownies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to extend their freshness, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes for that freshly-baked texture again, though be aware that the raspberry swirl may slightly lose its vibrant flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure to have your eggs and cream cheese at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, fudgy brownie texture.
If the edges of your brownies cook faster than the center, consider using a baking dish with a darker finish, which can heat up more quickly.
Adjust the amount of raspberry sauce according to your taste preference—add more for a tangier flavor if you love that contrast!
For a decorative touch, consider topping with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Heart-shaped brownies with raspberry swirl and cheesecake topping are not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. They beautifully capture love in each bite. The ease of preparation and the ability to impress will make them a staple in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, grab your favorite heart-shaped cutter, and show your loved ones just how much they mean to you with these delectable treats. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them before you start and drain any excess liquid to ensure the sauce isn’t too watery.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it has a xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.

Can I make the cheesecake layer dairy-free?

Yes! To make a dairy-free cheesecake layer, you could use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Be sure to check that these versions still have a similar texture for best results.

How long will leftovers last?

If stored properly, the heart-shaped brownies will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Freezing can extend their life to about 3 months without sacrificing quality.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Valentine Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping)

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping are a delicious treat. They combine rich brownie flavor with creamy cheesecake and tart raspberry, making them perfect for celebrations or satisfying a sweet craving. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dessert is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
¾ cup dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ + 2 tbsp cup refined coconut oil or neutral oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Simmer raspberries, sugar, and vanilla over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until thickened. Strain to remove seeds and set aside.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, then mix until creamy.
Whisk flour, cocoa, and salt in one bowl. In another, mix oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one by one. Combine both mixtures just until blended.
Spread brownie batter in lined pan. Pour cheesecake mixture on top. Spoon raspberry sauce over and swirl gently with a skewer.
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours. Cut into heart shapes and serve.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
You can replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute for a healthier option.
Allow the brownies to chill in the refrigerator for the best texture before cutting.