These Blackberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Squares came into my life during a summer spent at my aunt’s farm in Oregon. We’d spent the morning gathering sun-warmed blackberries, purple juice staining our fingers as we filled our baskets. That afternoon, she taught me this recipe, passed down from her grandmother—the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, sweet pastry, and those bursting wild berries. It’s now become my go-to when blackberries appear at farmers’ markets.
Blackberry Cream Cheese Breakfast Squares
Flaky pastry squares filled with tangy cream cheese and juicy blackberries, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Prepare the Blackberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries begin to release their juices, about 3 minutes. Mash slightly with a fork. In a small bowl, mix remaining lemon juice with cornstarch, then add to the berry mixture. Continue cooking until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and remaining fresh blackberries. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, and flour. Beat until creamy and well combined, about 2 minutes.
Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry to fit the bottom of the pan. Place it in the bottom and up the sides slightly. Pierce the bottom several times with a fork.
Assemble the Squares
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry base. Top with cooled blackberry filling, spreading it in an even layer. Cut the remaining sheet of puff pastry into 1-inch strips and create a lattice pattern over the filling. Alternatively, cut into shapes with cookie cutters and arrange decoratively.
Finish and Bake
Brush the pastry top with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Refrigerate the assembled pastry for 15 minutes to allow the dough to firm up. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Prepare the Glaze
While the pastry bakes, whisk together confectioners' sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with additional liquid or sugar as needed.
Cool and Glaze
Allow the baked pastry to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out onto a cooling rack. Let cool for another 15 minutes before drizzling with the prepared glaze. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before cutting into 9 squares.
How to Make Blackberry Cheesecake Squares
Learn how to make delicious blackberry cheesecake squares with a flaky pastry base, creamy filling, and fresh blackberry topping
What makes these squares so practical is their versatility. Have you considered how many breakfast dilemmas they solve? They can be fully prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning. The squares maintain their texture when refrigerated for up to three days, making them perfect for busy weeks. Plus, the cream cheese layer provides protein that keeps you satisfied longer than typical breakfast pastries.
Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures—the buttery, flaky pastry base, silky cream cheese filling, and then that incredible burst of warm, juicy blackberries. The touch of lemon zest brightens all the flavors, while a subtle hint of almond enhances the berries’ natural sweetness. Serve slightly warm with a drizzle of honey or alongside Greek yogurt for a more substantial breakfast.
These squares also transition beautifully from casual breakfast to elegant brunch centerpiece. For special occasions, try arranging them on a platter with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. The vibrant purple berry juices create a naturally beautiful presentation that will have your guests reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their coffee. Why settle for ordinary breakfast pastries when these extraordinary squares await?
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