9×13 Baking Pan: Essential for creating the perfect brownie base with even baking.
Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of brownies.
Electric Mixer: Helps blend butter, sugars, and other ingredients smoothly.
Food Processor: Perfect for pureeing fresh raspberries into a smooth sauce.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing brownie and raspberry layers separately.
Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and creating swirl patterns.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
Whisk: Useful for blending dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
Step-by-Step for Fudgy Raspberry Brownies
Raspberry Brownie Bliss
Oven Preparation Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Brownie Base Create a rich chocolate foundation by blending melted butter with sugars, then whisking in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in flour, cocoa, and a pinch of salt for deep, decadent flavor.
Raspberry Magic Transform fresh raspberries into a vibrant puree using a blender or food processor. In a separate bowl, whip cream cheese with sugar until silky, then incorporate an egg, vanilla, salt, and flour. Swirl the raspberry puree through the creamy mixture for bursts of fruity goodness.
Layering Technique Spread the chocolate batter evenly across the prepared pan. Carefully dollop the raspberry cream on top, then use a knife to create beautiful swirls that marry the two layers together.
Baking Perfection Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The brownies are ready when they're set but still have a slight wobble in the center.
Cooling and Cutting Allow the brownies to cool completely, which helps them set and makes cutting into perfect squares a breeze. Slice and serve these show-stopping dessert bars that balance rich chocolate with tangy raspberry.
Flavor Tips & Toppings to Try
Berry Ripple Magic: Create mesmerizing swirl patterns by using a toothpick or thin knife to drag raspberry mixture through brownie batter, creating artistic marbled designs.
Raspberry Depth Boost: Replace half the raspberry puree with seedless raspberry jam for intensified fruit flavor and smoother texture that complements rich chocolate base.
Make-Ahead Strategy: These brownies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent freezer burn.
Texture Transformation: For extra fudgy results, reduce flour by 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream to enhance moisture and richness.
Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different berry options like blackberries or mixed berry puree to create unique variations that still maintain the delightful chocolate-fruit balance.
Presentation Tips for Sweet Brownies
Dessert Bar Extravaganza: Cut brownies into elegant rectangular bars for a sophisticated dessert platter perfect for parties or gatherings.
Berry Bliss Pairing: Serve chilled with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and fresh raspberries scattered around the plate for a luxurious touch that enhances the raspberry flavor.
Coffee Corner Companion: Slice brownies into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange alongside espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat that balances sweet and rich flavors.
Gifting Gourmet Option: Package brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with a decorative ribbon for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes incredibly indulgent.
Storing Raspberry Brownies Correctly
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their rich raspberry swirled texture.
Freezing Magic: Individually wrap brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats will stay delicious for 3 months, ready for unexpected sweet cravings.
Room Temperature Tips: Let brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their soft, fudgy consistency and bring out the vibrant raspberry flavor.
Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more decadent dessert experience.
Indulgent chocolate brownies featuring raspberries offer a delightful dessert from Belgium’s rich culinary traditions. Sweet-tart fruit complements rich chocolate, creating a memorable treat you’ll savor with pure enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (237 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs
8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder
¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
3 tbsps (23 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh raspberry puree (about 3 oz (85 g) fresh whole raspberries)
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp kosher salt
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
Fresh raspberries
Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating an overhang for effortless extraction.
Brownie Base Creation: Merge melted butter with sugars until silky, then integrate eggs and vanilla extract, whisking to a harmonious blend.
Dry Ingredient Integration: Delicately fold flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the liquid mixture, maintaining a luxurious, velvety consistency without aggressive stirring.
Raspberry and Cream Cheese Layer: Transform raspberries into a vibrant puree, then whisk cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Incorporate egg, vanilla, salt, and flour, blending until uniform.
Layer Composition: Infuse raspberry puree into the cream cheese mixture, creating a rose-tinted marbled filling. Pour chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Artistic Swirling: Gently spoon raspberry cream cheese layer over the brownie base, using a knife to generate intricate swirls that intertwine chocolate and raspberry.
Baking Process: Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the center sets and edges crisp slightly.
Cooling and Serving: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into precise, decadent squares.
Notes
Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients gently to maintain a velvety texture, avoiding tough brownies by mixing just until combined.
Raspberry Swirl Technique: Use a knife to create artful marbling, drawing gentle lines through layers for a stunning visual and flavor blend.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set properly and ensures clean, precise cuts.
Temperature Matters: Watch brownies closely at 35-40 minutes, looking for a set center and slightly crisp edges to prevent overbaking and dryness.
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice.
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.
Emily Roberts
Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.