These heart-shaped brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Fudgy, rich, and oh-so-chocolaty, they are sure to make anyone smile.
Plus, who can resist a brownie in a loveable shape? It’s like chocolate and love got together for a sweet hug! I always add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for that extra flair. ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is important for controlling the saltiness of your brownies. You can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
Semi-sweet Chocolate: This adds rich flavor. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, feel free to use milk chocolate instead. For a darker taste, opt for bittersweet chocolate.
Cream Cheese: It gives the cheesecake swirl its creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese or even Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can replace some or all of it with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Get the Perfect Raspberry Sauce?
Making raspberry sauce is quite simple! Berries can be fresh or frozen; both work well. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir frequently until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the sauce through a sieve to remove the seeds.
- Let it cool before adding to the brownies to avoid cooking the batter.
How to Swirl the Cheesecake Mixture Smoothly?
Swirling is all about technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding the cheesecake and raspberry dollops, take a knife or skewer.
- Gently swirl in a figure-eight motion, being careful not to mix completely. You want the marbled effect!
- Less is more here; too much swirling can lose that beautiful design.
Enjoy making these delicious heart-shaped brownies! Personalize them with your favorite flavors – it’s all about expressing love through your baking! 🍫❤️
Heart-shaped Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/3 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 to 35 minutes to bake. Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool completely before cutting. In total, expect approximately 1 hour for preparation and baking. Yummy sweetness awaits!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and grease it. Line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up later—let’s keep it simple!
2. Make the Raspberry Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. You’ll want to do this until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any seeds and set it aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate together in 30-second increments, stirring in between until it’s smooth. Let it cool a bit so it’s not too hot to mix with the eggs.
4. Mix the Sugars and Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to stir well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, whisking until it’s smooth. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until everything is combined. Don’t overdo it!
6. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and beat until it’s all creamy and blended. You’ll want this to be nice and fluffy!
7. Assemble the Brownies:
Pour about half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter. You can also add small spoonfuls of raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake mixture.
8. Layer & Swirl:
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the top. Then, add a few more dollops of the cheesecake and raspberry sauce. With a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cheesecake and raspberry into the brownie batter to create a beautiful marbled effect!
9. Bake:
Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the edges set but the center to be slightly soft for that fudgy texture.
10. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When fully cooled, remove them from the pan and cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
11. Serve & Enjoy:
You can serve the brownies as they are or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. Enjoy your luscious, fudgy heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake swirl brownies!
Can I Substitute the Semi-Sweet Chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter brownie, you can use milk chocolate instead. For a richer taste, consider swapping it for bittersweet chocolate. Just be cautious of adjusting the sugar content based on the chocolate sweetness!
How Can I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to keep them from drying out!
Can I Use Other Berries for the Swirl?
Yes, you can! Feel free to swap raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just remember to adjust the sugar depending on the tartness of the fruit you choose.
How Should I Cut the Brownies for Heart Shapes?
Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the brownies. For clean cuts, it helps to lightly grease the cutter or dip it in warm water before pressing down. Enjoy creating those adorable heart shapes!