Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping

Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping are a decadent, eye-catching dessert that combines rich chocolate, tangy raspberry, and creamy cheesecake in one beautiful bite. I bake fudgy brownies in heart shapes, then top them with a creamy cheesecake layer and a vibrant raspberry swirl. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or whenever I want to treat someone (or myself) to something extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together three amazing flavors—deep chocolate, sweet-tart raspberry, and silky cheesecake—all in one dessert. The heart shape makes it fun and festive, but it’s the flavor that really stands out. Each bite is rich, creamy, and fruity with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether I’m baking for a loved one or just want to elevate my brownie game, this recipe always feels like a win.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie layer:

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

For the cheesecake topping:

• Cream cheese, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

For the raspberry swirl:

• Fresh or frozen raspberries

• Sugar

• Cornstarch

• Water

• Optional: lemon juice for brightness

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. If I’m using heart-shaped molds, I grease them well.

2. To make the brownie layer, I whisk together melted butter and sugar, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. I stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.

3. I spread the brownie batter evenly into the pan or spoon it into the heart molds.

4. For the cheesecake topping, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. I carefully spoon this over the brownie batter in an even layer.

5. For the raspberry swirl, I simmer the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water until thickened, then strain to remove seeds if I want a smoother swirl.

6. I dollop the raspberry sauce on top of the cheesecake layer and use a toothpick to swirl it gently.

7. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie comes out with moist crumbs.

8. I let them cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into heart shapes with a cookie cutter or removing from molds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 heart-shaped brownies, depending on the size of the cutters or molds. It takes around 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, plus cooling and chilling time—so I usually plan for about 2 hours from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the raspberry swirl for strawberry or blackberry. I’ve also used a boxed brownie mix to save time, then just added the homemade cheesecake and swirl layers. For a chocolate overload, I stir chocolate chips into the brownie batter. If I want to skip the fruit, I swirl in chocolate or caramel sauce instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’re best served chilled or at room temperature. I don’t usually reheat them since they have a cheesecake topping, but if I want a warm brownie, I microwave one for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften it without melting the cheesecake.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought raspberry jam instead of making the swirl?

Yes, I’ve used raspberry jam thinned slightly with water for a quick shortcut. It still gives that fruity swirl with less prep.

What’s the best way to cut clean heart shapes?

I chill the brownies thoroughly before cutting and wipe the cookie cutter clean between cuts. A metal cutter works best for clean edges.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, I wrap each one individually and freeze for up to a month. I thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I use a brownie mix?

Absolutely. I’ve used a boxed mix to save time—just prepare as directed, then add the cheesecake and raspberry layers before baking.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

I avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and don’t overbake it. A little jiggle in the center is fine—it sets fully as it cools.

Conclusion

Heart Shaped Brownies with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping are the ultimate way to combine flavor and flair in one dessert. They’re rich, creamy, and absolutely stunning on the plate. Whether I’m baking them for a special occasion or just because I love the combo of chocolate, fruit, and cream, these brownies always feel like something made with love.

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