Name: Best Raspberry Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491240H2M49S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or melted semi-sweet chocolate; 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries; 2 tbsp sugar (for raspberry swirl)

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These raspberry swirl brownies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the bright, tangy flavor of raspberries. The marbled swirl not only adds a pop of color but also a fruity layer that perfectly complements the deep chocolate base. It’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe strikes a balance between dense, chewy chocolate brownies and a tart raspberry swirl that cuts through the richness. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make, and I can serve it at casual get-togethers or fancier occasions. The contrast of flavors and textures makes every bite memorable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate (melted or chips)
Fresh or frozen raspberries
Sugar (for raspberry swirl)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, I simmer the raspberries with a bit of sugar until they break down and form a thick sauce. I set it aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, I melt the butter and mix in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
I stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and melted chocolate until just combined.
I pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
I drop spoonfuls of the raspberry sauce over the top of the brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in.
I bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
I let the brownies cool completely before slicing to get clean, defined swirls.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 brownies. Prep time is roughly 15 minutes, and baking takes about 30 to 35 minutes. I usually give them another 30 minutes to cool completely before cutting.

Variations

Sometimes I switch things up by using white chocolate chips in the batter for a sweeter contrast. I’ve also added chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. If I want a more intense raspberry flavor, I swirl in a raspberry jam reduction instead of fresh berries. And for an extra decadent touch, I top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate once cooled.

Storage/Reheating

I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap each square individually and keep them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I microwave a brownie for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

FAQs

What kind of raspberries should I use?

I use either fresh or frozen raspberries, depending on what I have on hand. Frozen raspberries work just as well once cooked down into a sauce.

Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?

Yes, I’ve tried it with a good-quality boxed mix as a shortcut. I just prepare the batter as instructed, then swirl in the raspberry sauce before baking.

How do I get perfect swirls?

I use a toothpick or the tip of a butter knife and gently drag it through the raspberry dollops in a swirling motion. I try not to overdo it so the swirls don’t blend completely into the batter.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and make sure the chocolate I use is dairy-free. It still turns out rich and fudgy.

Why are my brownies too gooey or underbaked?

Brownies can be tricky since they continue cooking as they cool. I remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean. Then I let them rest before cutting.

Conclusion

These raspberry swirl brownies are a dreamy combination of tart and sweet, rich and fruity. They’re easy to whip up and impressive to serve. Whether I’m making them for a special gathering or just treating myself, I know they’ll be a hit every time.