Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the tangy goodness of cream cheese with the sweetness of ripe raspberries, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry. The perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Not only is it simple to make, but it also looks impressive, making it a great choice for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer, dessert, or sweet treat, Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry jam)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp sugar (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares.

3. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.

5. Top the cream cheese with a few fresh raspberries or a spoonful of raspberry jam.

6. Fold the corners of the puff pastry squares to the center, creating little pockets. Pinch the edges to seal them.

7. Brush the tops of the pastry with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.

8. Sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top for a light, sweet crunch.

9. Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

10. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 bites (1 per square)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

1. Berry Blend: Swap raspberries for blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different fruity flavor.

2. Fruit Jam: Use your favorite fruit jam (like strawberry, apricot, or peach) instead of fresh raspberries for a quicker and easier filling.

3. Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet twist, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top of the pastries before baking.

4. Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a rich, decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain their flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bites ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving.

Can I use a different type of pastry?

Yes, if you don’t have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough or pie crust for a different texture.

Can I freeze these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites?

Yes, these bites can be frozen before baking. Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I make sure the cream cheese filling isn’t too runny?

Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and fully mixed with the powdered sugar and vanilla. This will create a smooth, thick filling that won’t run out of the pastry.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

How do I get the perfect golden color on the pastry?

Be sure to brush the puff pastry with an even layer of egg wash (beaten egg) before baking. This helps achieve a rich golden color.

Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberries with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or any other fruit you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

Can I make these without sugar?

If you prefer, you can make these bites without powdered sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Are these bites suitable for a gluten-free diet?

These bites are not gluten-free as they are made with puff pastry. However, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry substitute to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With their combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet raspberry, and buttery pastry, they offer a bite-sized burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a personal treat, these bites are sure to be a hit!