Heart Shaped Brownies with Zesty Raspberry Lemon Frosting

Heart Shaped Brownies
Imagine a dessert so charming, so utterly irresistible, that it communicates pure affection without a single uttered word. That’s precisely what my Heart Shaped Brownies with Zesty Raspberry Lemon Frosting aim to do! I still vividly recall the very first time I embarked on this sweet adventure for my partner’s birthday. The kitchen was a delightful chaos of flour dust and chocolate streaks, a testament to the passion poured into every step, but the pure delight that lit up their face upon seeing those perfectly fudgy, heart-shaped wonders, crowned with that vibrant, zesty frosting, made every single messy second worth it.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This Heart Shaped Brownies isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to infuse your baking with genuine warmth, a celebration of those small, victorious moments when a simple treat brings immense joy. While I often find myself exploring healthier dessert alternatives, like whipping up a batch of delicious protein brownies with monk fruit and chickpea for guilt-free indulgence, there are times when only the classic, soul-satisfying richness of a decadent brownie will truly hit the spot. So go ahead, let your heart lead the way in the kitchen, and prepare to share a little piece of your soul, deliciously, with every single bite of these magical, celebratory treats.
Heart Shaped Brownies with Zesty Raspberry Lemon Frosting
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIndulge in rich, fudgy Heart Shaped Brownies crowned with a bright, zesty raspberry lemon frosting. A perfect, homemade treat for any heartfelt occasion!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Raspberry Lemon Frosting:
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh raspberries, mashed or puréed and strained
Pinch of salt
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh raspberries
Lemon zest
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and glossy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Do not overbake!
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board.
- For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with lemon juice, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the lemon zest and strained raspberry purée. Add a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and a beautiful pink color.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter (about 2-3 inches wide) to cut out individual heart shaped brownies. Wipe the cutter clean between each cut for neat edges.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and extra lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- The Secret to Fudgy: For that perfectly fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, resist the urge to overbake! Brownies are notoriously easy to overcook, turning them cakey. Pull them out when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not liquid batter, and definitely not completely clean. Trust me on this one; a slightly underbaked brownie is always better than an overbaked one!
- Raspberry Lemon Frosting Magic: To get the most vibrant color and intense flavor in your frosting, use fresh, ripe raspberries. After mashing them, pushing them through a fine-mesh sieve removes all the tiny seeds, giving you a silky-smooth purée. And for that zesty kick, don’t skimp on fresh lemon zest; it really brightens up the whole dessert!
- Shaping with Love: For the cleanest heart shapes, make sure your brownies are completely chilled before cutting them. You can even pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes after they’ve cooled. Wipe your cookie cutter clean with a damp cloth between each cut to prevent crumbs from sticking and ensure every heart is picture-perfect. A little care goes a long way!
