Description
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delightful mini pastries featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of sweetened cream cheese and fresh raspberries. Perfect as a quick dessert or elegant snack, these bites combine tangy fruitiness with rich, smooth cheese, all baked to golden perfection and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry preserves for a different twist)
Topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the bites don’t stick and for easier cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares, approximately 2×2 inches each, to create individual bite-sized pieces.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps, ensuring a sweet and flavorful filling.
- Assemble Bites: Place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Then, top each with one or two fresh raspberries or a small spoonful of raspberry preserves for added sweetness and fruitiness.
- Seal Edges: Fold the four corners of each puff pastry square gently over the filling. Press the edges lightly to seal and prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the prepared bites to the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp on all sides.
- Cool & Dust: Allow the bites to cool slightly on a wire rack. Once cooled enough to handle, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh raspberries with raspberry preserves for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Serve these bites warm or at room temperature for best texture and taste.
- For extra flair, drizzle with a little melted white chocolate after baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat briefly before serving.
