These heart-shaped brownies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. With a rich chocolate flavor and a soft, fudgy texture, they will surely make anyone smile!
Making these brownies fun is what I love most! They’re easy to cut into heart shapes, so I can share them on special days or just because. Who can resist a cute brownie? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness. If you’re out, you can use a similar amount of coconut oil or even margarine, though it might slightly change the flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is best here, but for a different sweetness, try using brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste.
Eggs: You need these for moisture and binding. If you’re looking for an egg-free version, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. If you only have Dutch-process cocoa, it will work, but the flavor might be a little different.
Raspberry Jam or Puree: Fresh raspberries can be substituted if you want a fresher taste. Just smash them a little and mix them into the cream cheese. You can also use other berry jams like strawberry or blackberry!
How Do I Swirl Cream Cheese into the Brownies?
Swirling cream cheese into brownie batter can seem tricky, but it’s all about gentleness. Here are my tips to help you get a beautiful marbled effect:
- Start with a smooth cream cheese mixture. Be sure to mix it until there are no lumps, making it easy to swirl.
- When assembling, add dollops of the cream cheese mixture rather than spreading it. This way, it will stay fluffy.
- Use a skewer or a knife and make gentle swirling motions. Don’t overdo it; you want to see the white and chocolate layers.
The key is to be gentle—too much mixing will just make it a solid color!
How to Make Heart-shaped Raspberry Swirl Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Raspberry Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons raspberry jam or fresh raspberry puree
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the brownies cool completely before cutting, which may take around 30 minutes. So, overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 8×8-inch square baking pan ready by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little overhang so you can lift the brownies out easily later on!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the granulated sugar. Mix them together well! Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This will give your brownies that delicious flavor!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Now slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is nicely combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your brownies to be soft and fudgy!
4. Prepare the Raspberry Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until it’s smooth. Then gently fold in the raspberry jam or puree. This mixture adds a lovely fruity swirl to your brownies!
5. Assemble the Batter and Swirl:
Now it’s time to layer! Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Take spoonfuls of the raspberry cream cheese mixture and drop it on top. Then, add the rest of the brownie batter on top of that, and finish with more dollops of the raspberry mixture!
6. Create the Swirl Effect:
Using a skewer or a knife, carefully swirl the raspberry cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter. You want a pretty marbled pattern, so don’t stir too much! Just a little will do.
7. Bake:
Pop your brownies into the oven and bake them for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When they’re done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. This will keep your brownies nice and fudgy.
8. Cool and Cut:
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your adorable heart-shaped brownies.
9. Serve:
Enjoy these lovely heart-shaped raspberry swirl brownies as they are, or pair them with fresh raspberries for an extra touch! Perfect for sharing with friends and loved ones!
These delightful brownies combine rich chocolate and creamy raspberry for a sweet treat everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry is delicious, you can use any fruit jam or puree you prefer, such as strawberry, blueberry, or even cherry. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese as a substitute. Both will provide a creamy texture, but the flavor will be slightly different. You can also skip it altogether for plain brownies!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Brownies Vegan?
You can certainly make vegan substitutions! Use a plant-based butter, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for each egg), and opt for a vegan cream cheese. The taste will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
