Heavenly Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites offer a delightful combination of creamy cream cheese filling, sweet raspberries, and a flaky puff pastry base. These treats are simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a touch of elegance and indulgence. Whether for a special event or a sweet treat, these bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Raspberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon raspberry jam (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake Pastry: Bake the puff pastry squares for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, beating until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Bites: Once the puff pastry squares are cooled, gently press down the centers to create a small well. Spoon the cream cheese filling into each well.
- Add Raspberry Topping: Top each bite with a fresh raspberry. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can warm the raspberry jam slightly and drizzle it over the top of each bite.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calorie Count: 150 kcal per bite
Variations
- Berry Mix: Substitute fresh raspberries with a mix of blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the bites for an additional tangy sweetness.
- Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granola on top of the cream cheese filling for added texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the flakiness of the pastry.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought cream cheese?
Yes, store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this recipe. - Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry squares and cream cheese filling ahead of time, but assemble and top them just before serving. - How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure the cream cheese filling is not too runny, and assemble the bites just before serving. - Can I use frozen raspberries?
Fresh raspberries are preferred, but if using frozen, thaw them and pat dry to prevent excess moisture. - How do I adjust the sweetness?
Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling or the raspberry jam to suit your taste. - Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, phyllo dough can be used, but it will result in a different texture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. - Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites and bake them directly from frozen. - What can I use instead of lemon juice?
You can use lime juice or even a splash of milk in place of lemon juice. - How do I make the bites more festive?
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Heavenly Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious treat that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the fresh, tangy flavor of raspberries, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry. These delightful bites are easy to make and perfect for any gathering where you want to offer a sweet and elegant treat. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled, and watch them disappear quickly!