Name: Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided; 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee granules; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar; ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup seedless raspberry preserves, slightly heated and stirred until smooth

I absolutely adore sharing this Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe because it perfectly captures that magical combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and the bright, tangy burst of raspberry preserves. From the first bite, you get a luxurious blend of decadent chocolate with just the right amount of fruity sweetness swirling through. It’s honestly one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something truly special that feels homemade but oh-so indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe

What makes this recipe so unforgettable for me is the way the chocolate and raspberry swirl together into a beautifully marbled masterpiece. The brownies themselves are wonderfully fudgy and dense, studded with chocolate chips that add a lovely texture contrast. The raspberry preserves add a tangy pop that cuts through the richness, balancing the intense chocolate flavor in a way that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Another thing I love about this recipe is that it isn’t complicated or time-consuming, yet delivers a dessert that tastes like you put hours into it. The melting of the chocolate and butter, the espresso-enhanced batter, and the gentle swirling of raspberry preserves all come together with ease, making the experience enjoyable rather than stressful. It’s honestly a pleasure to make and share.

This recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Whether I’m making it for Valentine’s Day, a family gathering, or a casual weekend treat, it always steals the show. What truly makes these raspberry swirl brownies stand out is their balance of flavors and the from-scratch element that elevates them well beyond any boxed brownie mix. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love too!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a round chocolate dessert with two slices cut out, sitting inside a dark baking pan on a white marbled surface. The dessert has one thick layer with a rich, glossy dark chocolate swirl pattern on top of a matte, tender chocolate base that looks soft and slightly cracked. The outer crust is firm and darker brown, forming a raised edge around the dessert. In the lower right corner, there is a white bowl filled with bright red raspberries, adding a pop of color. The scene includes a pink textured cloth beneath the baking pan and part of a woman's hand barely visible holding the pan edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together to make the ultimate treat, each adding its own magic to the mix—from the chocolate’s depth to the raspberry’s bright finish. I love how straightforward this list is, but the impact is anything but basic.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Unsalted butter: This provides a rich, creamy base for the chocolate to melt into, ensuring fudgy texture.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Divided into two portions, these add bursts of melty, luscious chocolate throughout the brownies.
Unsweetened chocolate: Gives the brownies a deep, intense chocolate flavor that’s not overly sweet.
Large eggs: They bind the ingredients and add moisture, making the brownies beautifully dense but tender.
Instant espresso powder: Just a tablespoon elevates the chocolate’s flavor without making it taste like coffee—trust me, this is a game-changer.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that rounds out all the flavors perfectly.
Sugar: The perfect amount to sweeten without overpowering the chocolate’s richness.
Flour: Balanced carefully to keep the brownies dense but moist.
Baking powder: Just enough to provide a slight lift without compromising fudginess.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, including the chocolate and raspberry preserves.
Seedless raspberry preserves: Slightly warmed and swirled in, they bring that fresh, fruity zing that makes these brownies unforgettable.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by adjusting your oven rack to the center position and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure the foil goes up the sides and over the edges. Then generously butter and flour the foil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt together the butter, 8 ounces of the semisweet chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water. Stir steadily until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Slowly pour in the warm chocolate and butter mixture, stirring gently to blend everything together without cooking the eggs.

Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet chocolate mixture, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make brownies tough.

Step 5: Toss the remaining 4 ounces of chocolate chips with the leftover 2 tablespoons of flour in a small bowl—this prevents the chips from sinking—and then fold them into the batter evenly.

Step 6: Divide the brownie batter between the two prepared pans, spreading it into an even layer. Next, spoon dollops of the warm raspberry preserves over the batter in each pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the preserves through the batter, creating those gorgeous marbled raspberry streaks.

Step 7: Tap the pans lightly on your counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles for an even bake. Place both pans in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know they're done when the centers are set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 8: Let the brownies cool completely in the pans. Then, carefully lift them out using the foil overhang as a sling. Flatten the foil edges and slice each round into 8 wedges with a large, sharp knife for neat presentation.

Servings and Timing

This Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe yields 16 generous brownies, perfect for sharing or for savoring over several days. The prep time is a quick 20 minutes, mostly hands-on melting and mixing. The bake time takes about 25 minutes, with an additional cool-down period to let the brownies set fully—plan on around 45 minutes total from start to finish. The cooling step is crucial for that clean swirl pattern and fudgy texture I love so much.

How to Serve This Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe

Two triangular pieces of dark brown chocolate brownie sit on a white plate with a white marbled texture under it. The brownie layers show a dense and moist interior with chocolate chips baked inside, and the top layer has a shiny, slightly cracked chocolate surface with darker chocolate swirls. Bright red raspberries with a soft, bumpy texture are placed on and around the brownies, adding a fresh color contrast. The image focuses closely on the dessert, giving a warm and inviting feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these raspberry swirl brownies, I like to plate them with a little extra flair to match their luscious flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on the side really highlight the fruity swirl, creating a beautiful presentation that feels festive but simple.

These brownies are incredible at room temperature, allowing the fudgy texture and balanced flavors to shine through. If you want to warm them, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens the chocolate just enough, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

For beverages, I often recommend pairing these with a rich cup of coffee, a creamy vanilla milkshake, or even a glass of chilled rosé for a grown-up twist. Because they strike a great balance of sweet and tangy, they also play nicely with subtle sparkling water with lemon, making them perfect any time you want a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to experiment, you could swap out the raspberry preserves for other fruit jams like blackberry, cherry, or even apricot, each bringing its own unique twist to the swirl.

If you’re gluten-free, I’ve had great success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour with no compromise to texture or flavor. For vegan adaptations, replacing the butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg mix instead of regular eggs works surprisingly well, though the texture may be slightly different—still delicious!

For a flavor variation, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the chocolate chips for added crunch. You could also experiment with baking the batter in a single 9x13 pan for a thicker brownie or in muffin tins for adorable individual portions that are great for parties.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store leftover raspberry swirl brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If my kitchen is warm, I prefer the fridge to keep them fresh longer—just bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their fudgy texture and vibrant flavors.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully, which is perfect if you want to make a batch and save some for later. I wrap individual wedges tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer container or bag. They keep for up to three months in the freezer without losing their flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

When reheating, I find the best method is a gentle microwave zap for about 10 to 15 seconds to warm them through without drying them out. Avoid overheating as it can make the chocolate seize or the brownies tough. If you prefer oven warming, cover the brownies with foil and heat in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberry preserves for the swirl?

Yes, but you’ll want to thaw the preserves and stir them until smooth before swirling. This helps create even, beautiful ribbons in the batter and ensures they spread nicely without clumping.

What if I don’t have espresso powder? Can I skip it?

You can omit the espresso powder if needed, but I recommend adding it because it deepens the chocolate flavor wonderfully without adding any coffee taste. If you skip it, the brownies will still be tasty but lacking that extra depth.

Can I make this recipe in one pan instead of two?

Absolutely! You can bake the batter in one 9x13-inch pan for thicker brownies. Just watch the bake time carefully—it may take a little longer, around 30 to 35 minutes, so start checking at the 25-minute mark.

How fudgy are these brownies? Will they be cakey?

These brownies are definitely on the fudgy side, thanks to the balance of butter, chocolate, and flour. They are dense and moist rather than cakey. The slight baking powder helps just enough lift for softness without fluffiness.

Can I use other fruit preserves besides raspberry?

Of course! While raspberry offers a perfect tart contrast, you can experiment with strawberry, cherry, or even fig preserves for delicious variations. Just make sure to slightly warm and smooth the preserves before swirling.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Raspberry Swirl Brownies (From-Scratch + AMAZING!) Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes I always keep in my dessert rotation because it feels special yet is so approachable. Every batch I make delights friends and family, and the flavor combo never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these luscious raspberry-infused brownies just as much as I do!