Bursting with fresh raspberries and a luscious cream cheese filling, Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are the kind of treat that can turn any gathering into a celebration. Imagine buttery puff pastry turning golden and crisp in the oven while sweet fruit and tangy cheese melt and mingle inside. Whether you’re whipping them up for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these delicate bites add just the right pop of color and flavor to your table—and I promise they always disappear in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are what make recipes truly shine, and Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a testament to that. Each element plays a crucial role, from the puff pastry that flakes so perfectly, to the bright raspberries that bring a splash of freshness in every bite.
- Puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery base that crisps up beautifully in the oven—store-bought is fast, easy, and delicious!
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy tang that balances out the fruit and sweet pastry.
- Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly into the cream cheese for gentle sweetness without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch elevates the whole bite, giving it a warm, inviting fragrance.
- Lemon zest: Brightens up the filling and gives a subtle zip that highlights the raspberries.
- Fresh raspberries: Juicy, tart, and vibrant—they’re the star of these little pastries.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top before baking for extra crunch and sparkle.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Helps seal the pastry and gives the finished bites a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A final flourish for that bakery-case look and a little extra sweetness.
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Kick things off by setting your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps those Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. While the oven is preheating, get out all your ingredients so you’re ready when it’s time to assemble.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Keep stirring until the mixture is silky smooth; no one wants lumps here. The filling should smell amazing already, with the vanilla and lemon shining through.
Step 3: Shape the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut it into 9 equal squares. Don’t worry about being perfect; rustic edges add homemade charm to your Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites.
Step 4: Fill and Fold
Place a small dollop of that glorious cream cheese mixture right in the center of each square. Top with 1–2 fresh raspberries. Brush the edges of the pastry with your beaten egg, then fold each corner slightly toward the center, pressing just gently to help everything stay together as it bakes.
Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake
Give each bite a dainty sprinkle of granulated sugar for crunch and a light glisten. Off to the oven they go! Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden brown, with the scent of berries and pastry filling your kitchen. Let the bites cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if you want that extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Garnishes
Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate, snowy topping. If you’re feeling extra, a hint of lemon zest or a micro mint leaf on each Raspberry Cream Cheese Bite makes a stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
These bites are delightful with a fresh fruit salad or a small cup of vanilla yogurt. I also like to serve them alongside a cup of afternoon tea or a latte for a sweet pick-me-up. They’re flexible enough to fit into both dessert spreads or light brunch menus.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic brunch centerpiece, or nestle each Raspberry Cream Cheese Bite in a mini cupcake liner for grab-and-go elegance at parties. Try arranging them with a swirl of raspberry coulis on the plate for a more formal look—because presentation counts, and these bites absolutely deserve the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites taste best fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pastry stays delightfully tender, and the flavor only gets richer as the filling melds with the berries.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch in advance, you can freeze the unbaked assembled bites on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw.
Reheating
Warm leftover Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. They’ll regain their crisp edges and soft centers, tasting nearly as good as freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap in frozen raspberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to use them straight from the freezer (don’t thaw first) to minimize moisture in the pastry and keep your Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites from getting soggy.
What other fruits work in this recipe?
Blueberries and diced strawberries are delicious alternatives. You could even mix in a few blackberries for a twist! Just keep the fruit pieces small so the pastry bakes evenly and folds easily.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Many stores offer gluten-free puff pastry these days, and the rest of the filling is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check all labels to confirm before baking.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites up to one day in advance and refrigerate them unbaked on a parchment-lined tray. When you’re almost ready to serve, bake as directed—your kitchen will smell incredible and your guests will love the warm, fresh result.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
With plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free puff pastry, you can easily adapt these for a dairy-free crowd. The flavor and texture stay wonderfully close to the original, so everyone can enjoy them!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites yet, let this be the recipe that convinces you. They’re simple, stunning, and sure to disappear from the plate, whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking one with your morning coffee. Treat yourself and your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
Print
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 9 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are perfect for any occasion. With a flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and fresh raspberries, these bites are a true delight for the taste buds.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry,
Cream Cheese Mixture:
4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest,
Filling:
1/2 cup fresh raspberries, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar,
For Assembly:
1 egg (beaten for egg wash), powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 9 equal squares.
- Fill and Seal: Place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, top with raspberries, brush edges with egg wash, fold corners inward, and press gently to seal.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Variation: Try with blueberries or chopped strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
