Heavenly Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites

Heavenly Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites offer a delightful combination of creamy cream cheese filling, sweet raspberries, and a flaky puff pastry base. These treats are simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a touch of elegance and indulgence. Whether for a special event or a sweet treat, these bites are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Raspberry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 tablespoon raspberry jam (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2-inch squares and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Bake Pastry: Bake the puff pastry squares for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, beating until creamy and well combined.
5. Assemble the Bites: Once the puff pastry squares are cooled, gently press down the centers to create a small well. Spoon the cream cheese filling into each well.
6. Add Raspberry Topping: Top each bite with a fresh raspberry. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can warm the raspberry jam slightly and drizzle it over the top of each bite.
7. Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calorie Count: 150 kcal per bite

Variations

• Berry Mix: Substitute fresh raspberries with a mix of blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a lemon glaze over the bites for an additional tangy sweetness.
• Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granola on top of the cream cheese filling for added texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore the flakiness of the pastry.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cream cheese?
   Yes, store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pastry squares and cream cheese filling ahead of time, but assemble and top them just before serving.
3. How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
   Ensure the cream cheese filling is not too runny, and assemble the bites just before serving.
4. Can I use frozen raspberries?
   Fresh raspberries are preferred, but if using frozen, thaw them and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
5. How do I adjust the sweetness?
   Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling or the raspberry jam to suit your taste.
6. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
   Yes, phyllo dough can be used, but it will result in a different texture.
7. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
8. Can I freeze these bites?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked bites and bake them directly from frozen.
9. What can I use instead of lemon juice?
   You can use lime juice or even a splash of milk in place of lemon juice.
10. How do I make the bites more festive?
    Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Heavenly Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious treat that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the fresh, tangy flavor of raspberries, all nestled in a flaky puff pastry. These delightful bites are easy to make and perfect for any gathering where you want to offer a sweet and elegant treat. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled, and watch them disappear quickly!

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