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 refined coconut oil or neutral oil (+ 2 tablespoons additional for greasing/pan); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature

If you're on the hunt for a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, then this Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, fudgy brownies meet creamy cheesecake and tangy raspberry swirls to create an irresistible bite-perfect dessert.

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 have to say, making these raspberry swirl heart-shaped brownies quickly became one of my favorite baking projects. The flavors just sing together, and shaping them into hearts adds such a fun, personal touch – perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want to impress.

Decadent Flavor Combo: A luscious chocolate base paired with creamy cheesecake and bright raspberry swirl creates an unforgettable flavor trio.
Perfect Portion Control: Cutting into 9 heart shapes makes sharing easy and elegant, no more fighting over the last piece!
Simple but Stunning: The swirling technique is easy to do but yields a beautiful marbled effect that looks fancy without fuss.
Flexible Ingredients: Can be made gluten-free with a simple flour swap and uses easy-to-find pantry staples.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun here; each element plays a key role in making these raspberry swirl heart-shaped brownies truly unforgettable. Whether you’re selecting fresh raspberries or choosing cream cheese, here are some tips to get the best results.

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 works great; fresh adds brightness, frozen can deepen the flavor after simmering into sauce.
Granulated Sugar: Provides just enough sweetness across layers without overpowering the natural tartness of raspberries.
Vanilla Extract: A small splash lifts all the flavors and adds warmth to both the sauce and batter.
Cream Cheese: Room temperature for smooth blending, offering that rich and tangy cheesecake layer we all love.
All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free blend): Ensures structure in the brownie batter while keeping the texture tender.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Sifted to remove lumps, it delivers deep chocolate intensity and smooth color.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the chocolate's richness.
Refined Coconut or Neutral Oil: Adds moistness without strong flavor, helping create that fudgy brownie texture.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs bind all the components together and add to the tender crumb.

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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 things about this Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make it uniquely yours. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or adapt it for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to get creative and still end up with a delicious treat.

Gluten-Free Delight: I’ve swapped out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and the brownies still bake up wonderfully fudgy with no compromise on texture or flavor—perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Less Sweet Raspberry Sauce: If you prefer a tart contrast, try cutting the sugar in the raspberry sauce in half. It balances beautifully with the rich cheesecake and chocolate layers, adding a nice pop of brightness without overwhelming sweetness.
Seasonal Berry Swap: During summer, I’ve experimented using fresh blackberries or even a mix of berries in place of raspberries for a slightly different but equally vibrant swirl. It’s a fun twist that keeps the brownies feeling fresh and seasonal.
Oil Alternatives: Though refined coconut oil gives a subtle richness, neutral oils like canola or avocado work well too, letting the chocolate and raspberry flavors shine without competing.

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

Start by gently simmering 1 cup of raspberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over medium heat. Keep it bubbling softly for about 8 minutes until you see the sauce thicken and the vibrant color deepen. This cooking reduces the tartness and concentrates the flavors. Then, strain the sauce through a fine sieve to remove seeds—this gives your swirl that smooth, luxurious finish without any grittiness. Set your silky sauce aside to cool while you prepare the other layers.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Using room-temperature cream cheese is key here for a dreamy texture. Beat 8 oz cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Next, add one large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing just until it's fully incorporated. This cheesecake layer will be the rich, velvety counterpoint to the dense brownie base, so take your time to get it silky and smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Cocoa and Flour Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ¾ cup sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This dry mix forms the chocolaty foundation of your brownies. Sifting the cocoa powder prevents lumps and ensures an even flavor throughout.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients for the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup refined coconut oil (or neutral oil), 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Beat these together until well mixed. Then add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a glossy, smooth batter. This step builds the rich, fudgy texture that makes these brownies irresistible.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry cocoa-flour mixture into the wet brownie batter. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the brownies tough, so be gentle. The batter should be thick and luscious, ready to be spread into your pan.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers with a Beautiful Raspberry Swirl

Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease using 2 tablespoons of oil to ensure easy removal later. Spread the brownie batter evenly across the bottom. Carefully pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the brownie base. Then, spoon the raspberry sauce on top in dollops. Using a skewer or toothpick, gently swirl the layers to create that signature marbled, raspberry swirl effect that looks just as good as it tastes!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the assembled brownie layers for 35 minutes. You'll want the edges set and the center just slightly soft to the touch—that fudgy texture we’re aiming for. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 8: Cool, Chill, and Cut Into Hearts

Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature—patience here pays off for clean slices! Once cooled, place the brownies in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours. This chilling firms them up beautifully, making it easier to cut precise heart shapes without crumbling. When ready, use a heart-shaped cutter to create 9 lovely heart brownies. Serve them up with a smile and enjoy every decadent bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe can seem a bit tricky, but with these helpful tips, you'll be a pro at getting that perfect swirl and a clean heart shape every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your cream cheese and eggs at room temperature makes the cheesecake layer silky smooth and easy to blend without lumps.
Strain the Raspberry Sauce Thoroughly: I used to skip this step, but straining out the seeds really elevates the texture — no crunchy surprises in these brownies!
Chill Before Cutting: Patience here really pays off. Chilling the brownies for the full 2 hours helps them firm up, so the heart-shaped cutter glides through cleanly without crumbling.
Lightly Grease and Line Your Pan: Greasing the pan with those extra 2 tablespoons of oil along with parchment paper ensures your brownies come out effortlessly, keeping those beautiful edges intact.

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

To enhance their visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle the brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves on the side add a refreshing pop of color and brightness. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some melted dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

These heart-shaped delights pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese. A simple mixed berry salad or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea complements the rich chocolate and tangy raspberry swirl perfectly, making any occasion feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days. Chilling not only preserves the cheesecake layer’s creamy texture but also keeps the raspberry swirl vibrant.

Freezing

Want to keep these treats longer? Wrap each heart-shaped brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you love your brownies a bit warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This brings back the fudgy softness without melting the cheesecake layer completely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen raspberries before cooking them down for the sauce. They work just as well as fresh raspberries and add that lovely tart flavor.

Why should I chill the brownies before cutting?

Chilling firms up the cheesecake layer and brownie base, making it much easier to cut clean heart shapes without crumbling or smudging your beautiful raspberry swirl.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good-quality gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture tender and delicious.

What if I prefer less sweet raspberry sauce?

You can reduce the sugar in the raspberry sauce by half to balance the tartness more to your liking without losing the bright raspberry flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Raspberry Swirl Heart-Shaped Brownies Recipe — from swirling the glossy raspberry sauce to cutting out those perfect hearts, it’s a lovely way to share a little extra love through dessert. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day or just because, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments around your table. Happy baking!