Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins – Homemade Bakery-Style Treat

Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins are the perfect homemade bakery-style pastry for brunch, holiday mornings, or a special weekend breakfast. These easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins feature flaky puff pastry layers wrapped around a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling with ribbons of raspberry preserves baked into every swirl. If you love buttery laminated dough, creamy centers, and sweet-tart fruit flavor, this raspberry pastry recipe delivers on texture and taste. Perfect for entertaining, meal prepping, or surprising your family with something impressive yet simple, Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins bake up golden, crisp on the outside, and soft and luscious in the center. Whether you’re planning a brunch spread, Mother’s Day breakfast, or just craving a bakery-style pastry at home, this recipe checks every box.

Introduction

There is something undeniably magical about pulling a tray of golden pastries from the oven. The scent of buttery layers mingling with warm fruit preserves instantly fills the kitchen with comfort. Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins capture that bakery-style experience in a way that feels both elevated and completely achievable at home.

If you have ever admired those tall, swirled pastries at your local bakery and assumed they required advanced pastry training, this recipe will change your mind. By using puff pastry, you achieve delicate, flaky layers without the complexity of traditional laminated dough. Add a lightly sweetened cream cheese filling and a vibrant ribbon of raspberry preserves, and you have a pastry that feels indulgent but approachable.

These cruffins are ideal for brunch gatherings, holiday breakfasts, baby showers, or any morning that deserves a little extra effort. They stand out because of their striking spiral shape, crisp edges, and creamy, sweet-tart center. They look impressive on a platter, yet the process is straightforward enough for beginner bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients with bakery-level results
• Flaky, golden layers from store-bought puff pastry
• Sweet-tart raspberry flavor balanced with creamy filling
• Perfect for brunch tables and holiday spreads
• Beginner-friendly with minimal prep time
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free mornings

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 12 cruffins
Calories: 285 kcal per serving

Pastry Base

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed if frozen

Puff pastry creates the flaky, layered structure. When baked, it puffs and crisps beautifully, forming delicate golden spirals.

Cream Cheese Filling

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for mixing into cream cheese)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

The softened cream cheese provides richness and tang. Powdered sugar sweetens and smooths the texture. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth.

Fruit Layer

• ⅓ cup raspberry preserves or raspberry jam

Raspberry preserves bring sweetness with a bright tart edge that cuts through the richness of the pastry.

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting after baking)

Melted butter enhances browning and shine. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal and a gentle sweetness.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 12-cup standard muffin tin
• Rolling pin
• Medium mixing bowl
• Spatula or spoon
• Knife or bench scraper
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Cooling rack

Optional helpful tools:

• Nonstick spray for muffin tin
• Offset spatula for even spreading

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 12-cup standard muffin tin by lightly greasing if desired.

2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, place one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to gently roll it out, smoothing any creases and slightly flattening it without drastically changing its shape.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 6 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.

4. Spread the Filling

Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.

Add a thin layer of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese layer. Spread evenly without overloading.

Repeat this process with the second sheet of puff pastry.

5. Roll into Logs

Starting from the long side, tightly roll each pastry sheet into a log. The roll should be snug but not compressed excessively.

6. Slice the Dough

Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut each log in half lengthwise to expose the layers. Then cut each half into 3 pieces, creating 6 pieces per sheet and 12 pieces total.

7. Twist and Shape

Take each piece and gently twist it, keeping the cut sides facing outward to showcase the layers. Coil each twisted strip into a loose spiral shape and place into a muffin cup.

Optional: Brush tops lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter for enhanced browning.

8. Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the cruffins are puffed and deeply golden brown. The edges should look crisp and layered.

9. Cool and Finish

Allow the cruffins to cool slightly in the pan for several minutes before removing. Dust with powdered sugar while still slightly warm if desired.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Option

This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly as written.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free puff pastry sheets designed for baking. Follow the same assembly and baking instructions.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and omit the optional melted butter or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Spice Level Adjustment

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture for subtle warmth without altering structure.

Pantry Substitutions

If raspberry preserves are unavailable, strawberry or mixed berry preserves can be used while maintaining the same quantity.

Seasonal Variation

Use fresh seasonal berry preserves for slightly different flavor notes throughout the year.

Flavor Profile

Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins offer a layered flavor experience. The exterior is crisp and buttery, with golden edges that shatter slightly when bitten. Inside, the cream cheese filling is smooth and tangy, providing contrast to the sweetness of the pastry.

The raspberry preserves introduce a sweet-tart brightness that cuts through the richness. As the cruffins bake, the preserves slightly thicken and concentrate in flavor, creating pockets of fruit intensity throughout the swirl.

The powdered sugar finish adds a delicate sweetness that melts on the tongue, balancing the tart berry notes and creamy interior.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Contains dairy and gluten unless substitutions are used.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

The cruffins can be assembled and refrigerated for several hours before baking. Allow them to sit at room temperature briefly before placing in the oven.

Store baked cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, but store-bought puff pastry keeps this recipe simple and efficient.

Why did my filling leak?

Too much raspberry preserves can cause overflow. Spread a thin, even layer.

Can I freeze Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

How do I keep layers defined?

Use a sharp knife when slicing and avoid pressing too hard when twisting.

Can I make these ahead for brunch?

Yes, bake the day before and reheat gently before serving.

Cooking Timeline

Task	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Servings	12 cruffins

Serving Suggestions

Arrange Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins on a large serving platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For added elegance, stack them slightly offset to showcase the spiraled layers.

They look especially beautiful when served warm, allowing the cream cheese center to remain soft and luscious.

Recipe Variations

1. Add a slightly thicker layer of raspberry preserves for a fruit-forward version.
2. Omit powdered sugar and brush lightly with melted butter for a more rustic finish.
3. Swirl a touch of preserves on top before baking for a decorative effect.
4. Create mini cruffins by cutting smaller sections and baking in mini muffin tins.

Ingredient Spotlight

Puff Pastry

Choose puff pastry that is fully thawed but still cool to the touch. If it becomes too soft, chill briefly before shaping. Store unused sheets tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

Cream Cheese

Use full-fat cream cheese for the smoothest, richest texture. Ensure it is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Keep puff pastry cool to maintain defined layers.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage.
• Bake until deeply golden for crisp edges.
• Allow slight cooling before removing from pan to prevent tearing.
• Dust powdered sugar just before serving for best appearance.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze baked cruffins for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the pastry layers.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbs	28g
Fat	18g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly. Contains dairy and gluten unless modified.

Expanded Conclusion

Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins bring bakery-style elegance into your home kitchen with minimal effort. The flaky layers, creamy center, and bright raspberry swirl create a pastry that feels both comforting and refined.

Whether you are hosting brunch, planning a holiday breakfast, or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers consistent, beautiful results. Save this recipe, share it with friends, and make it part of your go-to collection for impressive homemade pastries. Once you experience that golden crunch giving way to creamy, sweet-tart filling, you will understand why Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

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