Description
Delight in these sweet and creamy Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites, featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese blend and topped with fresh raspberries. Perfectly golden and lightly dusted with sugar, these bite-sized treats are an ideal dessert or snack to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Pastry
- 24 fresh raspberries
- 1 package refrigerated puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for perfectly puffed and golden pastries.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the delicious filling for the bites.
- Cut puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 12 equal squares, yielding 24 squares total for your bites.
- Assemble bites: Place about one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square, carefully topping each with one fresh raspberry to add a burst of fruity flavor.
- Seal pastry: Fold the corners of each pastry square over the filling, pinching the edges gently but securely to seal in the cream cheese and raspberry filling without any leaks.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the sealed bites spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow heat circulation.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the tops of each bite with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish. If desired, sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar to add an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown and fully puffed.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the bites cool slightly on a wire rack or the baking sheet before serving to avoid burning and to enjoy the perfect texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen may release excess moisture.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese option.
- These bites are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Optional sprinkling of granulated sugar adds a sweet crunch but can be omitted for a less sweet finish.
