Name: Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, diced; 3 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 12 oz raspberries (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; Pinch of kosher salt; Powdered sugar, for sprinkling on finished brownie hearts

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If you’re looking for a dessert that blends rich chocolatey goodness with a bright, fruity twist, you will absolutely fall in love with the Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe. These delightful treats feature perfectly baked, fudgy brownies cut into adorable heart shapes and sandwiched with a luscious, fresh raspberry buttercream that’s both tangy and sweet. Every bite feels like a celebration, making this recipe a perfect choice for special occasions or just because you deserve a little love in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white mixing beater with thick, smooth pink frosting swirled around its metal blades, resting on a dark textured surface. Nearby, there are several fresh raspberries scattered loosely around the beater, their red color bright and contrasting with the pale pink frosting. The scene is simple, focusing on the textures of the creamy frosting and the bumpy surfaces of the raspberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the ideal texture and flavor balance.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup diced for brownies, plus 1/2 cup at room temperature for buttercream): Adds richness and moisture to both the brownies and the frosting.
Unsweetened baking chocolate (3 oz. chopped): Brings deep, intense chocolate flavor to the brownies.
Sugar (1-1/2 cups): Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that moist brownie texture.
Large eggs (3): Bind ingredients and give brownies structure without losing their fudgy nature.
Instant espresso powder (1 tsp.): Enhances chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Pure vanilla extract (1-1/2 tsp.): Adds warmth and complexity to the brownies and frosting.
Kosher salt (1/4 tsp. for brownies, pinch for buttercream): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Provides structure without weighing down the brownies.
Powdered sugar (about 3-1/2 cups): Essential for the smooth, sweet raspberry buttercream.
Fresh or frozen raspberries (12 oz.): The star ingredient in the buttercream, offering a bright, natural fruitiness.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/2 tsp.): Adds a subtle tart note, elevating the raspberry flavor.

How to Make Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownies

Start by preheating your oven to 325° F and lining a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with heavy foil, leaving some foil overhang to help lift the brownies out later. Lightly spray with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal. Melt the butter and unsweetened baking chocolate together over very low heat, stirring gently. Once smooth, whisk in the sugar, then the eggs one at a time. Stir in espresso powder, vanilla, and salt for that extra depth of flavor before gently folding in the sifted flour. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes until the tops are just set but still moist inside. Cooling completely in the pan is key before moving on to the next step to make cutting easier.

Step 2: Make the Fresh Raspberry Buttercream

While the brownies cool, you can create the vibrant raspberry buttercream that makes these sandwiches memorable. Simmer fresh or frozen raspberries in a saucepan until they break down into a loose sauce, then strain through a double-layered cheesecloth to remove the seeds. Press out every bit of juice for maximum flavor. Reduce this juice gently to a thick 1/4 cup of intensely flavorful liquid. Once cooled, beat the room-temperature butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, raspberry reduction, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy, which will spread beautifully between your brownie hearts.

Step 3: Cut and Assemble the Brownie Hearts

Carefully lift the cooled brownies from the pan using the foil overhang, then use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your brownie shapes. A height of about 1/2″ thickness works best for sturdy sandwiches. Be gentle when removing the brownies from the cutters to keep those charming edges intact. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a medium-large round tip with your raspberry buttercream, piping a generous, even layer around the inside edge of one brownie heart and filling the center fully. Top with another heart and gently press down to create a sandwich. Repeat until you’ve used up your brownies or buttercream.

Step 4: Finish and Present

The final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a delicate sweetness and a lovely visual contrast against the deep chocolate. Use a fine shaker or sieve to dust the sandwiches evenly, making sure they look as delightful as they taste.

How to Serve Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe

Several heart-shaped chocolate sandwich cookies are arranged on a white marbled texture. Each cookie has two dark brown chocolate layers dusted with powdered sugar and a thick pink cream filling in the middle. Scattered fresh red raspberries surround the cookies, along with a small silver spoon filled with powdered sugar on the left side. The overall scene shows different sizes of cookies and raspberries, creating a cozy and sweet presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh raspberries or mint leaves as a garnish can enhance the visual appeal and echo the fresh berry flavor inside the sandwiches. A light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries can also add texture and beauty.

Side Dishes

These heart sandwiches pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing pairing, serve alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling rosé to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking multiple sandwiches on a tiered dessert tray for a stunning centerpiece, perfect for parties or romantic celebrations. You can also individually wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for charming take-home favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will maintain freshness and keep the buttercream firm for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm before transferring them into a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to one month this way, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed chilled, simply thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Avoid microwaving as it will melt the buttercream and affect texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries only, or are frozen raspberries okay?

Both fresh and frozen raspberries work beautifully for the buttercream. Just make sure to thaw frozen raspberries completely before cooking them down to ensure smooth sauce and proper texture.

What size should my cookie cutter be for these brownie hearts?

A cookie cutter about 3 inches wide and 1-1/2 inches tall is ideal to create hearty sandwiches that hold the buttercream nicely without crumbling.

Can I make the brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.

Is instant espresso powder necessary?

While optional, the espresso powder really enhances the chocolate’s depth without imparting coffee flavor. If you prefer, you can omit it, but your brownies will be even more decadent with it included.

How do I prevent the buttercream from being too runny?

Make sure to reduce the raspberry juice well and allow it to cool before mixing it into the buttercream. Additionally, adding powdered sugar gradually until the mixture holds its shape will ensure the perfect piping consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making these Shaped Brownie Heart Sandwiches with Raspberry Buttercream Recipe is a joyful, rewarding experience that results in a dessert both stunning and delicious. Whether for a loved one or simply a special treat for yourself, these heart-shaped sandwiches bring chocolate and berry perfection to every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find that the effort is absolutely worth it as you enjoy each sweet, fudgy, and creamy bite shared with those you care about most.