Name: Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend); ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or neutral oil; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both romantic and ridiculously delicious, you’ve got to try this Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and tart raspberry sauce, all cut into adorable hearts—perfect for sharing (or not!).

Four heart-shaped desserts sit on a white parchment paper over a gold cooling rack on a wood texture. Each heart has two clear layers: the bottom is dark brown and dense, and the top is creamy white with pinkish-red swirls mixed in a marbled pattern. Around the hearts are fresh red raspberries scattered on the wood-textured surface. There is also a small white bowl in the top right corner filled with more raspberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these heart-shaped brownies more times than I can count, and each time it feels like a mini celebration in the kitchen. The combo of rich chocolate, tangy raspberry, and smooth cheesecake is pure magic—plus, the heart shapes make it perfect for gifting or Valentine’s Day.

Decadently Layered: You get layers of indulgent chocolate brownie, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant raspberry all in one bite.
Visually Stunning: The raspberry swirl creates an irresistible marbled effect that looks fancy but is super easy to make.
Perfectly Portionable: Cutting into heart shapes means each serving feels special and shareable.
Customizable: Use fresh or frozen raspberries and even swap in gluten-free flour without losing any of the yum.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, gather your ingredients carefully because each one plays a key role in achieving that rich, creamy, and fruity balance. I always suggest using room-temperature dairy and eggs for the smoothest cheesecake, and if fresh raspberries aren’t in season, frozen works just as well.

Flat lay of fresh raspberries scattered loosely, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a single large whole egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of refined coconut oil looking glossy and liquid, three large whole eggs with clean shells arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Raspberries: Fresh or thawed frozen raspberries provide that fresh tartness essential for the bright swirl.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the raspberry sauce and the cheesecake layer without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note across all layers for depth of flavor.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake swirl—make sure it’s softened for a creamy texture.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind and add richness to both batter and cheesecake.
All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Blend): Provides structure with a tender crumb; gluten-free options keep it accessible.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Sifted for even mixing, it adds deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance chocolate flavor.
Refined Coconut or Neutral Oil: Keeps brownies moist and fudgy without overwhelming the chocolate notes.
Additional Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that shiny, crackly top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it just for you. Whether you want to switch things up for dietary needs or just add a personal twist, these brownies welcome creativity.

Gluten-Free Option: I often swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it works wonderfully without sacrificing any fudgy goodness. Perfect if you’re baking for friends who avoid gluten.
Less Sweet Raspberry Sauce: If you prefer a tangier balance, try reducing the sugar in the raspberry sauce a bit. It adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich cheesecake layer.
Nutty Addition: For a bit of texture, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the brownie batter before adding the cheesecake layer. This gives a delightful crunch that I’ve found to be a real crowd-pleaser.
Berry Swap: Feeling adventurous? Substitute raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for a seasonal variation. I’ve loved serving the strawberry swirl version in summer—it’s a whole new treat!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe

The image shows two stacked square brownies with three layers each: a thick dark brown chocolate layer at the bottom and middle, and a creamy white cheesecake layer on top and between the chocolate layers. Swirls of deep red raspberry sauce are mixed into the cheesecake layers on top, creating a marbled pattern. In the background on a white marbled surface, there are more brownies and a small white bowl filled with fresh red raspberries. The focus is on the front stacked brownies showing the rich texture of the chocolate and smooth swirled cheesecake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Luscious Raspberry Sauce

Begin by gently simmering 1 cup of fresh or thawed raspberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat. Let the mixture bubble and reduce for about 8 minutes, watching for it to thicken slightly—this is when the flavors really concentrate. Once thickened, pour it through a fine sieve to strain out the seeds. The result is a silky, vibrant sauce that adds a beautiful burst of fruity flavor without any graininess.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Next, in a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes to reach that dreamy texture. Then, add 1 large room-temperature egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined and luscious. Using room-temperature ingredients here is key for a silky cheesecake layer without lumps.

Step 3: Prep the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ¾ cup sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly combined. This step ensures your brownie base will have consistent flavor and a perfect, fudgy texture.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients for the Brownie Batter

In another bowl, whisk ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of refined coconut or neutral oil, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Then add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual mixing helps create a glossy, rich base that yields moist, decadent brownies every time.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies fudgy, soft, and irresistible. Overworked batter can lead to tougher brownies, which we want to avoid!

Step 6: Assemble Your Layers

Line a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. Spread the brownie batter evenly at the bottom. Pour the creamy cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing it gently over the surface. Then, spoon dollops of the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a wooden skewer or knife to swirl the raspberry sauce through the cheesecake mixture for that signature marbled look—take your time here to create pretty, elegant patterns.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The brownies will look set but still soft—this is exactly what you want for that fudgy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Chill Before Cutting

Let the brownies cool completely at room temperature. This can take a little patience, but it’s well worth it to keep the cheesecake and raspberry layers intact. After cooling, refrigerate the brownies for 2 hours to firm them up—this chilling step ensures that when you cut the brownies into heart shapes, the edges stay clean and defined.

Step 9: Cut and Serve Your Heart-Shaped Masterpieces

Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut the brownies into 9 adorable hearts. Serve them chilled for a refreshing texture or let them come to room temperature if you prefer a softer bite. Either way, you’re in for a delicious treat that looks as delightful as it tastes!

Top Tip

These Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies are a delightful treat, and a few simple tips can really take your baking experience from good to unforgettable.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure your cheesecake layer turns out smooth and creamy, without lumps.
Seed-Free Raspberry Sauce: > Straining the raspberry sauce after simmering removes seeds and gives you that silky texture that makes the swirl so irresistible.
Swirling Technique: Use a thin skewer or knife to gently swirl the raspberry sauce through the cheesecake layer—over-mixing can muddy the layers, so go slow and light.
Chill Before Cutting: Don’t skip the 2-hour chilling step if you want clean, defined heart-shaped brownies. It firms up the layers so each cut is perfect.

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick layer of dark brown chocolate batter, showing a rough texture with swirls from mixing. The batter covers most of the bowl's inside, with some residue on the sides near the top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These heart-shaped beauties shine on their own, but for a little extra flair try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on top add a pop of color and freshness. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate ganache can also elevate the presentation and taste, especially for Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a bowl of mixed berries for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. A cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the rich chocolate and tangy raspberry flavors perfectly, making your dessert experience complete.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, which makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or special occasions.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these brownies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Since these brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer them warm, heat an individual piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the cheesecake layer. Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work great. Just thaw them before cooking so the sauce simmers evenly and strains smoothly.

How do I prevent the raspberry sauce from seeping too much into the brownie layer?

To keep the layers distinct, spoon the raspberry sauce gently over the cheesecake layer and swirl lightly. Avoid stirring vigorously, which can cause the sauce to blend too deeply into the brownie batter.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. The recipe is designed to work well with gluten-free options.

How do I get perfectly shaped hearts when cutting?

Chilling the brownies for at least 2 hours makes them firm and easier to cut. Use a sharp heart-shaped cookie cutter and press straight down without twisting to get clean edges.

Final Thoughts

Making these Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies is more than just baking—it’s creating a moment of indulgence and love, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. The blend of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and vibrant raspberry is truly a crowd-pleaser, and the heart shapes add that personal, heartfelt touch. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing these as much as I do!