Description
These Blackberry Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Bites are delightful mini desserts featuring flaky puff pastry squares topped with a smooth cream cheese mixture and fresh blackberries. Perfect for a quick, elegant treat, they bake to golden perfection and can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry Bites
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 12 fresh blackberries
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares to create bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Bites: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square, then add one fresh blackberry on top.
- Shape Pastry: Optionally fold the corners gently toward the center for a rustic look, then transfer the prepared squares onto the lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Lightly brush the edges of each pastry bite with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Best served fresh but can be made a few hours ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Substitute blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a flavor variation.
- Try flavored cream cheese for a personalized twist.
