Name: Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake 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

If you love the rich decadence of chocolate combined with creamy cheesecake and a burst of fruity raspberry, then this Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is going to steal your heart (pun intended!). It’s a fun and festive twist on classic cheesecake brownies that you simply have to try.

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 Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I get so excited every time I make these brownies because not only do they taste amazing, but their gorgeous raspberry swirl and heart shapes make them perfect for celebrating love or just treating yourself. Plus, making the raspberry sauce from scratch is easier than you’d think!

Delicious flavor fusion: Rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and sweet raspberry all in one bite.
Perfect presentation: Cut into adorable heart shapes that wow at any party or occasion.
Made from scratch: Fresh raspberry sauce adds a vibrant, homemade touch.
Simple steps: Easy to follow, even if you’re new to baking swirled cheesecake brownies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and fruity raspberry. When shopping, look for fresh raspberries or good-quality frozen ones, and don’t skip the room-temperature cream cheese and eggs—it makes all the difference in texture.

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: Whether fresh or thawed frozen, they make a bright, natural sauce that complements the richness perfectly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the raspberry sauce and the cheesecake layer for balanced flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to every layer, tying the flavors together.
Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering that smooth, tangy creaminess.
Eggs: Provide structure to both the cheesecake and brownie batter while keeping things tender and moist.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Gives body to the brownies, making them tender but sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Offers a deep chocolate flavor and darker color—feel free to use natural cocoa if needed, though flavor will vary slightly.
Salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances sweetness.
Coconut oil or neutral oil: Keeps the brownies moist while adding a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.

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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 Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or whipping up a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies welcome a little creativity and personalization.

Variation: Swap the Raspberry Sauce for Strawberry or Cherry. I once tried using fresh strawberries in place of raspberries, and the result was just as delightful—still tart, sweet, and vibrant, but with a slightly different fruity twist. It’s a fun option especially if raspberries aren’t in season.
Gluten-Free Option: For friends who avoid gluten, I swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, with excellent results. It’s just as fudgy and decadent, yet safe for those with sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Twist: You can try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these brownies vegan-friendly. While the texture may be slightly different, the indulgence remains!
Make It Mini: Instead of cutting large hearts, I’ve used mini heart-shaped silicone molds to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gifting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake 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 combining 1 cup of raspberries, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Simmer this mixture gently over medium heat for about 8 minutes until it thickens slightly and smells wonderfully fragrant. Then, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, leaving you with a smooth, vibrant sauce that will swirl beautifully into your cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese with ⅓ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, add 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, blending until everything is perfectly combined with no lumps—this creamy mixture will add that dreamy cheesecake contrast to your rich brownie.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolatey Brownie Batter

Whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), ¾ cup sifted Dutch-process cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. In another large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons refined coconut or neutral oil with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the batter turns smooth and glossy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until blended—overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie, so gentle is the way to go!

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Your Brownies

Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread the rich brownie batter evenly at the bottom. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the top, then spoon dollops of the raspberry sauce across the cheesecake layer. Take a skewer or knife and gently swirl through the layers to create that gorgeous marbled raspberry swirl effect—this part is as fun to watch as it is delicious to eat!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. You'll know they’re done when the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The aroma of chocolate and raspberry will soon fill your kitchen—always a good sign!

Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Cut into Hearts

Once baked, let the brownies cool completely at room temperature. Then, place them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This chilling step firms up the cheesecake layer, making it much easier to cut your brownies into neat heart shapes without crumbling. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for adorable results that are perfect for sharing or gifting.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience making the Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe, helping you achieve the perfect texture and presentation every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature cream cheese and eggs really makes a difference! It helps create that ultra-smooth and creamy cheesecake layer without pesky lumps.
Strain the Raspberry Sauce: I learned that straining the sauce to remove seeds results in a silky texture that beautifully blends into the cheesecake swirl instead of feeling gritty.
Chill Before Cutting: Patience pays off—chilling the brownies for the full 2 hours makes cutting with your heart-shaped cookie cutter much easier and keeps the edges clean and defined.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients for the brownie batter, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of that tender, fudgy texture we want.

How to Serve Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake 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

These heart-shaped beauties pair wonderfully with fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant touch. For a decadent finish, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios for a bit of crunch and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich depth of chocolate and tangy cream cheese. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled rosé complements the flavors perfectly, especially on a romantic occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect if you want to enjoy them over several days without losing that creamy, fudgy texture.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer them slightly warm, gently reheat individual brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or place in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid melting the cheesecake layer too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce?

Absolutely! Use thawed frozen raspberries if fresh aren't available. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid and simmer the mixture until thickened before straining for the best flavor and consistency.

What can I substitute for the Dutch-process cocoa powder?

You can use natural cocoa powder instead, but expect a slightly different flavor profile—more acidic and sharper. The brownies will still be delicious!

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your blend is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture.

Why is it important to chill the brownies before cutting them?

Chilling firms up the cheesecake layer and raspberry swirl, which helps the brownies hold their shape when cut with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. This prevents crumbling and keeps the edges neat.

Final Thoughts

Making these Heart Shaped Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe feels like a warm hug packed with rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and bright raspberry flavors. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or just treating yourself, these brownies never fail to impress with their look and taste. Take your time with the swirling and chilling steps—you'll be rewarded with perfectly tender, luscious brownies every time. Enjoy every bite and share the love!