These heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake brownies are a lovely treat! Rich chocolatey brownies sit below a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with sweet raspberries.
Who knew brownies could be so cute? They’re perfect for sharing, or maybe keeping all to yourself—no judgment here! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: It’s better to use unsalted butter for baking to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is great for sweetness, you could try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, coconut sugar works well too.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is key for a rich chocolate flavor. If you’re out, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa, but avoid sweetened cocoa mixes as they can alter the recipe.
Cream Cheese: For the cheesecake layer, make sure to use full-fat cream cheese for best results. Neufchâtel can be a lighter option, but it may affect the creaminess.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are ideal, but frozen ones work great too! If you’re allergic or don’t like raspberries, try strawberries or blueberries for a different twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cheesecake Swirl?
The raspberry swirl adds a beautiful touch to these brownies. To create the perfect swirl, it’s important to not overmix; you want to see distinct raspberry and cheesecake layers! Here’s how:
- Cook raspberries with sugar and lemon until they break down. This brings out their natural flavor!
- After spreading the cheesecake layer over the brownies, drop spoonfuls of the raspberry mixture on top.
- Gently use a toothpick or knife to create a marbled pattern, being careful not to mix too much.
This technique ensures that you see those lovely raspberry swirls in each slice while keeping that creamy cheesecake texture intact!
Heart-shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 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?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 40-45 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to allow a little extra time for cooling and chilling—about 2 hours is best for slicing. Total time is approximately 3 hours, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Then, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, folding gently to combine. If you like a little crunch, you can stir in your favorite chopped nuts at this point, too!
3. Spread the Brownie Layer:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly across the bottom. This forms the delicious base for your cheesecake!
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. This layer is going to add that tasty creaminess!
5. Assemble the Layers:
Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly. This creates a beautiful two-layered effect in your dish.
6. Make the Raspberry Swirl:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. If you’d prefer a seedless swirl, press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
7. Swirl the Raspberry Sauce:
Drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. With a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the raspberry sauce in to create a marbled effect, being careful not to mix too much. You want to see those pretty red swirls!
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheesecake layer is set and the edges of the brownies are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
9. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
10. Cut Out Heart Shapes:
When you’re ready to serve, flip the brownies out onto a cutting board (thanks to the parchment paper) and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes. Cute and perfect for any occasion!
11. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake brownies! You can also garnish with fresh raspberries on the side for an extra touch of presentation.
These brownies are fudgy and rich, with a creamy swirled topping that perfectly balances sweetness and a hint of tartness. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but regular cream cheese will provide a richer flavor and creamier texture. Low-fat versions may not yield the same richness in the cheesecake layer.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll last up to 3 months!
What If I Don’t Have Raspberries?
If you don’t have raspberries on hand, feel free to use other berries like strawberries or blueberries, or even a fruit puree of your choice. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients you use are gluten-free, especially any packaged items like baking powder.
