Lemon Berry Sunshine Bites, a combination of zesty lemon and berry flavors nestled in crispy phyllo shells. These bite sized treats are baked to golden perfection.
Check out my Lemon Raspberry Loaf Cake and my Strawberry Crunch Cookies for more lemon and strawberry desserts.
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Lemon berry sunshine bites are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of lemon, berry, and cream cheese in a bite sized pastry shell. The fresh lemon flavor with have the whole family coming back for more after the first bite!
These sunshine bites are a great way to brighten up any occasion and bring a little sunshine to your day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These bites combine the tangy zest of lemon with the sweetness of berries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of lemon filling with the phyllo shells creates a wonderful contrast in textures.
With just a short prep time, a few simple steps and detailed instructions, you can create these delicious bites in no time. They are great for serving at parties or as a great snack.
Ingredients You 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. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.
- Lemon preserves: Contributes a zesty taste to the filling.
- Large 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. You can also top with juicy blueberries.
Step By Step Photos
Place mini phyllo shells on baking sheet.
Crisp them in the oven for 5 minutes.
Mix together the filling.
Until the ingredients are well combined.
Fill shells with cream cheese mixture.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes.
How To Make Lemon Berry Sunshine Bites
Step 1. Preheat and crisp: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 °F. Arrange mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet and crisp them in the oven for 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure they turn golden and maintain a nice crunch.
Step 2. Prepare filling: While the shells crisp, in a large bowl, use a hand-held mixer at medium speed to blend together softened strawberry cream cheese, lemon preserves, and egg whites until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 3. Fill the shells: Remove the phyllo shells from the oven and, using a piping bag or spoon, fill each shell just below the top. The mixture will puff up slightly during baking.
Step 4. Bake: Place the filled shells back in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown, and the filling is set. The exact baking time may vary.
Step 5. Top with strawberries: Once out of the oven, top each bite with a fresh slice of strawberry, or fresh fruits like sweet blueberries.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Tips
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill the shells just below the top to allow room for the filling to puff up slightly while baking.
- It's best to top the bites with sliced strawberries just before serving.
- For more fresh berries, top the bites with fresh blueberries for a delicious blueberry flavor.
- If you want to incorporate fresh lemons, add thin lemon peels to the top of the bites. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Berry Bites
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.
Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Note that the phyllo shells may lose some crispness over time.
Yes, you can freeze them. However, it's best to freeze before adding fresh strawberries. Freeze the filled and baked bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
More Fruit Recipes You Might Enjoy
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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
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill the shells just below the top to allow room for the filling to puff up slightly while baking.
- It's best to top the bites with sliced strawberries just before serving.
- For more fresh berries, top the bites with fresh blueberries for a delicious blueberry flavor.
- If you want to incorporate fresh lemons, add thin lemon peels to the top of the bites. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
- Storing: Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Note that the phyllo shells may lose some crispness over time.
- Freezing: It's best to freeze before adding fresh strawberries. Freeze the filled and baked bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen 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.
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