Description
These Deliciously Sweet Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites combine flaky puff pastry with a smooth cream cheese filling and fresh raspberries, creating a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for parties, brunch, or a sweet snack. The lightly sweetened cream cheese pairs beautifully with juicy raspberries, all encased in golden, puffed pastry topped with a subtle crunch from a sugar sprinkle.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pastry and Toppings
- 1 package refrigerated puff pastry sheets (2 sheets), thawed
- 24 fresh raspberries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pastry bites once assembled.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean, lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 12 equal squares, yielding 24 squares total.
- Assemble Bites: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square.
- Add Raspberry: Top the cream cheese filling in each square with one fresh raspberry, gently pressing it slightly into the filling.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the corners of the pastry squares over the filling towards the center and gently pinch the edges to seal the bites, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the sealed bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to allow for puffing.
- Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the tops of the pastry bites with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and has turned a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning and to let the filling set.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Thaw the puff pastry sheets completely before cutting to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen raspberries might release too much moisture.
- Egg wash is essential for achieving a beautiful golden color on the pastry.
- These bites are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat briefly before serving.
