Description
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly creamy mini treats perfect for parties, brunches, or anytime snacking. Made with a flaky puff pastry base, rich cream cheese filling, and a burst of raspberry jam or fresh raspberries, these bite-sized delights come together quickly and offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup raspberry jam or preserves
- 12 fresh raspberries (optional)
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet if needed and cut it into 12 equal squares for uniform bites.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring a perfect filling texture.
- Assemble Bites: Place each puff pastry square on the prepared baking sheet or into a mini muffin tin. Gently press the center of each square to create a small well for the filling.
- Add Fillings: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, then add approximately ½ teaspoon of raspberry jam on top. Optionally, place a fresh raspberry on each for extra flavor and decoration.
- Apply Egg Wash: Using a brush, lightly coat the edges of each pastry square with the beaten egg. This helps achieve a lovely golden and glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly after baking, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute the raspberry jam with any fruit preserves you prefer, such as strawberry or apricot, for variety.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispness of the puff pastry.
- For a dairy-free or vegan option, consider using vegan cream cheese and egg substitutes, but baking times may slightly vary.
