Delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of raspberries. They’re perfect for a party appetizer, snack, or even dessert! Here’s how to make these delightful little bites:
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (more for dusting, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or raspberry jam/preserves)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh mint or powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bites from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- If you like a touch of sweetness, you can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the cream cheese mixture.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into squares (around 2-3 inches per square, depending on how large you want the bites).
- You can also cut them into small rectangles for a different shape.
4. Assemble the Bites:
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square.
- Top the cream cheese with a few fresh raspberries (or a small spoonful of raspberry jam/preserves if fresh raspberries are unavailable). If using jam, you can place the jam over the cream cheese filling for a smoother finish.
- Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling, creating little bundles or parcels. You can also fold in the edges to form a square or rectangle if you prefer.
5. Egg Wash (Optional):
- For a golden, shiny finish, whisk an egg and brush it lightly over the top of each pastry bite before baking.
6. Bake the Bites:
- Place the assembled cream cheese bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional raspberries for a lovely finishing touch.
Tips:
- Frozen Raspberries: If you use frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them in the bites.
- Jam or Preserves: If you don’t have fresh raspberries, raspberry jam or preserves work perfectly as a substitute for the fruit and add a lovely sweet flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these bites ahead of time by assembling them and refrigerating them before baking. Just pop them into the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Additional Toppings: Try topping the bites with a little drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for added flavor and texture.
These Delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet, with a flaky pastry shell that makes them irresistible! Enjoy!