Delicious Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delightful mini desserts that combine a rich, creamy filling with a burst of fresh raspberry flavor, all nestled in a buttery, crisp crust. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a special snack. Their elegant appearance and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
The inspiration for Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites came from a summer garden party. I wanted to create a dessert that was both refreshing and easy to eat while mingling. The combination of tangy raspberries and smooth cream cheese, encased in a delicate crust, turned out to be a hit. Guests couldn’t get enough, and they quickly became the star of the party. Now, they’re a go-to treat for any special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance and a lot of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese filling is smooth and luscious, perfectly complemented by the tartness of the raspberries.
- Bite-Sized Delight: These mini treats are perfect for serving at parties or as a quick, satisfying snack.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bites are easy to whip up.
- Elegant Presentation: Their beautiful appearance makes them a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients Notes For Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, while a touch of powdered sugar adds a delicate finish.
- Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust or phyllo dough simplifies the preparation.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into small circles using a cookie cutter. Press the dough circles into the mini muffin tin to form small crusts.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Fill Crusts: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each crust, filling about 3/4 of the way. Place a raspberry on top of each filled crust, gently pressing it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezer: Freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Fruits: Substitute raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the bites after baking.
- Nut Crust: Use crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter as an alternative crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling.
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Q: How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
A: Pre-bake the crusts for 5 minutes before adding the filling to help keep them crisp.
Q: Can I make these bites ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Delicious Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry thawed
- 1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- Fresh raspberries optional, for garnish
- Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill the Pastry Squares: Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Add a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square toward the center, pressing gently to seal.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
