Brownies with Raspberry Swirl

Name: Brownies with Raspberry Swirl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

I absolutely adore these brownies with raspberry swirl, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you! The combination of rich, fudgy brownie and tart raspberry is simply irresistible. When I first made these, I was blown away by how easy it was to achieve such impressive results. The raspberry swirl adds a beautiful aesthetic and a burst of flavor that elevates the traditional brownie experience. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

Created by

Tilda Greenwood

Last updated on 2026-01-08T16:13:37.188Z

When I first embarked on making these brownies, I wanted a dessert that would not only be delicious but also visually impressive. The raspberry swirl technique, while simple, creates an aesthetic that will leave your guests guessing how you achieved such artistry. I learned that swirling the raspberry puree gently into the brownie batter ensures a beautiful pattern without completely blending the flavors.

Another tip I found helpful was to mix the raspberry puree with a little sugar before adding it to the brownies. This enhances the flavor and balances the tartness of the raspberries perfectly. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Decadent chocolate base with vibrant raspberry notes
Easy to make and looks impressive on any dessert table
Perfect balance of sweetness and tartness

      

The Perfect Brownie Texture

Achieving the ideal brownie texture is crucial, and using the right proportions of fat and flour plays a significant role. In this recipe, the half cup of melted butter ensures that the brownies are rich and fudgy rather than cake-like. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; beating too much can introduce excess air, resulting in a lighter, cake-like consistency rather than the dense, chewy brownie you want.

The addition of cocoa powder contributes to both flavor and texture. Make sure to use high-quality unsweetened cocoa for the deepest chocolate flavor. The cocoa acts as a dry ingredient that interacts with the melted butter, helping to create that decadent mouthfeel you crave in brownies. Aim for a batter that is smooth yet thick, which will allow the brownies to rise slightly while maintaining a fudgy base.

Mastering the Raspberry Swirl

The raspberry swirl not only adds striking visual appeal but also a delightful contrast in flavor. When cooking the raspberries, it’s important to gently break them down without making a puree. This allows for distinct pockets of tartness throughout the finished brownies. If you find that the mixture is too thick or clumpy, feel free to add a splash of water to help get that perfect, pourable consistency.

For those who may not have fresh raspberries on hand, feel free to substitute with frozen raspberries. Just remember to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This ensures that the swirl maintains the right consistency and doesn’t make the brownie batter too wet. Swirl with confidence, but don’t overdo it; a few gentle strokes with a knife are all you need for that beautiful marbled effect.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Brownie Base

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Raspberry Swirl

1 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure everything is prepped before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect brownies:

Prepare the Raspberry Swirl

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Combine and Swirl

Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking dish. Dollop the raspberry swirl over the brownie batter then use a knife to gently swirl it in, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to mix it too much.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the brownies for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious brownies with raspberry swirl!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This will elevate the dessert experience with the creamy ice cream contrasting against the rich brownie and tangy raspberry swirl.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your brownies with raspberry swirl fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

If you have leftovers, consider freezing them for a treat down the line. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy one, simply thaw it at room temperature or microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly.

Serving Suggestions

For an elevated dessert experience, consider serving these brownies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is a classic that complements the bright raspberry notes beautifully. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar on top can make them even more visually appealing for special occasions.

These brownies also pair wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a side of fresh raspberries to enhance their vibrant flavor. Their rich chocolate base, combined with the tart raspberry swirl, creates a delightful canvas for experimentation. Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and depth if you’re looking to customize the flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using.

→ How do I store the brownies?

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the butter with oil?

While you can substitute oil for butter, it will slightly change the texture of the brownies. Butter provides richness that oil might lack.

→ Can I add nuts to the brownies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the brownie batter for an additional crunch.