Cheesecake and brownies are two dessert classics that everyone loves. This recipe combines the creaminess of a cheesecake and the rich taste of brownies with a fruity twist of raspberries. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a holiday, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The raspberry cheesecake brownies are a delightful surprise that is sure to impress anyone.
The ingredients needed for this recipe are mostly common household items, but you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for a few. Fresh raspberries might be seasonal depending on where you live, but they are a crucial part of this recipe. You can use frozen raspberries, but fresh ones really provide the best flavor and texture. Similarly, raspberry preserves might not be a staple in your pantry, but they are used in the cheesecake layer for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Butter: Adds richness and aids in the baking process.
Chocolate: Gives the brownies their characteristic deep, chocolatey flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and cheesecake layer.
Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the batter.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in the recipe.
All-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient in the brownie batter.
Salt: Brings out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Cream cheese: Gives the cheesecake layer its creamy texture.
Raspberry preserves: Adds a fruity flavor to the cheesecake layer.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries provide natural sweetness and aesthetic appeal.
One reader, Daveen Dunning says:
These raspberry cheesecake brownies are a game-changer! The fudgy brownie base perfectly complements the creamy raspberry cheesecake swirl. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy raspberry is simply divine. It's a showstopper dessert that's sure to impress everyone. I can't wait to make them again!
Techniques Required for Making Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
How to prepare fudge brownies: Melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly for about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate/butter mixture until combined. Add in the eggs 1 at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour and salt.
How to prepare raspberry cheesecake swirl: With a hand-held mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, egg yolk, and raspberry preserves in a medium bowl for about 1 minute until completely smooth. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the prepared brownie batter. Drizzle with the last ¼ cup of brownie batter. Glide a knife through the layers, creating a swirl pattern.
How to bake the brownies: Bake the brownies for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out almost clean. Cover the brownies after 20 minutes to avoid the top from browning too much and too quickly. Allow the brownies to cool completely for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares.
How To Make Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Everyone will love these delightfully fudgy Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies, topped with the goodness of raspberry cheesecake frosting and fresh raspberries!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Fudge Brownies:
- ½cupbutter,unsalted
- 8ozchocolate,semi-sweet, coarsely chopped
- 1¼cupsgranulated sugar
- 3large eggs
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- ¾cupall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
- ¼tspsalt
For Raspberry Cheesecake Layer:
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- ¼cupgranulated sugar
- 1egg yolk
- ¼cupraspberry preserves,or raspberry jam
- raspberries,for topping, optional
Instructions
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Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line the bottom and sides of an 11×7-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides.
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Set aside.
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Set out 8 ounces of cream cheese for the cheesecake layer and allow to soften while preparing the brownies.
Fudge Brownies:
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Melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a medium saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly for about 6 minutes.
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Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
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Stick the chocolate/butter mixture into the refrigerator to cool to room temperature quicker.
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Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate/butter mixture until combined.
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Add in the eggs 1 at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition.
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Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour and salt.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan, reserving ¼ cup of batter.
Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl:
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With a hand-held mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, egg yolk, and raspberry preserves in a medium bowl for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
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Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the prepared brownie batter.
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Drizzle with the last ¼ cup of brownie batter. Glide a knife through the layers, creating a swirl pattern.
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Press a few raspberries into the top.
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Bake the brownies for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out almost clean, which may be shorter or longer. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick.
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Cover the brownies after 20 minutes to avoid the top from browning too much and too quickly.
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Allow the brownies to cool completely for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares.
Recipe Notes
- For a pinker cheesecake layer, add 2 to 3 drops of red food coloring.
- For faster cooling, set the brownies on the counter for 30 minutes, then in the refrigerator for 2 hours to speed up the process.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions: Brownies stay fresh stored in the refrigerator for 1 week, and may be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Jam: Use preferred raspberry jam, seedless or not. Instead of jam, ¼ cup of raspberry puree can be used.
- Brownie Mix: Use preferred box brownie mix instead, but their flavor does not compare to homemade.
Nutrition
- Calories: 233.63kcal
- Fat: 12.83g
- Saturated Fat: 7.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.64g
- Carbohydrates: 29.14g
- Fiber: 0.84g
- Sugar: 23.53g
- Protein: 2.74g
- Cholesterol: 59.88mg
- Sodium: 84.85mg
- Calcium: 22.87mg
- Potassium: 78.20mg
- Iron: 0.79mg
- Vitamin A: 94.89µg
- Vitamin C: 0.35mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
When making the raspberry cheesecake brownies, it's important to ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to mix and result in a smoother, creamier texture. If you forget to take it out of the fridge in advance, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for about 15-20 seconds. Also, when swirling the brownie and cheesecake layers, don't overdo it. A few simple, broad strokes with your knife will create a beautiful marbled effect. If you swirl too much, the two layers will mix together and you won't get that distinct, attractive pattern.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Prep ahead: Prepare the raspberry cheesecake layer and brownie batter the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use quality ingredients: Using high-quality chocolate, cream cheese, and raspberry preserves will enhance the flavor of the brownies and cheesecake layer, making the end result even more delicious.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start, measure out all the ingredients and have them organized and ready to use. This will streamline the baking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, and it works well in baking recipes.
chocolate - Substitute with cocoa powder and oil: You can use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of oil for every ounce of chocolate. This substitution maintains the chocolate flavor and texture in the brownies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners can add a different depth of flavor to the brownies and are suitable replacements for granulated sugar.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce or mashed banana: These can act as binding agents and add moisture to the brownies, creating a similar texture to eggs.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative, and it adds a nutty flavor to the brownies.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, and it's a healthier alternative.
raspberry preserves - Substitute with strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves can offer a similar fruity sweetness and texture to the raspberry layer in the brownies.
Presenting Your Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the raspberry cheesecake brownies, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use clean lines and carefully position the brownie squares to showcase the layers and swirls.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Introduce a pop of vibrant color and a burst of fruity flavor by garnishing the plate with fresh raspberries. Their bright hue will add visual appeal and complement the raspberry flavor in the dessert.
Incorporate a drizzle of raspberry coulis: Create an artistic touch by adding a delicate drizzle of homemade raspberry coulis to the plate. The vibrant red sauce will not only enhance the dessert's presentation but also provide a delightful contrast to the brownie squares.
Dust with powdered sugar: Before serving, delicately dust the plate with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. This subtle touch will add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Accompany with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream: Elevate the dessert by serving it with a perfectly shaped quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream. The smooth, creamy texture and aromatic vanilla specks will complement the richness of the brownies and add a luxurious element to the presentation.
Utilize edible flowers for a sophisticated touch: Introduce a touch of sophistication by incorporating delicate, edible flowers into the presentation. Choose flowers that are safe for consumption and use them sparingly to add a refined and elegant aesthetic to the dessert plate.
Essential Tools for Making Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Hand-held mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It typically has two beaters and various speed settings.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Baking pan: A rectangular or square pan used for baking brownies, cakes, and other baked goods.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering baking dishes and wrapping food for storage.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by providing controlled heat.
Storing and Freezing Your Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Allow the raspberry cheesecake brownies to cool completely to room temperature. This may take up to 4 hours.
- Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in.
- Store the covered brownies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- If you want to freeze the brownies, cut them into squares and wrap each square individually in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped brownie squares in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the raspberry cheesecake brownies for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the desired number of brownie squares from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
- For best results, consume the thawed brownies within 2-3 days.
Interesting Fact About Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
The brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Is Making Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies at Home Cost-Effective?
This raspberry cheesecake brownies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including butter, chocolate, cream cheese, and raspberry preserves, are commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of raspberries may increase the cost slightly, but the overall expense is reasonable. The delightful combination of rich fudge brownies and creamy raspberry cheesecake layer makes this recipe a solid 9 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly dessert option.
Are Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The raspberry cheesecake brownies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. The main ingredients contributing to its indulgent nature are:
- High amounts of butter and chocolate, which are rich in saturated fats
- Significant sugar content from granulated sugar and raspberry preserves
- Cream cheese adding to the overall fat content
- All-purpose flour lacking fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
However, the inclusion of raspberries does provide some nutritional benefits, as they are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising too much on taste and texture, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and replace a portion of it with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar
- Decrease the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, or simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar used
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese to lower the overall fat content
- Increase the number of raspberries used to boost the fiber and vitamin content of the dessert
Editor's Opinion on This Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
The combination of rich fudge brownies and creamy raspberry cheesecake creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home bakers, and the addition of raspberry preserves and fresh raspberries adds a burst of fruity sweetness. The careful swirling technique ensures a visually appealing marbled effect. However, to enhance the overall presentation, consider incorporating a decorative raspberry drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar. Overall, this recipe offers a delectable treat that is sure to impress both visually and in taste.
Enhance Your Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate brownies and luscious raspberry cheesecake, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fudgy brownie base is made with premium chocolate and real butter, ensuring a decadent and indulgent treat. The raspberry cheesecake layer features creamy cream cheese and tangy raspberry preserves, adding a delightful fruity twist. The combination of these high-quality ingredients guarantees a delectable dessert that will impress any palate. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to create a memorable and irresistible dessert experience.
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