Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese filling is smooth and luscious, perfectly complemented by the tartness of the raspberries.
- Bite-Sized Delight: These mini treats are perfect for serving at parties or as a quick, satisfying snack.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bites are easy to whip up.
- Elegant Presentation: Their beautiful appearance makes them a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor.
- Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, while a touch of powdered sugar adds a delicate finish.
- Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust or phyllo dough simplifies the preparation.
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into small circles using a cookie cutter. Press the dough circles into the mini muffin tin to form small crusts.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Fill Crusts: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each crust, filling about 3/4 of the way. Place a raspberry on top of each filled crust, gently pressing it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 bites. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking time is 15-18 minutes, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
- Different Fruits: Substitute raspberries with blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the bites after baking.
- Nut Crust: Use crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter as an alternative crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezer: Freeze the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the filling.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-bake the crusts for 5 minutes before adding the filling to help keep them crisp.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
What type of pie crust works best?
Both pre-made pie crust and phyllo dough work well; choose based on your preference for texture.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add extra flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor, but low-fat can be used if preferred.
How should I serve these bites?
They are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them versatile for various occasions.
Can I use other sweeteners?
Granulated sugar is recommended for consistency, but alternative sweeteners can be experimented with.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Conclusion
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines creamy filling with tangy raspberries in a crisp crust. Easy to make and versatile, they are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are elegant mini desserts featuring a creamy, tangy filling topped with fresh raspberries in a buttery, crisp crust. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh raspberries
- Pre-made pie crust or phyllo dough
- Powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin.
- Roll out pie crust, cut into small circles, and press into the muffin tin.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in egg and vanilla.
- Fill crusts with cream cheese mixture (3/4 full). Add a raspberry on top of each.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until filling is set and crust golden brown.
- Cool and garnish with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh raspberries for best results.
- For added crispness, pre-bake the crusts for 5 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
