Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful and elegant treat that combines flaky puff pastry, creamy vanilla-flavored cream cheese, and sweet raspberry jam. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for brunch, tea parties, or as a simple yet impressive snack for guests. With their golden, puffed pastry and vibrant raspberry filling, they’re as stunning as they are delicious. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make, yet taste bakery-fresh!
Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are little pockets of joy! The puff pastry is crisp and golden, while the cream cheese filling is rich, creamy, and subtly sweet with a touch of vanilla. Add a burst of fruity raspberry jam, and each bite feels like a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch. These bites are ideal for brunch, dessert tables, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Why Our Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Are the Best
Our Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are the ultimate combination of buttery puff pastry, creamy filling, and fruity jam, all wrapped up into a bite-sized dessert that’s easy to make. They’re elegant, versatile, and taste just like something from a high-end bakery!
Ingredients Notes for Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Each ingredient in these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites brings something special to the table:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed): The base for these bites, creating a buttery, flaky texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy, tangy filling that pairs beautifully with the raspberries.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese with warm, sweet notes.
- ½ cup raspberry jam or preserves: The star of the filling, adding a burst of fruity flavor.
- Fresh raspberries (optional): For garnish, giving a pop of color and freshness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wire rack
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are as simple to make as they are delicious. Follow these steps to create a treat that will wow everyone!
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Pastry Squares
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Top with ½ teaspoon raspberry jam for a burst of fruity flavor.
5. Fold the Pastry
Gently fold the corners of each square toward the center, pressing lightly to seal. This creates a neat and elegant look.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of buttery pastry!
7. Cool and Garnish
Transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Store your Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their flakiness. You can also freeze the baked bites for up to 1 month; thaw them in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Variations
These bites are versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors:
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Bites: Use blueberry jam and fresh blueberries for a sweet, summery variation.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Bites: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and use lemon curd instead of raspberry jam.
- Nutella Cream Cheese Bites: Swap the raspberry jam for Nutella for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Savory Bites: Omit the sugar and vanilla from the cream cheese, and use pesto or caramelized onions for a savory appetizer.
What to Serve with Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Serve these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For a dessert spread, pair them with other mini treats like macarons, chocolate truffles, or fruit tarts. A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce over the bites can also add an extra touch of indulgence!
Top Tips for Perfect Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to work with it. Warm pastry can become sticky and hard to handle.
- Don’t Overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way—too much can cause the pastry to leak during baking.
- Seal the Corners Well: Press the corners of the pastry gently but firmly to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the pastries in the oven and remove them once they’re golden brown and puffed for the best texture.
Helpful Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the pastries before baking.
- If your jam is too thick, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spoon onto the pastries.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry: “For perfectly flaky puff pastry, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.”
- Ina Garten: “Use good-quality jam for the filling. The flavor of the jam makes a big difference in simple recipes like this.”
- Paul Hollywood: “Work quickly with puff pastry to keep the butter layers intact. It’s those layers that create the puff and flakiness.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought jam for the filling?
Yes! Store-bought raspberry jam works perfectly, but feel free to use homemade for a fresher flavor.
2. Do I have to use puff pastry?
Puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, but you could use crescent roll dough as a substitute for a softer texture.
3. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. Bake them fresh for the best results.
4. Can I use other types of cheese?
Cream cheese is best for its creamy texture, but mascarpone or ricotta could work as substitutes.
5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Avoid overfilling the pastries, and make sure the corners are folded securely to minimize leakage.
Enjoy these Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites—a sweet and flaky treat that’s sure to impress!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
- – 8 oz cream cheese softened
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
- – Fresh raspberries optional, for garnish
- – Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Add a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Fold the Pastry: Fold the corners of each square toward the center, gently pressing to seal.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Garnish: Transfer the pastries to a wire rack to cool. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but homemade puff pastry works just as well!
- Swap raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.