Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese. To prevent lumps, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat everything until smooth and creamy.
Sift in Powdered Sugar & Vanilla Extract: A little at a time, sift in 1/4 cup powdered sugar and pour in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Soften and beat until combined and smooth.
Fold in the Raspberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh raspberries. The goal is to leave the berries largely whole for explosions of fresh flavor.
Step 2: Form the Bites
Portion the Batter: Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop portions about 1 inch in diameter.
Roll into balls: Roll each piece between your hands into the balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Chill the Bites
Freeze: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour, or until the bites are firm. That helps them keep their shape for coating.
Then, make the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, mixing with a spoon until the texture is even and sandy. Then remove the bites from the freezer, and roll each one well in the crumb mixture until completely coated on all sides. Gently place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of breathing room between each bite. Place the tray back in the freezer for 30 more minutes so the bites are very firm and easy to handle. Finally, just before it’s time to serve, you want them to sit at room temp for several minutes, so they get to that perfectly creamy consistency. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are delicious as they stand, but you could easily do a couple of additional things to take them up a notch! For an extra fresh pop, garnish the plate with additional fresh raspberries. If it helps you be a little more decadent, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the top — it adds a nice elegance and an extra flavor. Or, if you’re having guests, arrange these bites on a mini dessert board with fresh fruits, nuts and other sweet nibbles for an inviting and gorgeous spread.
Storage Tips:
These are simple to prepare in advance and keep frozen, so they’re perfect for meal prep or batch cooking:
Store In The Refrigerator: Scrape into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the bites on a baking sheet until solid; transfer to a freezer-safe container. Stored in a nice single layer in the freezer, they’ll be good up to 2 months.
Serving From Frozen: For serving from frozen, let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations:
If you’re in a creative mood, there are many playful ways to customize these creamy bites. If you prefer a fruity flare, add raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for Berry Blend Bites to get a nice mixed-berry taste. For something a little more decadent, Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Bites are just the thing; dip each graham cracker-crusted bite in melted chocolate for an extra special treat. In the mood for something zesty and citrusy? Lemon Raspberry Bites are great for this—simply fold a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture to intensify the flavor. And if you’re into texture, think about substituting the graham cracker crumbs for finely chopped nuts — pecans or almonds work well — for a wonderfully crunchy coating. Finally, for a lighter twist, Minty Raspberry Bites provide a gentle and surprising twist — simply add a drop or two of mint extract to the cream cheese mixture, and the topping will complement the sweetness of raspberries to a tee.
Conclusion:
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are the perfect mix of creamy, tart, and sweet. They’re also easy to make and personalize, if you’re interested in adding a chocolate drizzle, experimenting with different coatings, or if you want them to be part of a dessert spread. This recipe sets you up for an easy snack, a party snack or even a sweet breakfast nosh with coffee.
