Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites

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Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites offer a delightful combination of tangy raspberry sauce, creamy filling, and a flaky crust that makes for an irresistible treat. These bites are perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet yet sophisticated. Here’s how you can make these delicious bites:

Ingredients:

For the Base:

  • 1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust (let it come to room temperature for easy handling)

For the Raspberry Sauce:

  • 1 ¾ cups fresh raspberries (for that vibrant, tangy flavor)
  • ½ cup sugar (to sweeten)
  • 6 Tbsp water
  • 3 Tbsp corn starch (to thicken the sauce beautifully)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature for a smooth texture)
  • ½ cup sugar (adds sweetness)
  • 1 egg yolk (to bind and enrich)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a slight zing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that irresistible aroma and flavor)

Instructions:

Prepare the Raspberry Sauce:

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, and 4 tablespoons of water. Cook until the raspberries break down and the sugar dissolves.
  2. Mix the cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the raspberry mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
  2. Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin wells.
  3. Press the pie crust circles into the muffin tin, forming a small cup in each well.
  4. Spoon a small amount of cream cheese filling into each crust, followed by a dollop of raspberry sauce. Don’t overfill as the filling will expand slightly when baking.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
  6. Allow the bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:

  • Serve the Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites at room temperature or chilled. They can be garnished with fresh raspberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites blend the creamy texture of cream cheese with the tartness of fresh raspberries, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful treat, these bites are sure to impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!