Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites

Making the Pastry Base

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini paper liners.
2. Make the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the Dough: Divide the dough evenly among the mini muffin cups, pressing it firmly into the bottom of each cup to form a solid base. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers to do this.
4. Bake the Pastry: Bake the pastry bases for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Making the Cream Cheese Filling

5. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
6. Add Sugar and Egg: Add the granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and smooth.
7. Fill the Pastry Cups: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the partially baked pastry cups, filling them almost to the top.
8. Add Raspberries: Gently press one or two raspberries into the center of each cream cheese-filled cup.

Baking and Finishing

9. Bake Again: Return the filled cups to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and slightly puffed.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the raspberry cream cheese bites to cool completely in the tin. If desired, brush the tops with a little warmed raspberry jam for a glossy finish and dust with powdered sugar.
11. Serve: Carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin and serve. These are delicious chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, all packed into a bite-sized treat. Perfect for any occasion, these little desserts are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!