These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are the perfect sweet treat, combining the creaminess of a vanilla-infused cream cheese filling with juicy raspberries and a delightful graham cracker coating. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for parties, quick snacks, or a unique addition to your dessert platter, these bites are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites:
Easy and No-Bake: No need to turn on the oven! These bites come together with just a little mixing and chilling.
Creamy and Fruity: The combination of smooth cream cheese and juicy raspberries is irresistibly creamy and fresh.
Perfectly Portable: Great for parties, potlucks, or an on-the-go snack.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily make these ahead and store them in the freezer.
Key Ingredients:
Cream Cheese: For the smoothest filling, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Fresh Raspberries: Fresh berries work best for a pop of flavor and minimal moisture. If using frozen, thaw them first and gently pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Crushed graham crackers add a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free graham crackers or try crushed nuts for a delicious twist.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese without making it gritty, so don’t substitute with granulated sugar.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese: Place 8 oz of softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat until smooth and creamy to avoid lumps.
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.
Fold in the Raspberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries. Aim to keep the berries mostly intact for bursts of fresh flavor.
Step 2: Form the Bites
Scoop the Mixture: Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop portions about 1 inch in diameter.
Form into Balls: Roll each portion between your hands to form balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Chill the Bites
Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour, or until the bites are firm. This helps them hold their shape for coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
Combine Graham Cracker Crumbs and Butter: In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter until evenly combined and sandy in texture.
Step 5: Coat the Bites
Roll in Crumbs: Remove the chilled bites from the freezer and roll each one in the graham cracker mixture until fully coated.
Place on Baking Sheet: Return the coated bites to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Step 6: Chill Again
Freeze Again: Place the coated bites back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to ensure they’re firm and easy to handle.
Step 7: Serve
Bring to Room Temperature: Let the bites sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a perfectly creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to elevate them:
Fruit Garnish: Serve with a few extra fresh raspberries on the plate for a pretty presentation.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top for a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
Mini Dessert Board: Include these bites on a mini dessert board with fresh fruits, nuts, and other bite-sized treats for a beautiful display.
Storage Tips:
These bites are easy to make ahead and store, making them perfect for meal prep or batch cooking:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving from Frozen: If serving from frozen, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations:
Try these fun variations to mix up the flavor profile of these creamy bites:
Berry Blend Bites: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry twist.
Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites: After coating with graham crackers, dip each bite in melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert.
Lemon Raspberry Bites: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutty Coating: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for a crunchy, nutty coating.
Minty Raspberry Bites: Add a drop or two of mint extract to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing hint of mint that pairs beautifully with raspberries.
Conclusion:
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. They’re easy to make and customize, whether you want to add a chocolate drizzle, try different coatings, or make them part of a dessert spread. This recipe is great for a quick snack, a party treat, or even as a sweet breakfast bite with coffee. Enjoy every creamy, berry-filled bite!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat until smooth and creamy to avoid lumps.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold in fresh raspberries, keeping them mostly intact for bursts of fresh flavor.
- Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop portions about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each portion between your hands to form balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour, or until the bites are firm.
- In a shallow bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly combined and sandy in texture.
- Remove the chilled bites from the freezer and roll each one in the graham cracker mixture until fully coated. Place the coated bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the coated bites back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to ensure they’re firm and easy to handle.
- Let the bites sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a perfectly creamy texture.