Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites

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

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!