To me, Valentine’s Day never quite feels complete without a delicious Valentine’s dessert. One of my favourites is this raspberry brownie recipe. They’re rich, fudgy and surprisingly easy to make. The deep chocolate flavour, paired with the slight tang of the raspberries, makes them feel special and romantic without much effort. You can make them from start to finish in under an hour and they look lovely served with a good glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 260 g dark chocolate (70%), chopped
- 225 g unsalted butter
- 420 g caster sugar
- 170 g plain flour
- 4 large eggs
- A generous handful of fresh raspberries
For the white chocolate topping
- 200 g white chocolate, finely chopped
- 100 g double cream
You’ll also need
- A baking tin about 23 x 33 cm
- Baking paper
Method
1. Prepare the tin
Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan oven). Line the tin with baking paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter
Place the dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Make sure the bowl fits perfectly on the pan so the steam doesn’t escape, as this can affect the chocolate. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water. Stir gently until everything is smooth and fully melted, then remove from the heat.
3. Stir in the sugar
Add the caster sugar and mix until everything is combined. The mixture will look thick and slightly grainy.
4. Add the flour and eggs
Stir in the flour until just incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the batter is smooth and glossy.
5. Fold in the raspberries
Gently fold the raspberries into the batter, taking care not to overmix so they keep their shape. Alternatively, you could choose to place the raspberries on top of the batter once it is in the tin and press them in slightly. This gives you a bit more control over how they’re distributed.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into the lined tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the surface is set with a light crackle and the centre still feels slightly soft. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s best to keep an eye on them and look for these visual signs rather than relying only on the clock. Let the brownies cool completely in the tin.
6. White Chocolate Topping
Place the chopped white chocolate in a bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it’s just about to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate and leave it for a minute. Stir gently until smooth. Let it cool slightly until it thickens, then spread it over the cooled brownies. Add a few extra raspberries on top if you like. Chill briefly to set, then cut into squares.
Share your Valentine’s Dessert
Now it’s time to slice the brownies, put them on a nice plate and enjoy them together. They’re rich enough to share, which makes them perfect for a relaxed Valentine’s evening at home. Add a cup of tea, a glass of wine or a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
No matter who you are baking for, whether you’re baking for a partner, a friend or just yourself, a homemade dessert always makes the day feel a little more special. Simple, warm and made with care is often all you really need.
Have a lovely Valentine’s Day and enjoy every bite.