Description
These heart shaped brownies combine rich chocolate brownie layers with smooth cheesecake and a sweet-tart raspberry swirl. Baked in one pan and chilled for clean cuts, they’re an elegant yet approachable dessert for Valentine’s Day, gifting, or cozy nights in. The flavors deepen as they set, making them a great make-ahead option that stays beautiful for days.
Ingredients
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1 cup raspberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg, room temperature
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
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¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¾ + 2 tbsp cup refined coconut oil or neutral oil
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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3 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
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Combine the raspberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and ⅓ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, and salt until evenly blended.
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In another bowl, mix the oil, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spread the brownie batter evenly into the pan.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
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Spoon the raspberry sauce over the cheesecake layer and gently swirl with a skewer or toothpick to create a marbled pattern.
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Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft.
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Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
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Remove the chilled brownies from the pan and cut into heart shapes before serving.
Notes
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Chilling is essential for clean cuts and defined layers.
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Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.