If you’re looking for the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love, these heart shaped brownies are it. Rich, fudgy, and filled with a creamy cheesecake layer and raspberry swirl, they’re not just delicious—they’re stunning. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or just because, cutting brownies into heart shapes adds that special something to a timeless dessert. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: from making your own raspberry sauce to swirling it like a pro. We’ll also answer common questions like how to store them and what types of brownies exist. Ready to bake something beautiful?
Why Heart Shaped Brownies Are So Special
Using a heart cookie cutter might sound simple, but it transforms ordinary brownies into something delightful. They’re perfect for school lunches, dessert trays, or wrapping in a cute box for someone special. The cheesecake and raspberry swirl elevate the chocolate base, making them rich and flavorful while still easy enough for a weeknight bake. Incorporating fresh raspberries keeps things tangy, and the cream cheese swirl adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Beyond Valentine’s Day, heart shaped brownies make great gifts for anniversaries, bridal showers, or just because. And they freeze well, so you can stash a few for when you need a little pick-me-up.
For another pretty treat, try our Mexican pink cookies (polvorones rosas)—they’re just as colorful and heartfelt.
What You’ll Need to Make Raspberry Swirl Heart Shaped Brownies
These brownies aren’t just chocolatey, they’re layered with flavor. From the rich base to the creamy cheesecake and tangy raspberry swirl, every ingredient plays a role. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these heart shaped brownies shine.
For the raspberry swirl:
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the brownie base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for variation)
- ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp refined coconut oil (or neutral oil like canola)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Whether you’re making these brownies for Valentine’s Day or just to treat your loved ones, it’s important to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese. They combine more smoothly and help the layers bake evenly.
Kitchen Tools for Perfect Brownie Swirls and Shapes
You don’t need a bakery setup, just a few simple tools:
- Mixing bowls: One for dry, one for wet, one for cheesecake
- Saucepan: For simmering raspberry sauce
- Electric mixer: To beat the cream cheese until fluffy
- 8×8 inch baking pan: Lined with parchment for easy lift-out
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter: The star of this show
How to Make Heart Shaped Brownies
Baking Heart Brownies the Easy Way
Making heart shaped brownies from scratch might sound like a bakery-level project, but it’s actually quite straightforward. The key is to take your time with the layers and let everything cool before you cut out the hearts. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Raspberry Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat:
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Once smooth, add:
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat again until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (sifted)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp coconut oil (or neutral oil)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (one at a time, whisking after each)
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet. Stir until just combined—do not overmix. .
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.
Then, drizzle raspberry sauce on top and use a skewer or butter knife to swirl gently. Don’t overdo it—you want clear ribbons, not muddy color.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. The top should look set with slight cracks and a shiny finish. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 6: Cut into Hearts
Once chilled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your heart brownies.
Save the scraps—they’re perfect crumbled into ice cream or layered into parfaits.
Serving, Variations & Storage for Heart Shaped Brownies
How to Serve Heart Shaped Brownies Beautifully
These raspberry swirl heart shaped brownies are elegant enough for a romantic dinner and cute enough for a kid’s Valentine’s Day party. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting makes the heart shapes pop.
- Drizzle with extra raspberry sauce or melted chocolate.
- Plate with fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Wrap in cellophane with ribbon for edible gifts or classroom treats.
- Stack on a tiered tray for a Valentine’s dessert bar.
These brownies are rich and flavorful, so serve smaller portions if you’re offering multiple desserts. Looking for something to balance them out? Our tres leches cake makes a perfect pairing with its light and milky sweetness.
Flavor Variations and Storage Tips
Want to change things up? These heart shaped brownies are highly adaptable.
Variations:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- No raspberry? Try strawberry or cherry preserves instead.
- Add chocolate chips to the brownie layer for more texture.
- Swirl peanut butter instead of cheesecake for a bolder twist.
- Use white chocolate drizzle for a Valentine’s contrast.
Storage Tips:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 1 week—especially helpful with the cream cheese layer.
- Freezer: Freeze cut brownies on a tray for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently in the microwave. For best texture, let them come to room temp before serving.
These brownies freeze exceptionally well, making them ideal for prepping ahead. You can even freeze the whole pan before cutting into hearts, then slice once thawed.
Print
Heart Shaped Brownies – Fudgy, Beautiful Valentine’s Day Treat
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 heart brownies
- Category: Brownies, Valentine’s Day, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These heart shaped brownies with raspberry swirl and cheesecake layers are the perfect romantic dessert. Rich, fudgy, and easy to cut into sweet hearts!
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
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
1. Simmer raspberries, sugar, and vanilla over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until thickened. Strain to remove seeds and set aside.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, then mix until creamy.
3. Whisk flour, cocoa, and salt in one bowl. In another, mix oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one by one. Combine both mixtures just until blended.
4. Spread brownie batter in lined pan. Pour cheesecake mixture on top. Spoon raspberry sauce over and swirl gently with a skewer.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours. Cut into heart shapes and serve.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth texture. Strain the raspberry sauce to remove seeds for best mouthfeel. Chill brownies before cutting for clean heart shapes.
FAQ Section
How to make heart shape brownies?
After baking and fully cooling your brownie slab, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to press out brownie hearts. For best results, chill the brownies before cutting to get clean edges and minimal crumbling.
What is in a Killer brownie?
A “Killer brownie” usually refers to a multi-layered brownie packed with fudge, caramel, nuts, and chocolate chips. It’s ultra-rich, decadent, and often triple-layered. This recipe has similar indulgence with its fudge base, creamy cheesecake, and raspberry swirl.
What are the three types of brownies?
The three main types of brownies are:
Cakey – lighter with more flour and baking powder.
Fudgy – rich and dense, like these heart shaped brownies.
Chewy – a balance between fudgy and cakey, often with a crisp edge.
How long do heart brownies last?
Heart shaped brownies can last 4 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer. Store in an airtight container or wrap individually for best results.
Conclusion
These heart shaped brownies aren’t just dessert—they’re a heartfelt gesture, a slice of nostalgia, and a moment shared with the people you love most. With their rich chocolate base, creamy cheesecake center, and tangy raspberry swirl, they’re everything you want in a Valentine’s Day treat—and more. Whether you’re baking for your kids, your partner, or yourself, these brownies make love taste a little sweeter.