Valentine’s Day always sneaks up on me! Last year, I was scrambling for a last-minute dessert to share with my loved ones. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of heart-shaped brownies, but not just any brownies. I wanted something extra special, and that’s how these Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake were born.
The total time is about 4 hours, including chill time, but trust me, they’re so worth it!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add all raspberry sauce ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for about 5-8 minutes or until thickened and syrupy, and it coats the back of a spoon. It shouldn’t be as thick as jam; you’ll get about 1/3 cup.
- Set a food mill or a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the seeds.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together at medium speed and then high speed until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla on low until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8″×8″ (20cmx20cm) pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together oil, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Once combined, add the eggs one at a time and stir just until combined.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet and stir just until almost no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese topping over the top.
- Dollop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce over the top and use a skewer (or whatever tool you like) to create swirls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies will jiggle a bit when you remove them from the oven, but when you see that just the middle is super jiggly, they’re not done yet.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool completely and then chill for 2 hours or until chilled through. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love These Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake
- Impressive Presentation: The heart shape, combined with the vibrant raspberry swirl, makes these brownies a showstopper.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich, fudgy brownie base is perfectly complemented by the tangy raspberry sauce and creamy cheesecake topping.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the fruit swirl or brownie base to your liking.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make these delightful heart-shaped brownies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 8″×8″ (20cmx20cm) Baking Pan: This is the ideal size for the perfect brownie thickness.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the pan ensures easy removal of the brownies.
- Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for creating a smooth cheesecake topping.
- Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters: For cutting out the adorable heart shapes.
- Small Saucepan: For making the raspberry sauce.
- Food Mill or Fine Mesh Sieve: For straining the seeds from the raspberry sauce.
- Skewer or Knife: For creating beautiful swirls in the batter.
Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delectable treats:
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen defrosted)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temp)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (50 grams out of shell, room temp)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour (see notes)
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted, I use Dutch-process)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons oil (see notes)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (50 grams each out of shell, room temperature)
A quick note about the ingredients: Dutch-process cocoa powder is recommended for its rich flavor, and make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. The flour amount is a little variable, so use your best judgment!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake
Follow these steps carefully to create your own batch of heart-shaped brownies:
- Add all raspberry sauce ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for about 5-8 minutes or until thickened and syrupy, and it coats the back of a spoon. It shouldn’t be as thick as jam; you’ll get about 1/3 cup.
- Set a food mill or a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the seeds.
- In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together at medium speed and then high speed until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla on low until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line an 8″×8″ (20cmx20cm) pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together oil, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Once combined, add the eggs one at a time and stir just until combined.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet and stir just until almost streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese topping over the top.
- Dollop spoonfuls of raspberry sauce over the top and use a skewer (or whatever tool you like) to create swirls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies will jiggle a bit when you remove them from the oven, but when you see that just the middle is super jiggly, they’re not done yet.
- Remove to a wire rack to cool completely and then chill for 2 hours or until chilled through. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out hearts.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Swirling Techniques for Visually Stunning Heart Shaped Brownies
Creating beautiful swirls is easier than you think! Here are a few techniques:
- Basic Swirl: Simply drag a skewer or knife through the dollops of raspberry sauce in a swirling motion.
- Figure-Eight Swirl: Create a figure-eight pattern with the skewer for a more intricate design.
- Feathered Swirl: Drag the skewer back and forth through the dollops to create a feathered effect.
For clean and defined swirls, avoid overmixing and wipe the skewer between each swirl.
Achieving the Perfect Heart Shape for Your Brownies
There are a few ways to achieve that perfect heart shape:
- Cookie Cutters: The easiest and most precise method. Simply press the cookie cutter into the chilled brownies.
- Heart-Shaped Pan: Bake the brownies directly in a heart-shaped pan for a seamless look.
- Free-Hand Cutting: If you’re feeling artistic, you can try cutting out the hearts freehand with a sharp knife.
Cookie cutters are my go-to for consistent results.
Ingredient Substitutions for Heart Shaped Brownies
Here’s a handy table for common substitutions:
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Gluten-Free Flour Blend | Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. May need to adjust baking time. |
| Cream Cheese | Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Alternative | Look for brands like Kite Hill or Tofutti. |
| Raspberries | Strawberries, Blueberries, or Blackberries | Adjust sugar content in sauce as needed based on the sweetness of the substitute fruit. |
Variations on Heart Shaped Brownies
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Other Fruit Swirls: Try strawberry, blackberry, or cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Base: Experiment with different cocoas, like black cocoa, for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Different Brownie Base Flavors: Add a shot of espresso, a swirl of peanut butter, or a dollop of Nutella to the brownie batter.
How to Prevent the Cheesecake Layer from Sinking
A sunken cheesecake layer can be disappointing, but it’s easily avoidable! The key is to use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent incorporating too much air, and bake at the correct temperature for even cooking.
For more detailed advice on achieving the perfect cheesecake, you can refer to resources on preventing cheesecake from sinking.
Adapting the Recipe for High Altitude Baking
Baking at high altitude can be tricky. You may need to adjust the baking time, temperature, and/or ingredient ratios. Start by reducing the sugar by a tablespoon and increasing the liquid by a tablespoon.
Serving Suggestions for Heart Shaped Brownies
While ice cream and whipped cream are classic pairings, why not get creative? Try serving these brownies with a dessert wine, flavored syrups, or unique toppings like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt.
You might also consider pairing these rich brownies with a refreshing Terrific One Pan Orzo with Spinach and Feta for a more savory meal before your sweet treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time, you can make the raspberry sauce and cheesecake topping up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. The brownie base can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature.
Storing and Freezing Heart Shaped Brownies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making heart-shaped brownies:
How do I choose ripe raspberries for the sauce?
Look for berries that are plump, firm, and bright red.
What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
In an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the brownies for later?
Yes, wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container.
What should I do if my brownie layer is too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature.
Are these brownies suitable for those with allergies?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. See the substitutions section for allergy-friendly alternatives.
How long should I let the brownies cool before cutting them?
Allow them to cool completely and then chill for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Why did my cheesecake layer sink?
See the section on preventing a sunken cheesecake layer.
Why are my brownies dry?
Avoid overbaking and make sure you’re using enough oil.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the brownies?
Reduce or increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
Conclusion
These Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl & Cheesecake are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. With their beautiful presentation and perfect balance of flavors, they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Now it’s your turn! I’d love to see your creations. Leave a comment below with any questions or share your results. Happy baking!
