Name: Raspberry Cheesecake Heart 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 tbsp refined coconut oil or neutral oil; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that looks as charming as it tastes, this Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe is calling your name. Imagine rich chocolate brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and tangy raspberry—baked into adorable heart shapes. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo!

The image shows four heart-shaped brownies placed on white parchment paper over a golden wire rack. Each brownie has two visible layers: a dark brown base layer with a smooth texture, and a creamy light beige top layer swirled with dark red raspberry patterns creating a marbled effect. Fresh raspberries are scattered around the brownies on the white marbled surface, and there is a white bowl filled with raspberries in the top right corner. The 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 Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how these heart-shaped brownies bring a special touch to any occasion, especially Valentine’s Day. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat—each bite feels like a little love letter in dessert form.

Deliciously Decadent: The combination of rich cocoa, creamy cheesecake, and raspberry swirl hits every perfect flavor note.
Fun and Festive: Heart shapes make these brownies especially charming and great for gifting or celebrations.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together in an impressive, bakery-quality dessert.
Make Ahead Friendly: Chilling time ensures clean cuts and flavors that develop beautifully after a few hours in the fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering quality ingredients is key here. Feel free to pick fresh or frozen raspberries depending on the season, and don’t skip the Dutch-process cocoa—its deep chocolate flavor really elevates these brownies.

Flat lay of fresh red raspberries scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of smooth vanilla extract, a block of cream cheese with a clean-cut edge, three whole brown eggs with uncracked shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, another small white bowl holding rich Dutch-process cocoa powder, a pinch of fine salt in a tiny white bowl, a small white bowl containing glossy refined coconut oil, all ingredients spaced symmetrically with perfect balance, 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: Fresh or thawed frozen works perfectly for making a vibrant, naturally tart sauce that balances the sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Important for sweetening both the raspberry sauce and cheesecake layer.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to every layer – don’t underestimate it!
Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese ensures a silky, smooth cheesecake texture.
Large Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps everything blend seamlessly in the batter and cheesecake layers.
All-Purpose Flour (or Gluten-Free Blend): This keeps the brownies tender yet structured, whether you need gluten-free or not.
Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Sifted for smoothness, it delivers that luscious, rich chocolate flavor.
Salt: A pinch enhances the chocolate notes and balances the sweetness.
Refined Coconut Oil or Neutral Oil: Refined coconut oil adds subtle richness without overwhelming the chocolate, but neutral oil works just as well.

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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 parts about the Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to fit your tastes or special occasions. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or make it work for different dietary needs, there’s always a way to make these brownies uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and surprisingly, the texture stays just as fudgy and rich. Perfect for sharing with friends who need gluten-free treats without sacrificing taste.
Oil Alternatives: Sometimes I use a neutral vegetable oil instead of refined coconut oil, especially if I want a subtler flavor or don’t have coconut oil on hand. It works beautifully and keeps the brownies moist.
Seasonal Berry Swaps: While raspberries are divine, I’ve experimented using fresh strawberries or blackberries when in season. The cheesecake swirl with different berries creates a fun color and flavor twist that’s sure to impress.
Extra Crunch: For a little surprise, try folding in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter before baking. It adds a wonderful texture contrast that I adore!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe

The image shows two square brownies stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each brownie has three layers: a thick dark brown chocolate layer at the bottom, a creamy light yellow cheesecake layer in the middle with bits of red raspberry sauce swirling through it, and a top layer of cheesecake with more red raspberry swirls, forming a marbled pattern. In the background, there are more brownies and a small white bowl filled with fresh red raspberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Simmer Your Raspberry Sauce to Perfection

Start by combining 1 cup of fresh or thawed frozen raspberries with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan. Set it over medium heat and let it simmer gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the raspberries breaking down and the mixture thickening—this is your fragrant, vibrant raspberry sauce starting to form. Once thickened, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove all those little seeds for a silky smooth texture. Set it aside to cool, as it will later add that tangy pop to your cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of room-temperature cream cheese with ⅓ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is velvety and smooth—no lumps here! Then, add 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy. The cream cheese batter should be thick but easy to spread later. Pro tip: using room-temperature ingredients really helps achieve that perfect smoothness, so take them out of the fridge ahead of time.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients in One Bowl

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour (or your gluten-free blend), ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (sifted for a lump-free mix), and ¼ teaspoon salt. This mix will give your brownies their rich chocolate backbone. Taking a moment to sift and whisk these dry ingredients ensures that your batter will be uniform and lovely in texture later on.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients Smoothly

In another bowl, combine ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of refined coconut oil (or neutral oil) with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Then add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This creates a silky smooth and glossy base into which the dry ingredients will be folded. The batter should look shiny and just thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 5: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—stirring just enough to blend keeps your brownies tender and fudgy. A light hand is key.

Step 6: Assemble Your Brownies for the Perfect Swirl

Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and release. Spread the chocolate brownie batter evenly across the bottom. Next, pour the creamy cheesecake layer over it, smoothing gently to cover. Now for the fun part: spoon dollops of your cooled raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Using a skewer or toothpick, swirl the sauce delicately through the cheesecake, creating beautiful marbled patterns. This is where your brownies truly become a piece of art!

Step 7: Bake Until Just Set and Delicious

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the entire assembled pan for 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. The cheesecake layer should look set but still soft in the middle. This careful baking ensures a luscious, gooey texture with a subtle balance between brownie and cheesecake.

Step 8: Cool Completely, Then Chill to Set

Once baked, let the brownies cool completely at room temperature — this can take about an hour. Then it's time to chill them in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Chilling is essential to allow the cheesecake layer to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it makes cutting those perfect heart shapes so much easier!

Step 9: Cut Into Adorable Heart Shapes and Serve

Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to press gently into the chilled brownies, carefully lifting out 9 charming heart shapes. Serve these decadent treats as a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert or a festive way to share love any day of the year. Each bite bursts with rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and sweet-tart raspberry swirl—a truly unforgettable combination.

Top Tip

Mastering the Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe is easier with a few insider tips that ensure perfect texture, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature cream cheese and eggs makes mixing smoother and prevents lumps in your cheesecake layer for that silky finish.
Seed-Free Raspberry Sauce: Straining the raspberry sauce thoroughly removes seeds, giving you that elegant, velvety swirl without any gritty bits.
Gentle Swirling Technique: When swirling the raspberry sauce into the cheesecake mixture, a light hand with a skewer prevents overmixing, keeping your hearts beautifully marbled.
Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the brownies for the full 2 hours to let the cheesecake set firmly, making cutting with a heart-shaped cutter clean and easy—no crumbling!

How to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate batter that has a rich, slightly textured surface with visible swirls from mixing, sitting on a white marbled background. The batter is evenly spread inside the bowl, with some chocolate smudges around the inner edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These little heart-shaped delights are already a showstopper, but some light garnishing can elevate them even more. Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate snow-kissed look, a few fresh raspberries on the side to echo the raspberry swirl, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds a nice color contrast and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance their richness. For a fruity contrast, a simple mixed berry salad or a few slices of fresh mango work wonderfully. If you're aiming for a beverage pairing, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruity rosé wine complements the chocolate and raspberry notes beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and fully chilled, store your Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the cheesecake layer’s creamy texture and keeps the raspberry swirl vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies before cutting by wrapping the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cut into heart shapes and serve. This method keeps the cheesecake and raspberry layers intact and delicious.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature rather than warmed. If you prefer a slightly softer texture after refrigeration, let the brownies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the cheesecake layer’s texture and make the raspberries watery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work well; just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to get the best flavor and consistency for your sauce.

How do I make these raspberry cheesecake brownies gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure your blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

Why should I use refined coconut oil or neutral oil?

Refined coconut or neutral oils have little to no flavor, allowing the rich chocolate and raspberry notes to shine without any competing flavors that could come from unrefined oils.

What if my cheesecake layer cracks while baking?

Minor cracks are normal in baked cheesecake layers. To minimize them, avoid overbaking and cool the pan gradually. The 2-hour chilling step helps the layer set and hide small imperfections.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering how to make these luscious Raspberry Cheesecake Heart Brownies Recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing them. They’re a wonderful way to express love and creativity through baking, boasting rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and sweet, fresh raspberry all in one bite. Whether for Valentine’s Day or a special treat anytime, these heart-shaped beauties really steal the show. Happy baking—and even happier sharing!