These heart-shaped brownies are the perfect treat for someone special! Rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of sweetness, they look adorable too!
Who can resist a brownie shaped like a heart? I love making these for celebrations or just to brighten someone’s day. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the brownies. If you’re avoiding dairy, you could use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine instead.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness, but you could substitute it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, try using coconut sugar.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies that rich chocolate flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Dutch-process cocoa or even carob powder, although the taste will differ.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy texture to the swirl. If you want a dairy-free version, try using a nut-based cream cheese alternative, or skip the swirl altogether for just chocolate deliciousness!
Fresh Raspberries: They add a touch of freshness and color. If they’re out of season, you could use strawberries or even a fruit compote for serving.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
Swirling cream cheese into brownie batter can create a beautiful design and adds creaminess, but it requires a gentle touch. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened cream cheese so it mixes easily.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the swirls will take care of that!
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl. Make figure-eight motions or gently fold the cream cheese into the batter for lovely swirls.
- Avoid over-mixing; you want to preserve those marbled patterns!
With these tips, you’ll have a beautiful and delicious heart-shaped brownie that impresses everyone!
Heart-shaped Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
Ingredients:
- 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
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish, optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. After baking, make sure to let the brownies cool before cutting them into heart shapes. Total time will be around 1 hour including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan or lining it with parchment paper will help prevent the brownies from sticking.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove it from the heat, and then stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and well-combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until evenly mixed.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In a small bowl, use a mixer or whisk to blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Layer the Brownie Batter:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly across the bottom.
7. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Then pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese dollops, spreading it out gently.
8. Create the Swirl:
Take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create a beautiful marbled effect. Don’t overdo it; just a few good swirls will do!
9. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. There should be a few moist crumbs on the toothpick when it’s ready.
10. Cool the Brownies:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will make them easier to cut later.
11. Cut into Heart Shapes:
Once the brownies are cool, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your adorable heart-shaped brownies.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Dust the brownies with powdered sugar and serve them with fresh raspberries for a delightful touch. These brownies are perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat!
Enjoy these rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy swirl and delightful heart shape—perfect for celebrations or gifting!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsweetened cocoa powder with dark chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just melt the chocolate and use it in place of the butter and cocoa, adjusting for consistency if needed.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple vanilla frosting as a substitute or skip the swirl altogether for delicious plain brownies. Alternatively, ricotta cheese can work for a different, but still creamy texture.
