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Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.8 from 68 reviews

Indulge in the decadent Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies, combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with creamy raspberry-infused cheesecake swirls. This delightful dessert offers a beautiful marbled effect with a burst of raspberry flavor, perfect for any occasion or a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesecake Batter

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 Tablespoons (26g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • Optional: freeze-dried raspberry powder (see Note)

Brownie Batter

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, sliced into 8 Tbsp-size pieces
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (26g/30ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (62g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon hot water
  • 3/4 cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (75g) raspberry jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Adjust your oven rack to the lower-third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Set aside.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until smooth and lump-free, about 2 minutes. Incorporate sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and freeze-dried raspberry powder if using, blending until fully combined. For a more vibrant pink color and intensified raspberry flavor, add raspberry powder gradually. Finally, beat in the egg just until combined. Set aside.
  3. Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop, then transfer to a large bowl if necessary. Whisk in the sugar and oil, allowing the mixture to rest for 1 minute to cool slightly. Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and hot water, mixing until you have a thick and smooth batter. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully.
  4. Assemble the Brownies: Spread approximately one-third of the brownie batter evenly into the lined pan. Drop large spoonfuls of half the cheesecake batter over the top. Then alternate spoonfuls between the remaining brownie batter and the rest of the cheesecake batter. Gently bang the pan on your work surface a few times to settle the batters. Add small spoonfuls of raspberry jam across the top and use a knife to swirl the layers gently. Bang the pan a few more times to settle everything evenly.
  5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 33 to 40 minutes. Start checking around 33 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached. To prevent over-browning, tent the brownies with aluminum foil after 25 minutes of baking.
  6. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow the brownies to cool entirely for at least 3 hours to set the cheesecake layer properly.
  7. Cut and Store: Use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Freeze-dried raspberry powder is optional but adds both color and intensified raspberry flavor to the cheesecake layer.
  • Tenting with foil midway through baking is recommended to avoid over-browning the top of the brownies.
  • Ensure all eggs and dairy ingredients are at room temperature to create smooth batters and better texture.
  • Cooling the brownies completely before slicing allows the layers to set properly, preventing crumbling or mixing of layers.

Keywords: raspberry cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, cheesecake swirl, dessert recipe, fudgy brownies, raspberry jam, chocolate chip brownies