Description
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delightful puff pastry treats featuring a smooth cream cheese filling topped with fresh raspberries. Perfect as a sweet snack or elegant dessert, they combine flaky, golden-brown pastry with a creamy, fruity center that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any folds while keeping the shape rectangular for even cutting.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cut Pastry Squares: Cut the pastry into 12 equal squares. Use a ruler if you want uniform pieces, which helps with even baking and presentation.
- Add Filling: Place a dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square as the base layer.
- Top with Raspberries: Add two or three fresh raspberries on top of the cream cheese mixture on each square for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Fold Pastry: Fold the corners of each square towards the center, gently pinching the edges to seal and create bite-sized shapes that hold the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pastry bite with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the prepared bites evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet, allowing room for puffing during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and crisp.
- Cool: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before handling.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, dust the pastries with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation before serving.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry completely before rolling to prevent tearing and ensure easy handling.
- For best results, use fresh raspberries that are firm and not overly ripe to avoid sogginess.
- These bites are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative if preferred.
- To enhance flavor, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Be careful not to overfill the pastry squares to prevent filling leakage during baking.
