Celebratory Berry Lemon Cheesecake Squares
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: July 4, 2013

This red, white and blue dessert will be a sweet finish to your 4th of July celebrations.  The sweet berries paired with the tart lemon filling are a burst of flavor in every bite.
Berry-Lemon Cheesecake Squares
Recipe Courtesy of Pillsbury
 
Ingredients:
Pastry Squares:
	1 box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
	1 teaspoon milk
	2 teaspoons sugar
Filling:
½ cup whipping cream
	1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
	¼ cup sugar
	1 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Berries:
	1 cup fresh blackberries
	½ cup fresh raspberries
	½ cup fresh blueberries
Directions:
Heat oven to 450°F. Unroll crusts on lightly floured work surface. With rolling pin, roll each crust to 11 1/2 inches in diameter. Cut 1 (8 1/2-inch) square out of center of each round. Cut 4 squares from each large square, making 8 (4 1/4-inch) squares. Fold up all sides of each square 1/2 inch and roll inward to form thick crust edge. Brush edges with milk; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar. Place on ungreased large cookie sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.
Using small cookie cutters, cut shapes out of crust scraps. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. In another small bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and the lemon peel on medium speed until fluffy. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon rounded 3 tablespoons mixture into each pastry square. Arrange berries and crust cutouts over filling. Cover and refrigerate any remaining squares.