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.
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.
