These heart-shaped brownies are perfect for showing some love! Chewy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweetness, they are sure to make anyone’s day brighter.
Honestly, are there ever too many brownies? I love cutting them into hearts—it’s a fun twist. Pair them with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll be the star of any gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always choose unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the brownies. If you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute. They work well too!
Granulated Sugar: Standard sugar gives the brownies sweetness and texture. For a lower-calorie option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, though it may change the texture slightly.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. If you want more depth, Dutch-process cocoa can be used for a smoother taste. They are not quite interchangeable, so keep that in mind!
Cream Cheese: If you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or a blend of silken tofu with a bit of lemon juice for tang. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are my favorite, but you can easily swap them for other berries like blueberries or strawberries if that’s what you have. Frozen berries work too; just thaw and drain them first!
How Do I Get the Best Marble Effect with the Cream Cheese?
Swirling the cream cheese mixture through the brownie batter is key to getting that beautiful marbled look. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After spreading the brownie batter, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Then, place your raspberries on top—this adds to the swirl effect!
- Using a toothpick or skewer, gently drag it through both the batter and cream cheese. Avoid over-mixing; you want distinct swirls of cream cheese.
- Keep a light hand, and go in a figure-eight motion for a pretty marbled design!
This technique not only looks great but gives every bite that delicious creaminess without losing brownie texture. Enjoy your baking!
Heart-shaped Brownies with Raspberry and Cream Cheese Swirl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cream cheese swirl)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese swirl)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time for the brownies to cool before cutting them into heart shapes. Plan for about 1 hour total before they’re ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent the brownies from sticking!
2. Making the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Then, sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it is nice and smooth. This will be your delicious cream cheese swirl!
4. Assembling the Brownies:
Now that your brownie batter is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared pan. Next, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie batter. As you do this, don’t worry about making it perfect—just scatter it around.
5. Adding Raspberries:
Toss in the fresh raspberries over the brownie and cream cheese layers evenly. This adds a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness of the brownies!
6. Swirling It All Together:
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the brownie batter and raspberries, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Just be careful not to over-mix; you want to see distinct swirls!
7. Baking:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check if the brownies are done by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs sticking to it.
8. Cooling and Cutting:
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 30 minutes. After they have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board.
9. Shaping Your Brownies:
Using a heart-shaped cutter, cut the cooled brownies into heart shapes. Enjoy every bite of your rich, chocolatey creation!
10. Serving:
Serve the heart-shaped brownies as is, or garnish with extra fresh raspberries for a touch of elegance. They’re perfect for sharing with someone special or at any celebration!
This fun and delicious recipe gives you moist, fudgy brownies with a beautiful raspberry and cream cheese swirl, shaped into lovely hearts. Enjoy spreading the love with your delicious treats!
Can I Substitute the Unsalted Butter?
Absolutely! If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter instead—just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. Additionally, coconut oil or margarine can also work as substitutes.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture, or add a small amount if it’s not included.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
To store leftovers, place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well if freezing!
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain excess moisture to prevent your brownies from becoming too wet. They’ll still add that delicious tartness!