Can I make Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping) without a heart-shaped cutter?

Absolutely. You can bake the brownies in a regular square or round pan and simply slice them into squares. But if you want that heart shape without a cutter, try using a small knife and stencil or folding paper into a heart to trace. They’ll still taste incredible.

How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking while baking?

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. Bake at a moderate temperature—around 325°F—and don’t overmix the cheesecake batter. Let the brownies cool gradually after baking to avoid shock that causes cracks.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of preserves?

Yes, but you’ll want to cook them down with a little sugar into a thicker compote first. The goal is a swirlable texture that won’t seep too much into the batter.

What’s the best way to store Heart Shaped Brownies (with Raspberry Swirl and Cheesecake Topping)?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a single layer for up to a month—just let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Heart Shaped Brownies: 1 Stunning Recipe with Raspberry & Cheesecake

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar (for cheesecake layer)
1 egg (for cheesecake layer)
1/2 tsp vanilla (for cheesecake layer)
1/4 cup raspberry preserves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter and chocolate chips together. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add sifted flour, cocoa, salt, and espresso powder. Mix just until combined.
Pour brownie batter into pan. Smooth evenly.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over brownie layer.
Drop raspberry preserves over cheesecake layer. Swirl with toothpick.
Bake for 35–38 minutes or until center is just set. Cool completely.
Chill for at least 1 hour. Use heart-shaped cutter to cut and serve.

Notes

Use seedless raspberry preserves for smoother texture.
Freeze scraps to use in parfaits or trifles later.
Best served slightly chilled or at room temp.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian