Sweetheart Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a smooth pink cream layer and finished with a glossy chocolate topping and festive pink sprinkles. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day, parties, bake sales, or anytime you want a pretty and delicious dessert. These brownies look impressive but are easy to make with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are soft, chocolatey, and not dry. The pink cream layer is smooth and lightly sweet, giving a perfect contrast to the deep chocolate base. The thin chocolate topping adds just the right finish, and the sprinkles make them extra cute and festive.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 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
Pink Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Topping
- Pink sprinkles or candy pearls
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the center is set but still fudgy. Let brownies cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Pink Cream Layer
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add pink food coloring and mix gently.
Step 5: Add the Cream Layer
Spread the pink cream evenly over the cooled brownies. Smooth the top and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Topping
Heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream together until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly, then pour over the pink layer and spread gently.
Step 7: Decorate and Chill
Sprinkle pink sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still soft. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until fully set.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Lift brownies out using parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Notes
- Let brownies cool fully before adding layers
- Use gel food coloring for bright pink color
- Chill between layers for clean slices
- Wipe knife between cuts for neat squares
- Store in the fridge for best texture
Variations
- Use strawberry extract in the cream layer for extra flavor
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate
- Add a thin brownie crumble topping
- Use heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day
- Make them in a 9×13 pan for a larger batch
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a Valentine dessert tray
- Pair with strawberries or raspberries
- Add to holiday dessert boxes
- Serve with coffee or hot chocolate
- Perfect for parties and bake sales
Tips
- Do not overbake the brownie layer
- Use room-temperature cream cheese
- Chill well before slicing
- Line the pan for easy removal
- These brownies taste even better the next day
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Square)
Approx. 290 calories
18g fat
30g carbohydrates
4g protein
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect made one day ahead.
Do these need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream layer.
Can I freeze Sweetheart Brownies?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream layer.
Can I use boxed brownies?
Yes, a boxed brownie mix works fine.
How long do they last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Sweetheart Brownies are a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate with a creamy pink layer and a smooth chocolate finish. They are perfect for Valentine’s Day or anytime you want a sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes.