Delectable Raspberry Cream Cheese Pastries

This buttery puff pastry dessert filled with creamy cheese and sweet raspberry preserves has become my go-to for impressive yet effortless entertaining. The perfect balance of crisp, flaky pastry with creamy filling and fruity sweetness makes these bites irresistible at any gathering.

The first time I made these was for a last minute book club gathering. I was short on time but needed something special. These little pastries disappeared within minutes and now friends request them whenever we get together.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry: Provides the flaky golden base for these bites. Look for all butter puff pastry for the best flavor
• Cream cheese: Creates the creamy filling. Make sure it's fully softened to room temperature for easy mixing
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without any graininess. Sift it first for the smoothest texture
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the cream cheese mixture. Use pure rather than imitation for best flavor
• Raspberry preserves: Adds fruity sweetness. Choose a good quality preserve with visible fruit pieces
• Fresh raspberries for garnish: Adds color and freshness. Look for plump berries with vibrant color
• Powdered sugar for dusting: Creates a beautiful finishing touch. Apply just before serving for best appearance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions until pliable but still cold. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to smooth any creases and cut into equal squares about 3 inches each. The cold pastry will be easier to work with and produce flakier results.

Mix the Filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until perfectly combined and silky. This filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily.

Assemble the Bites:

Place a generous teaspoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square. Make a small indentation in the cream cheese and spoon about half a teaspoon of raspberry preserves into this depression. The indentation helps keep the preserves from spilling out during baking.

Shape the Pastries:

Gently pull each corner of the pastry square toward the center creating a little bundle. Press the corners together firmly enough to seal but not so hard that you compress the pastry layers. Leave a small opening at the top so the filling is visible.

Bake to Perfection:

Arrange the assembled bites on a parchment lined baking sheet with about an inch between each one. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes until they puff dramatically and turn deep golden brown. The pastry should be crisp and thoroughly cooked.

Finish and Garnish:

Allow the bites to cool for 5 minutes then dust lightly with powdered sugar using a small sieve. Top each pastry with a fresh raspberry while still slightly warm so the berry adheres to the preserves.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the moment the pastries come out of the oven perfectly golden and puffed. The aroma of buttery pastry fills the kitchen and reminds me of French bakeries. Even my most culinary challenged friends have had success with this recipe.

Make Ahead Options

These pastry bites can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply prepare as directed up to the baking step then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove directly from refrigerator to oven adding 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time. The make ahead option makes these perfect for entertaining.

Creative Variations

The basic recipe can be adapted with numerous flavor combinations. Try substituting blueberry or apricot preserves for the raspberry. For a chocolate version add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture. A lemon version with lemon curd instead of preserves makes a bright tangy alternative. The possibilities are truly endless with this versatile recipe format.

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange these bites on a cake stand for an impressive dessert presentation. They pair beautifully with champagne or prosecco for celebrations or afternoon tea for a casual gathering. For brunch serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee. These bites are sturdy enough to be picked up making them perfect for buffets or passed appetizers at cocktail parties.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh them place in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to recrisp the pastry. While they can be frozen after baking the texture is never quite as good as fresh so I recommend baking only what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I make these raspberry cream cheese bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble the bites but don't bake them - store covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best texture and freshness. Alternatively, bake them ahead and serve at room temperature, though the pastry won't be as crisp.

→ What can I substitute for raspberry preserves?

You can easily substitute any fruit preserves or jam such as strawberry, blueberry, apricot, or mixed berry. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the sweet-tart balance with the cream cheese.

→ How should I store leftover raspberry cream cheese bites?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The pastry won't be quite as flaky as when freshly baked, but they'll still be delicious.

→ Can I freeze these pastries?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked pastries, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. For baked pastries, cool completely before freezing and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.

→ What can I use instead of puff pastry?

Crescent roll dough or phyllo pastry can be substituted, though each will create a different texture. Crescent rolls will be more bread-like, while phyllo will be extremely crisp and delicate. Adjust baking times as needed since these alternatives may cook faster than puff pastry.

→ Can I make a savory version of these bites?

Absolutely! Omit the powdered sugar and vanilla from the cream cheese, add herbs like chives or dill, and replace the raspberry preserves with caramelized onions, pesto, or olive tapenade. Garnish with fresh herbs instead of berries for an elegant appetizer variation.