These Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake, and a tangy raspberry swirl. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or date nights, this showstopping dessert is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Each bite delivers a luscious mix of chocolate and fruity flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds – Brownies and cheesecake in one irresistible dessert.
- Beautiful & Impressive – The raspberry swirl creates a gorgeous marbled effect.
- Rich & Fudgy – A perfect balance of creamy and chocolatey goodness.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for gifting, parties, or just indulging.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions make this a no-fail recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownie Layer
- ½ cup butter, unsalted, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Raspberry Swirl
- ½ cup raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries blended)
Directions
1. Prep and Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until smooth.
- Pour ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, reserving the rest for later.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
4. Add Raspberry Swirl & Brownie Swirls
- Drizzle raspberry puree over the cheesecake layer.
- Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top.
- Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the brownie, cheesecake, and raspberry layers together.
5. Bake & Cool
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
6. Slice & Serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9-12 brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Strawberry Swirl: Swap raspberries for pureed strawberries.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
- Extra Chocolatey: Stir in chocolate chips for more decadence.
- Lemon Cheesecake: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a citrusy touch.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a flaxseed egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: These are best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Just blend and strain them to remove excess liquid before swirling into the batter.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set, but the center should have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely! Just prepare the mix as instructed and follow the same layering and baking steps.
Do I need to chill these brownies before serving?
Yes, chilling helps set the cheesecake layer for clean, perfect slices.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Can I use a different fruit for the swirl?
Yes! Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries all work well.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?
Don’t overbake! The center should still be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa works best for a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
How do I get perfect swirls?
Use a skewer or butter knife and gently swirl in a figure-eight pattern without overmixing.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies are a perfect mix of rich, fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and tangy raspberry goodness. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just a personal treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a dessert that’s both elegant and indulgent!
PrintRaspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake, swirled with a vibrant raspberry puree for the ultimate indulgent dessert. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or a special treat, these showstopping brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a viral-worthy dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Swirl
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries blended and strained)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt and gently fold until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Mixture
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
Step 3: Swirl with Raspberry Puree
- Drizzle raspberry puree over the cheesecake layer.
- Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the raspberry and cheesecake into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for another 1-2 hours for best texture.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and let them firm up in the fridge.
- Use store-bought raspberry jam if fresh raspberries aren’t available.
- Add dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even richer taste.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American