Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
There’s something incredibly special about baking with raspberries and cream cheese, and that’s precisely what makes these Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies a favorite in my kitchen! I can still recall the first time I made these delightful brownies. It was a rainy afternoon, and the scent of melting chocolate filled the air as I whisked together the ingredients. The vibrant color of the raspberry jam swirled into the rich, dark batter was just as captivating as the taste. These brownies not only bring joy to my palate but also create beautiful memories with each bite I take. The creamy filling combined with the tartness of the raspberries creates a perfect balance that leaves you wanting more.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 30 mins
30 mins
60 mins
Medium
240 kcal
4 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
11 g
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Food Processor, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk
Why This Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies Is a Winner
Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the primary reasons I love these Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies is the harmonious blend of flavors. The richness of the cream cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the raspberry jam, creating a delightful taste experience.
Texture That Astounds
The texture is a standout feature; each bite offers a luscious, fudgy brownie complemented by a creamy, velvety filling. This sensory experience is what makes them so memorable. I often find myself savoring each bite, allowing the flavors to dance on my tongue.
Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these brownies fit perfectly into any scenario. They make a fantastic dessert for birthdays or dinner parties, and I often whip them up during the spring when raspberries are in season.
Easy to Make
The simplicity of the recipe is another reason it holds a special place in my heart. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you don’t have to be a culinary expert to impress your friends and family. In no time, you’ll be enjoying warm brownies fresh out of the oven!
Perfectly Pairing with Coffee
Another delightful aspect of these brownies is how well they pair with a good cup of coffee. I love serving them alongside a rich espresso or a creamy cappuccino. The flavors blend seamlessly, making for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Lastly, I love how these brownies satisfy my sweet tooth without overwhelming it. The balance of chocolate, cream cheese, and raspberry makes each bite a decadent but not overly sweet experience.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies Shopping List
The ingredients for these Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich cream cheese to the tart raspberry jam, these ingredients come together beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, at room temperature. This is the star of the filling, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1½ cups, divided. This sweetness balances the tartness of the raspberry jam.
- Egg Yolk: 1, adds richness to the cream cheese filling.
- Vanilla Extract: 2¼ teaspoons, divided. A bit of this aromatic ingredient enhances the flavor of both batter and filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: ⅔ cup, helps structure the brownies.
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon, provides a bit of leavening for a lighter texture.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, enhances the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: 8 tablespoons, adds richness and moisture to the batter.
- Unsweetened Chocolate: 4 ounces, is the base of the brownie, creating that rich chocolate flavor.
- Raspberry Jam: ½ cup, divided. This adds sweetness and tartness, and swirls beautifully into the brownies.
- Eggs: 3, provide moisture and structure to the brownies.
Cooking Method for Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
Making these Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies is a fun and rewarding process! Each step brings you closer to that delicious final product. Let’s dive into the cooking method and create something special.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an essential step that ensures even baking. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, allowing excess to hang over the edges. This will help you lift the brownies out later. Grease the foil lightly to prevent sticking.
In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, the egg yolk, and ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Process until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the filling that adds richness to your brownies.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture provides the structure for your brownies. Set it aside as we prepare the chocolate batter.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and unsweetened chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until smooth. This process will melt the chocolate and butter together, creating a luscious mixture.
Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of the raspberry jam until combined. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Add the remaining 1¼ cups of granulated sugar, the eggs, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Stir until well combined. This is where the brownie batter starts to come together.
Gently fold in the flour mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want a fudgy texture!
In a separate bowl, microwave the remaining ¼ cup of raspberry jam until warm, about 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. This will be dolloped onto the brownie batter for that beautiful swirl.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Next, dollop the cream cheese filling over this layer. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure to cover the batter.
Now dollop the warm raspberry jam evenly over the cream cheese filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the filling. This will create beautiful marbled patterns.
Finally, spread the remaining brownie batter over the filling, ensuring it covers the jam and cream cheese. Bake in your preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, approximately 50 to 60 minutes.
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours. Using the foil overhang, lift the brownies from the pan and cut them into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Things Worth Knowing
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsweetened chocolate for the best flavor. The chocolate is the backbone of the brownie, so make it count!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily into the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough brownies.
- Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up and makes them easier to slice.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
When it comes to baking, having a few tips up your sleeve can make all the difference. Here are some pro tips and tweaks to elevate your baking experience while making Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies.
- Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
- Freezing: You can freeze these brownies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Pairing: Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The creaminess complements the flavors beautifully.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different jams or berries. A layer of strawberry jam or even some chopped nuts can add an interesting twist.
- Serving Warm: For a truly decadent experience, warm the brownies slightly in the microwave before serving. They’ll be gooey and melt-in-your-mouth!
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a show-stopping presentation, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Serving This Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
Serving up Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies is as delightful as making them! Here are some great ways to present and enjoy this amazing dessert:
- Occasions: These brownies are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even a casual family dinner. They always impress and are sure to please a crowd!
- Side Dishes: Pair these brownies with a simple fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream. The contrast of flavors will enhance the overall dessert experience.
- Garnishing: Top with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This not only looks appealing but also adds a fresh flavor burst.
- Seasonal Pairings: These brownies shine in spring when fresh raspberries are in season, but they can be enjoyed year-round. They are a comforting dessert in any season!
- Storing Leftovers: Ensure any leftovers are stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll be around that long!
- Presentation: When serving, consider cutting the brownies into different shapes, such as triangles or hearts for a fun twist!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience filled with rich flavors and creamy textures. With a balance of tartness and sweetness, each bite leaves a lasting impression. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. You won’t be disappointed!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, allowing excess to hand over the pan edges. Grease foil; set aside.
- Process the cream cheese, ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg yolk, and ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract in a food processor until smooth; set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
- Microwave the butter and chocolate in a large bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 1 minute. Whisk in ¼ cup of the raspberry jam and cool slightly.
- Add the remaining 1¼ cups sugar, the eggs, and remaining 1½ teaspoons vanilla to the chocolate mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add the flour mixture and stir until incorporated.
- Microwave the remaining ¼ cup raspberry jam until warm, about 30 seconds; stir until smooth.
- Scrape half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter and spread into an even layer.
- Dollop the warm jam evenly over the filling and swirl to partially combine.
- Spread the remaining brownie batter evenly over the filling. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Cool completely, about 2 hours. Using the foil overhang, lift the brownies from the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Tip 2: You can freeze these brownies for up to three months.
- Tip 3: Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different jams or berries.
- Tip 5: For a truly decadent experience, warm the brownies slightly before serving.
