Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted butter, melted and hot
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp (5ml) Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (45g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) All-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 8 oz (225g) Full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (125g) Fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tbsp (15g) Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Place the raspberries, 15g sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Strain through a mesh sieve to remove seeds and let it cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk the hot melted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk in the cocoa powder to 'bloom' it, then add the 2 eggs and vanilla, whisking vigorously for 2 minutes until smooth and glossy.
- Gently fold in the flour and sea salt until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 3 tablespoons for the top.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and lemon zest until smooth. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the raspberry reduction and the reserved brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors together in a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Once fully chilled, lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang. Use a 2-inch or 3-inch heart-shaped metal cutter to press out the brownies for a clean finish.