These heart-shaped brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfect for sharing! They’re simple to make and add a sweet touch to any occasion, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just a treat for someone special.
Honestly, who can resist a brownie that looks like a heart? I love cutting them out and sprinkling some powdered sugar on top. It makes them look fancy, but really, they just want to be devoured! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for brownies to control salt levels. If you’ve run out, you can use margarine or coconut oil as alternatives. Just make sure to melt them before mixing!
Chocolate: Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate provides a rich taste. If you prefer a sweeter option, you can use milk chocolate. For a dairy-free option, look for dark chocolate with high cocoa content.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add a bright flavor, but if they’re not available, you can use frozen raspberries. They work equally well when thawed and lightly mashed.
Cream Cheese: Store-bought cream cheese is convenient, but if you’re looking for a lighter alternative, try Greek yogurt. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will give you a creamy texture.
How Do I Make the Perfect Swirl for My Brownies?
Creating a beautiful swirl with cream cheese and raspberries can be tricky, but here’s how to do it:
- After pouring your brownie batter into the pan, prepare the cream cheese mixture and raspberry mash first.
- Use a spoon to drop dollops of the cream cheese mix on top of the brownie batter, then add the raspberry mixture.
- To swirl, take a toothpick or skewer and gently stir back and forth without overmixing. Aim for a marbled look, not a complete blend!
This technique not only looks impressive but also adds fantastic flavor in every bite. Patience is key—take your time and enjoy the process!
Heart-shaped Brownies with Raspberry Cream Cheese Swirl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz (115 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (70 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Raspberry Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice for tartness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Make sure to give it some time to cool afterward. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying these brownies in about an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate. Heat them together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until everything is melted and smooth. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and light in color.
4. Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture:
Slowly add the melted chocolate and butter to the egg mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, and gently fold them into the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Pour and Prepare for Swirling:
Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Make the Raspberry Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) until smooth and creamy.
8. Prepare the Raspberries:
Gently mash the raspberries in a separate bowl, just enough to release some juice while still retaining some texture.
9. Create the Swirl:
Dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the batter, then add spoonfuls of the mashed raspberries. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the mixtures together to create a beautiful marbled pattern.
10. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set while the middle remains slightly soft.
11. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’re cooled, carefully remove them from the pan, and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual brownies.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your heart-shaped brownies as they are, or give them a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch!
Happy baking! Enjoy your luscious heart-shaped brownies with a lovely raspberry cream cheese center!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! While bittersweet or semisweet chocolate is recommended for a rich flavor, you can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter brownie. Just keep in mind that using sweeter chocolate may alter the overall taste and sweetness of the brownies.
What If I Don’t Have Raspberries?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh raspberries, consider using other fruits like strawberries, cherries, or blueberries. You can also leave out the fruit altogether for a delicious cream cheese swirl brownie!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your cocoa powder is also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is suitable.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
