These Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake are a perfect treat for any occasion that calls for a little love and sweetness. Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and a bright, tangy raspberry swirl — all baked into cute heart shapes that make every bite feel special.
I love making these when I want to surprise someone or just add a bit of extra charm to dessert time. The raspberry swirl adds just the right pop of fruitiness to balance the richness of the chocolate and cheesecake, and the hearts make them super fun to share. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which is a big win in my book!
My favorite way to enjoy these brownies is a little warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They’re great at parties, for Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to brighten someone’s day with a homemade treat. I always find that these brownies disappear fast, and I end up making them again soon after because they’re just that good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. If dairy-free, try coconut oil, but the flavor and texture will slightly change.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a smoother, less acidic taste.
Cream Cheese: It makes the cheesecake layer creamy and rich. Light cream cheese works but may be less dense.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen both work well for the swirl. If unavailable, strawberry jam or any tart berry puree makes a good substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can try gluten-free blends to make the brownies gluten-free. Just check your blend’s substitution ratio.
How Can You Get That Beautiful Raspberry Swirl in Your Brownies?
Creating the swirl is simple but needs a gentle touch.
- After layering both batters, spoon raspberry sauce in small dollops on top.
- Use a toothpick, skewer, or knife to draw gentle swirls through the layers. Don’t over-mix— you want clear lines of raspberry and cheesecake.
- Swirling too much will blend the colors and flavors together rather than creating pretty marbled patterns.
- Work quickly so the batters don’t mix too deeply before baking.
This technique adds eye-catching color and bright raspberry flavor throughout your brownies.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9 inch square baking pan – I recommend this size for even baking and easy removal of the brownies.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing both the brownie and cheesecake batters; a medium and a small bowl work well.
- Whisk or hand mixer – to beat the cream cheese and mix the batters smoothly; I find a hand mixer makes this faster.
- Fine sieve or strainer – helps strain the raspberry mixture for a smooth swirl without seeds.
- Spatula or spoon – for spreading the batter evenly and creating the swirl pattern.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – to cut out pretty heart shapes once cooled; a fun touch for presentation.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap raspberry sauce with strawberry or blueberry puree for a different berry flavor.
- Add chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter for extra richness.
- Use lemon or orange zest in the cream cheese layer to add a citrus twist.
- Try a white chocolate drizzle on top for extra sweetness and a beautiful look.
Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake
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 (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
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
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30-35 minutes for baking. Allow an additional 1 hour for the brownies to cool completely before cutting into the heart shapes, so plan for roughly 1 hour 45 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:
Combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds and let it cool.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line a 9×9 inch square baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl and stir just until combined.
3. Make the Cheesecake Batter:
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers and Swirl:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake batter over the brownie batter. Add small spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake and raspberry into the brownie batter, creating a pretty marbled effect.
5. Bake:
Bake for about 30-35 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still a little soft. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Cool and Cut:
Once fully cooled, take the brownies out of the pan. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into adorable heart shapes.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your heart-shaped brownies as is or add fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries for the Swirl?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery swirl. This helps maintain a rich raspberry flavor without diluting the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the brownies a day in advance, then cut out the heart shapes just before serving to keep them fresh and pretty.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can work, but the texture and tang will be milder. Use equal amounts and make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
