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

Let me tell you, there's something irresistibly charming about a dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and a burst of fresh raspberry. This Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is just that – a delightful treat that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or whenever you want to add a little love to your baking.

Four heart-shaped brownies with two layers are placed on white parchment paper over a gold wire rack. The bottom layer is a dark brown chocolate base, and the top layer is creamy white cheesecake with red raspberry swirls creating a marbled pattern. Fresh red raspberries are scattered around the brownies and in a white bowl at the top right corner. The background is a white marbled surface. 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 remember the first time I made these raspberry swirl heart shaped brownies—I was instantly hooked. Not only do they look stunning with their marbled raspberry and cheesecake layers, but every bite is a rich, decadent delight that feels like a special celebration.

Beautiful Presentation: The heart shapes and raspberry swirls make these brownies as gorgeous as they taste.
Layers of Flavor: Chocolate brownie base, creamy cheesecake, and fruity raspberry sauce all in one bite.
Perfect Texture: Fudgy, creamy, and just the right amount of chewiness that melts in your mouth.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill in the fridge to set, making them great for planning ahead of any special occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you gather your ingredients, here’s a little heads-up: using room-temperature cream cheese and eggs makes a smoother cheesecake layer, and choosing Dutch-process cocoa really intensifies that chocolate flavor. Also, don’t skip straining the raspberry sauce—it’s totally worth it for that silky texture without the pesky seeds.

Flat lay of fresh raspberries in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a block of cream cheese with smooth surface on a white ceramic plate, three large whole brown eggs, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of Dutch-process cocoa powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, a small white bowl containing golden refined coconut oil, 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 both work—choose good quality for the best flavor in your raspberry sauce.
Granulated Sugar: Used through the recipe to balance sweetness in sauce, cheesecake, and brownie layers.
Vanilla Extract: It enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the brownies and raspberry sauce.
Cream Cheese: Room temperature for that smooth, creamy cheesecake layer.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help achieve a light and tender texture in both cheesecake and brownies.
All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Blend): The base of the brownie batter, providing structure and chew.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Sifted to avoid lumps and bring that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
Refined Coconut Oil or Neutral Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the brownies fudgy without overpowering taste.

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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 the Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is how easily it can be tailored to suit your tastes or occasion. Whether you want to tweak flavors or accommodate dietary needs, you can make this recipe uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: I often switch the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with similar weight, and the brownies come out just as moist and tender — perfect for sharing with friends who avoid gluten.
Butter Swap: On chilly mornings, I use melted butter instead of coconut oil to add a richer, buttery depth that pairs beautifully with the cheesecake layer.
Seasonal Twist: For a fresh summer flair, swap the raspberry sauce for a swirl of peach or strawberry puree — it still creates that stunning marbled effect with a fruity pop!
Vegan Adaptation: While this recipe calls for eggs and cream cheese, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and flax eggs to craft a compassionate yet delicious version.

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

The image shows two square brownies stacked on top of each other on white parchment paper, each brownie having three layers: a bottom dark chocolate layer, a middle creamy white cheesecake layer with raspberry swirls, and a top layer of the same white cheesecake with more red raspberry swirls, creating a marbled effect. The brownies have a rich, dense texture with clear, clean edges. In the background, there are more brownies and a white bowl filled with fresh red raspberries, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Simmer the Raspberry Sauce

Start by gently simmering 1 cup of raspberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract over medium heat. This usually takes about 5 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens just right. You’ll notice the vibrant red color deepen and the sweet aroma will fill your kitchen. Once thickened, strain through a fine sieve to remove the seeds — this ensures a silky smooth sauce that swirls beautifully without any grit. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other layers.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with ⅓ cup of sugar until perfectly smooth and creamy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, then continue mixing until the mixture is silky and well combined. Be careful not to overbeat — you want a light, luscious texture that’ll bake into a luscious cheesecake topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients for Brownies

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ¾ cup sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly blended. This dry mix is the backbone of your rich, chocolatey brownie base — no lumps here!

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients for Brownies

In another bowl, stir together ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil (or neutral oil), 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Then add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Using room temperature eggs helps everything blend seamlessly and gives a perfect texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry cocoa-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want tender brownies, not dense ones. The batter should be rich and thick, ready to fill the pan.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers in the Pan

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later. Spread the brownie batter evenly on the bottom. Then pour the cheesecake mixture carefully over the brownie layer. Dollop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce on top and gently swirl it with a toothpick or skewer to create that gorgeous marbled effect — you’ll love how the vibrant raspberry threads weave through the creamy cheesecake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 35 minutes. You’re looking for set edges and a cheesecake surface that’s slightly firm but still soft in the middle — a gentle jiggle is perfect. Avoid overbaking to keep that moist, fudgy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Chill for Best Results

Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is essential to fully set the layers and create clean, sharp heart shapes when cutting. It also enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone raves about.

Step 9: Cut Into Heart Shapes and Serve

Carefully lift the chilled brownie slab from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for adorable, uniform treats or a sharp knife for rustic hearts. Serve these beauties chilled for that perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and fruity raspberry swirl — guaranteed to impress at any gathering!

Top Tip

Mastering the Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is easier when you keep a few insider tips in mind. These little pointers can save you time and help you achieve that perfect, luscious texture and beautiful swirl pattern every time.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Starting with cream cheese and eggs at room temperature ensures your cheesecake layer is silky smooth without lumps, giving that dreamy bite.
Strain Your Raspberry Sauce: Passing the sauce through a fine sieve removes pesky raspberry seeds, resulting in a velvety swirl that feels just delightful on the palate.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. This keeps the brownies tender and chewy rather than tough.
Chill Before Cutting: Patience here pays off — chilling the brownies for the full 2 hours helps them firm up, so your heart shapes hold beautifully without crumbling.

How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a rich, slightly rough texture and swirled pattern on the surface, with traces of batter smeared along the inner edges of the bowl, all set on a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To accentuate the rich raspberry and creamy cheesecake flavors, lightly dust your heart-shaped brownies with powdered sugar for a delicate snowy effect. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on the side add a vibrant burst of color and freshness. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or warm raspberry coulis right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these raspberry swirl heart shaped brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy cheesecake layer. Fresh fruit salad with citrus notes or a light berry compote also works wonderfully to balance the rich chocolate and raspberry flavors. For cozy occasions, try serving alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or a fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or mint.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and chilling, keep your Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Chilling helps preserve that perfect creamy texture and keeps the raspberry swirl vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for longer storage. Wrap individual heart shapes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their texture beautifully.

Reheating

These brownies are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn't usually necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly warmed, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften without melting the cheesecake layer. Enjoy immediately for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce?

Absolutely! Just thaw them before cooking to help the sauce thicken properly. The recipe works perfectly with either fresh or thawed frozen raspberries.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter can be used in place of refined coconut oil. It will add a richer, buttery flavor while keeping the brownies moist and tender.

How do I get the best swirl effect with the raspberry sauce?

After dolloping the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer, use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl it in a marbled pattern. Avoid over-swiping to keep distinct swirls that look stunning when baked.

What’s the best way to cut the brownies into heart shapes?

Chill the brownies thoroughly for the full 2 hours first to firm up the layers. Then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for clean edges. If you don’t have a cutter, carefully cutting freehand with a sharp knife works too.

Final Thoughts

Making this Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies Recipe is such a rewarding journey—this dessert brings together rich chocolate, luscious cheesecake, and vibrant raspberry in a way that feels truly special. Whether you're celebrating Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just treating yourself, these heart-shaped delights show how much you care. With these tips and storage advice, you’ll confidently create and savor beautiful brownies that melt in your mouth and warm your heart every time.