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Raspberry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

These small batch raspberry cheesecake swirl brownies are rich, fudgy, and beautifully swirled, making them a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers without excessive leftovers.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time28 minutes
Total Time43 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brownies, cheesecake, Fudgy, Raspberry, small batch
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

For the fudgy brownie base

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped or chips
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temp
  • 1 large egg yolk at room temp
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

For the cheesecake swirl

  • 6 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 small egg room temp

For the raspberry swirl

  • 1/2 cup raspberries fresh or frozen, no need to thaw if frozen
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

Make the raspberry swirl

  • In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring and gently smashing the berries, until they release juices and start to thicken. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook 30 to 60 seconds until glossy and thick. Remove from heat and let it cool to lukewarm.
  • Optional: Press through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a smooth swirl.

Brownie and cheesecake batters

  • Brownie batter first: Melt butter and chopped chocolate together in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, whisk in both sugars, then the egg, yolk, and vanilla. Sprinkle in the cocoa, flour, and salt, and fold until combined.
  • Cheesecake swirl next: In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese until very smooth. Add sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until no lumps remain, then whisk in the egg just until blended.

Assemble and bake

  • Spread about two thirds of the brownie batter into your lined pan. Dollop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture on top, leaving exposed brownie in between.
  • Add small spoonfuls of raspberry sauce over the cheesecake areas and bare brownie spots. Spoon the remaining brownie batter over any large gaps.
  • Using a skewer or butter knife, gently swirl the layers together with figure eight motions.
  • Bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 22 to 28 minutes. Edges should look set and slightly puffed, and center should have a slight jiggle.
  • Let the pan cool on a rack until barely warm, then chill for at least 1 hour for clean slices. Lift the slab out by the parchment and cut into 9 squares.

Notes

Cool the raspberry sauce before mixing in the cheesecake layer. Room temperature ingredients are key for a smooth batter. These brownies can be stored at room temperature for one day, then moved to the fridge where they stay fresh for 4 days. Freeze squares individually for up to 2 months.