Lemon Berry Sunshine Bites, a combination of lemon and berry flavors nestled in crispy phyllo shells. These bite sized treats are baked to golden perfection. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a dessert, they are sure to brighten up your day!
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Check out my Lemon Raspberry Loaf Cake and my Strawberry Crunch Cookies for more lemon and strawberry desserts.
Lemon berry sunshine bites are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of lemon, berry, and cream cheese in a bite sized pastry shell. These shells are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant parties.
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Whether you're hosting a brunch, a summer picnic, or craving a sweet and tangy treat, these sunshine bites are the perfect choice to brighten up any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor. These bites combine the tangy zest of lemon with the sweetness of berries, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Irresistible Texture. The combination of the crispy phyllo shell and the creamy filling creates a wonderful contrast in textures.
- Easy to Make. This recipe is straightforward and doesn't require any complicated techniques. With just a few simple steps, you can create these delicious bites in no time.
- Bite Sized Delight. The mini phyllo shells make these treats perfectly portioned. They are great for serving at parties or events where guests can enjoy a variety of flavors.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Mini Phyllo Shells: These pre-made pastry shells are the base of the bites.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese: Adds a fruity element to the filling. It brings a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon preserves.
- Lemon Preserves: Contribute a zesty taste to the filling.
- Egg Whites: Help to give the cream cheese mixture a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries add a juicy texture to each bite.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet and crisp them in the oven for 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the shells are crisping, mix together the strawberry cream cheese, lemon preserves, and egg whites using a hand-held mixer. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Remove the phyllo shells from the oven once they have crisped. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each shell with the cream cheese mixture. Fill them just below the top because they will puff up slightly while baking.
Step 4: Place the filled shells back in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them. You want the shells to turn golden and the cream cheese mixture to set.
Step 5: Top each shell with a slice of fresh strawberry. Enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Soften cream cheese. Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using it.
- Use fresh lemon zest. For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pipe or spoon the filling. Fill the shells just below the top to allow room for the filling to puff up slightly while baking.
- Top with fresh strawberries just before serving. To maintain the freshness and vibrant appearance of the strawberries, it's best to top the bites with sliced strawberries just before serving.
Variations
- Mixed Berry Delight: Instead of using just strawberries, mix in a variety of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus flavors by swapping out the lemon preserves. Try using orange marmalade or lime curd.
- Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the baked bites before topping them with fresh strawberries.
- Caramel Delight: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the baked bites for a sweet and indulgent twist.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Once baked and cooled, store the bites in an airtight container or a covered baking dish. They can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Place the filled and baked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
Recipe FAQ's
While the phyllo shells are best filled and baked just before serving, you can prepare the cream cheese filling in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and then fill the shells and bake them when you're ready to serve.
Yes, homemade lemon preserves can be used in this recipe. Just make sure they have a similar consistency to the store bought version, as it will affect the texture and flavor of the filling.
Yes, you can use pre-made lemon curd as a substitute for lemon preserves. Lemon curd will provide a tangy and creamy flavor to the filling, which can be a delicious alternative.
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Lemon Berry Sunshine Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 packages mini phyllo shells 30 shells total
- 8 ounces strawberry cream cheese softened
- ½ cup lemon preserves
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 large strawberries sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet and crisp them in the oven for 5 minutes.
- While the shells are crisping, mix together the strawberry cream cheese, lemon preserves, and egg whites using a hand-held mixer. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Remove the phyllo shells from the oven once they have crisped. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each shell with the cream cheese mixture. Fill them just below the top because they will puff up slightly while baking.
- Place the filled shells back in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them. You want the shells to turn golden and the cream cheese mixture to set.
- Top each shell with a slice of fresh strawberry. Enjoy!
Notes
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using it.
- Use Fresh Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pipe or Spoon the Filling: Fill the shells just below the top to allow room for the filling to puff up slightly while baking.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries Just Before Serving: To maintain the freshness and vibrant appearance of the strawberries, it's best to top the bites with sliced strawberries just before serving.
- Storing: Once baked and cooled, store the bites in an airtight container or a covered baking dish. They can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Place the filled and baked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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