Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites

1. Preparing the Phyllo Cups:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Phyllo Dough: On a clean, dry surface, lay out one sheet of phyllo dough. Keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
3. Brush with Butter: Lightly brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter. Repeat this process until you have 6 layers.
4. Cut and Mold: Cut the layered phyllo dough into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin to form a cup. Repeat with the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough to make a total of 24 cups.
5. Bake: Bake the phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:

6. Beat Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the cream cheese, and beat until well combined.
8. Add Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Preparing the Raspberry Topping:

9. Cook Raspberries: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the raspberries break down, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Cool: Remove from heat and let the raspberry topping cool to room temperature.

4. Assembling the Bites:

11. Fill Phyllo Cups: Once the phyllo cups are completely cool, fill each cup with a spoonful of the cream cheese filling.
12. Top with Raspberry Sauce: Spoon a small amount of the raspberry topping over the cream cheese filling in each cup.

5. Garnishing and Serving:

13. Garnish: If desired, dust the tops of the raspberry cream cheese bites with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
14. Serve: Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Phyllo Dough: Handle the phyllo dough gently and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating to ensure a smooth filling.
• Raspberry Topping: Cook the raspberry topping until it thickens to ensure it stays on top of the cream cheese filling without running.

Variations:

• Different Fruits: Try using other berries or fruits for the topping, such as blueberries, strawberries, or peaches.
• Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, over the top for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

Raspberry Cream Cheese Bites are a delightful and elegant mini dessert that combines the tartness of raspberries with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese, all nestled in a crisp phyllo shell. They are perfect for any gathering or just as a treat for yourself. Follow this detailed recipe to create these irresistible bites that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite!