Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake are a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. These brownies have a rich, chocolatey base that’s soft and fudgy, with a beautiful swirl of tangy raspberry sauce and creamy cheesecake mixed right in. The heart shape just adds an extra touch of charm, making them great for special occasions or just brightening up any day.
I love making these brownies when I want to impress friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. The raspberry and cheesecake swirls add a fresh and creamy twist that balances out the chocolate perfectly. Plus, cutting them into hearts always brings a smile — it feels a little like giving a homemade hug in dessert form!
My favorite way to enjoy these brownies is slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on their own with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re rich but not too heavy, and that mix of flavors makes each bite interesting. If you ever want to make someone feel special, these brownies are an easy and lovely way to do it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted because it gives control over salt content. If you’re out, you can use salted butter but skip adding extra salt.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed gives softer taste, natural cocoa is more intense.
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for smooth, rich swirl. Low-fat versions may not set well and can curdle.
Raspberries: Fresh are best, but frozen works great too. If you can’t find raspberries, strawberry or cherry preserves are nice alternatives.
How Do You Create a Beautiful Raspberry & Cheesecake Swirl?
Swirling the cheesecake and raspberry sauce into the brownie batter creates that eye-catching marbled look. Here’s how to nail it:
- Spoon dollops of cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
- Drop raspberry sauce in small spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake spots.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through both layers, creating a pattern. Don’t over-mix or the colors will blend too much.
This technique balances flavor and makes each brownie unique and pretty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan – I recommend this size for even baking and to create nice thick brownies.
- Parchment paper – helps lift out the brownies easily and keeps them from sticking.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the brownie batter, cheesecake, and raspberry sauce separately.
- Whisk or hand mixer – makes blending smooth, especially for the cheesecake layer.
- Small saucepan – to cook the raspberry sauce; it’s quick and keeps the sauce easy to control.
- Knife or skewer – for swirling the layers into a pretty marbled pattern.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – optional, for cutting out loving shapes after cooling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chunks: Stir into the brownie batter for extra chocolate texture.
- Different berries: Use strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries for fresh flavor twists.
- Almond extract: Add a tiny splash to the cheesecake for a nutty flavor.
- Nut toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or hazelnuts on top before baking for crunch.
How to Make Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes to prep all the ingredients and fresh raspberry sauce, then around 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, cooling the brownies completely takes about 1 hour. Cutting out heart shapes might take a few more minutes. Overall, around 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Make the Raspberry Sauce
In a small saucepan, mix the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook on medium for 5-7 minutes until the fruit breaks down and slightly thickens. Remove from heat, strain to remove seeds, and let it cool.
3. Mix the Brownie Batter
In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing gently until just combined. If you want nuts, fold them in now.
4. Make the Cheesecake Batter
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
5. Assemble the Layers
Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake batter over the brownie base. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce over the cheesecake.
6. Create the Swirl
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake and raspberry sauce into the brownie batter, creating a pretty marbled look with lovely heart-like patterns.
7. Bake and Cool
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy. Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Cut into Hearts and Serve
Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out sweet heart brownies. Serve plain or with fresh raspberries for a beautiful touch.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries for the Swirl?
Yes! Just thaw them fully before cooking the sauce. This helps achieve a smoother texture and even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving or warm briefly for a softer texture.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance and keep refrigerated. Just cut into heart shapes right before serving for the freshest look.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cutter?
No worries! You can use a round or square cookie cutter, or simply cut the brownies into squares or rectangles. They’ll still taste amazing!