If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s easy, elegant, and downright irresistible, Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites will steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine flaky puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, sweetened center with juicy raspberries peeking through, all finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. These little gems are the perfect bite-sized treat for brunches, holidays, or anytime you crave something special without a big fuss. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites is in their simplicity—just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the richness of cream cheese to the vibrant burst of raspberries, every element is chosen for maximum deliciousness.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry gives these bites their signature flaky, buttery layers with zero hassle—just thaw, roll, and cut.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for the smoothest, creamiest filling that holds its shape when baked.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese while keeping the texture ultra-silky.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the creamy filling, making the flavors pop.
- Fresh Raspberries: Bursts of tart, juicy flavor that balance the sweet and creamy elements perfectly.
- Raspberry Jam (optional): For an extra layer of fruity intensity, a dab of jam is simply divine.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushing the tops with egg gives the pastry a gorgeous golden sheen.
- Powdered Sugar for Dusting (optional): A final flourish that makes these bites look as dreamy as they taste.
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures the puff pastry will bake up golden and crisp. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking, but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until the mixture is silky-smooth and dreamy—no lumps allowed! This sweet, tangy filling is the luscious heart of each bite.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry just enough to even out the creases. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 equal squares. Consistent sizing means every Raspberry Cream Cheese Bite will bake evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 4: Fill Each Square
Place about a teaspoon of that creamy filling right in the center of each pastry square. Top with a fresh raspberry or, if you’re feeling extra, a little dollop of raspberry jam. The combination of fruit and cream cheese is a true delight.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Fold two opposite corners of each pastry square over the filling, pressing gently to seal. This creates a pretty little parcel that holds in all that goodness, and it gives the bites their signature look.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the assembled bites with beaten egg to encourage a beautifully golden finish. Pop them in the oven for 15–18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The aroma is guaranteed to make your kitchen feel like a bakery!
Step 7: Cool and Dust
Let the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites cool slightly on the baking sheet. If you like, give them a gentle snowfall of powdered sugar before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, when the flavors are at their peak.
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a few extra fresh raspberries or a light drizzle of raspberry jam for a pop of color and flavor. For a more decadent touch, a dollop of whipped cream alongside the bites never hurts!
Side Dishes
These little pastries pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a cup of hot coffee, or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For brunch, serve alongside savory egg dishes or a light green salad to balance the sweetness of the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bites on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant afternoon tea, or tuck them into mini cupcake liners for a grab-and-go party treat. You can even skewer them with decorative picks and serve as part of a dessert board—these bites are as versatile as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, although they’re so tempting they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze these bites after baking—just let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, pop the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes the pastry and warms the filling beautifully. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Fresh raspberries are best for these bites, as they hold their shape and release less juice during baking. If you use frozen, don’t thaw them first—just use straight from the freezer to minimize excess moisture.
What if I don’t have raspberry jam?
No worries! The fresh raspberries alone provide plenty of flavor, but if you’d like, you can swap in strawberry or apricot jam for a fun twist. Or simply leave it out and let the berries shine.
Can I make Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for that irresistible fresh-from-the-oven experience.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to press the pastry corners together firmly to seal the filling inside. A little bit of oozing is totally normal and adds to their charm, but sealing well helps keep things tidy.
Can I use other fruits?
Definitely! While raspberries are classic, you can substitute with blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries. Just make sure the fruit pieces aren’t too large, so they fit snugly in each pastry bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites—each one is a tiny celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, you’ll love how simple and satisfying these treats are. Give them a try, and prepare for lots of happy smiles and requests for seconds!
Print
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delightful, flaky puff pastry treats filled with a smooth, sweetened cream cheese mixture and fresh raspberries. Easy to prepare and perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bites combine the buttery crispness of puff pastry with the tartness of raspberries for a balanced, delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon raspberry jam (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Cut the puff pastry: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry slightly to even it out. Cut the sheet into 12 equal squares.
- Add filling and raspberries: Place about one teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. Top each with a fresh raspberry or a small dollop of raspberry jam if using.
- Fold and seal: Fold opposite corners of each square over the filling and gently press to seal the bites, creating a neat package.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of each pastry bite with the beaten egg to ensure a beautiful golden finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
- You can substitute raspberries with strawberries or blueberries for variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the pastry’s crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
