These heart-shaped brownies are a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion! They’re rich, fudgy, and just a little gooey in the center—absolutely chocolatey!
Cutting them into heart shapes adds a fun twist that makes sharing extra special. I love surprising my friends with these goodies. They always get a big smile! 💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt in your brownies. If you’re out, you can substitute with equal amounts of coconut oil or even applesauce for a lighter version.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the brownies a rich chocolate flavor. You could substitute it with Dutch-processed cocoa if you prefer a slightly less bitter taste.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy layer to your brownies. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a similar texture, although the flavor will differ a bit.
Raspberry Jam: Fresh raspberries or another fruit jam, like strawberry or cherry, can be good substitutes. You could also try blueberry for a unique flavor!
What’s the Best Technique for Swirling the Cream Cheese and Raspberry?
Swirling your layers is where the magic happens! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Layer carefully to maintain distinct flavors. Start with half of the brownie batter in the pan.
- When adding the cream cheese mix, drop it in spoonfuls—this helps create pockets of flavor.
- For the raspberry layer, do the same with dollops of jam on top of the cream cheese.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl—go in one direction then the other, avoiding too much mixing to keep the lovely layers visible!
- Be patient. A little swirling goes a long way—more isn’t always better!
Enjoy the process; it’s part of the fun!
How to Make Heart-shaped Raspberry Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Swirl:
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam or raspberry puree
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to allow time for the brownies to cool before cutting them into heart shapes. Overall, you should plan for around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a square baking pan (9×9 inches works well), or you can line it with parchment paper to make removing the brownies easier!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, 2 cups of sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to remove lumps and gives your brownies a nice texture.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—don’t overmix!
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Then add in 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until creamy and well combined.
6. Layer Your Brownies:
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer.
7. Add Raspberry Swirl:
Dollop small spoonfuls of raspberry jam or puree on top of the cream cheese layer. You can go ahead and make it pretty—there’s no such thing as too much jam!
8. Finish the Brownies:
Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese and raspberry layers, spreading it evenly. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the layers together to create a beautiful marbled effect.
9. Baking Time:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not completely clean!).
10. Cooling and Cutting:
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important to avoid messy cutting!
11. Shape Them Up:
After they’re cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into cute heart shapes!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your heart-shaped brownies with fresh raspberries on the side for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy the delightful chocolatey goodness with the creamy raspberry swirl—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Feel free to whip up these charming brownies any time you want to impress friends or celebrate a special occasion! Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit Jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam adds a lovely tang, you can substitute it with other fruit jams like strawberry, cherry, or even blueberry. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly with each option!
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, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well! Cut them into shapes and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before enjoying!
What If My Cream Cheese Mixture Is Lumpy?
If your cream cheese mixture is lumpy, it might not be softened enough. Make sure to beat it well until smooth before adding the other ingredients. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the cream cheese for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up slightly, making it easier to blend!
