Looking for an easy and elegant dessert that’s sure to impress? These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters are the answer! Perfect for parties, holidays, or even just a sweet treat for yourself, these no-bake delights are quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Get ready to learn how to create these delightful shooters, and I’ll share a secret ingredient that elevates the flavor to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters Recipe
These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also bursting with flavor and offer a delightful textural experience.
Toasted Graham Cracker Crumbs: The secret to these amazing shooters is toasting the graham cracker crumbs with butter and a pinch of salt. This simple step creates a deeper, nuttier flavor and a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry topping.
Taste and Texture: Imagine the delightful contrast between the crunchy, salty graham cracker base, the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, and the sweet, slightly tart cherry topping. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!
Convenience: This is a no-bake recipe, which means minimal effort and prep time. It’s perfect for when you need a quick and impressive dessert.
Portion Control: The individual shooter format is ideal for portion control and makes for an elegant presentation at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make these shooters ahead of time, making them a stress-free option for parties and celebrations. Speaking of make-ahead desserts, have you tried these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies?
Ingredients Needed
- 2 bags (12 Ounce) Frozen Sweet Cherries
- 1/4 c. Honey
- 1/4 c. Whiskey (optional)
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- Juice Of Half A Lemon
- 1 tsp. Cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp. Almond Extract
- 2 packages 8 Ounce Cream Cheese
- 1 can (14 Oz. Size) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 12 whole Graham Crackers (the 4-section Rectangles)
- 1/4 c. Sliced Almonds
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese. For a more pudding-like consistency, use just one 8-ounce package.
Cherries: While I love the convenience of frozen cherries, fresh cherries are fantastic when in season. You can also use canned cherry pie filling as a shortcut, but the homemade topping truly provides superior flavor. If you want to explore other options, check out Recipe Substitutions.
Whiskey: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute the whiskey with cherry juice or a bit more almond extract. You might also find inspiration in Recipe Substitutions.
Graham Crackers: For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free cookies or crushed nuts can be used as alternatives. Find more ideas in Recipe Substitutions.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: You can look for dairy-free versions if needed.
How to Make Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters
Let’s get started! Here’s how to make these irresistible Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters.
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Topping
In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen sweet cherries and honey. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbly, filling your kitchen with a sweet, fruity aroma.
Pour in the whiskey (if using) and stir to combine. Let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the butter until it melts, adding richness to the cherry topping.
Mix together the lemon juice with the cornstarch, then pour it into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Add the almond extract for a hint of nutty flavor.
Pour the cherry topping into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling is essential for optimal flavor and texture, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, or simply place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Now for the magic touch: toast the crumbs with melted butter. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. (You can mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the crumbs if you’d like them to be a little more moist.) Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toast the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until they are fragrant and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The nutty aroma and golden-brown color will let you know they are perfectly toasted.
To understand the science behind toasting and its effect on flavor, you might find this article on the Maillard Reaction insightful.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Add the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip them together until the filling is light and fluffy. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Shooters
Spoon the toasted graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of mini wine glasses or other serving vessels.
Fill a pastry bag (or a zipper bag with a snipped-off corner) with the cheesecake filling. Pipe a generous amount of filling over the crumbs in each glass. Using a pastry bag allows for easy and clean filling.
Top each shooter with a big spoonful of the chilled cherry topping.
Garnish with sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Chill the assembled shooters before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Preventing Soggy Graham Cracker Crust
One of the biggest challenges with layered desserts like this is preventing the graham cracker crust from becoming soggy. This happens because the moisture from the filling seeps into the crumbs.
Here are a few solutions to keep your crust perfectly crisp:
Toasting the Crumbs: As mentioned earlier, toasting the crumbs with butter creates a moisture barrier, preventing them from absorbing excess liquid.
Butter Ratio: Using a slightly higher ratio of butter when toasting the crumbs creates a more sturdy barrier.
Short Chilling Time: Chill the shooters just long enough for the filling to set, avoiding extended periods of chilling.
Layering Right Before Serving: For the best results, assemble the shooters closer to serving time to minimize sogginess.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
Toasting is Key: Don’t skip the toasting step! It’s essential for both flavor and texture. For extra flavor, you can even toast the sliced almonds.
Chill Time: Chilling the cherry topping and the assembled shooters is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Piping Bag Perfection: Using a piping bag allows for easy and clean filling.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to taste, depending on the sweetness of the cherries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Cheesecake Filling: Avoid overmixing, which can result in a runny texture.
Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the cherry topping or the assembled shooters will result in a less flavorful and less stable dessert.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: This leads to a lumpy cheesecake filling.
Adding too much liquid to the graham cracker crumbs.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
Serve these Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters in mini wine glasses, demitasse cups, or small mason jars. The clear vessels showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.
Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance. Want to make your own whipped cream? Check out this recipe for silky smooth cashew cream, it makes a delicious topping!
These shooters pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine.
If you’re interested in learning more about dessert wine pairings, consider reading this guide from Wine Folly.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Storage: Store any leftover shooters in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Make-Ahead: The cherry topping and cheesecake filling can be made 1-2 days in advance. The graham cracker crumbs can also be toasted ahead of time. Assemble the shooters closer to serving time to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in the cream cheese filling.
Conclusion
These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters are the perfect dessert solution: easy to make, no-bake, and utterly delicious. They’re ideal for parties, individual treats, or any time you crave a little something sweet.
The toasted graham cracker crust truly makes this recipe special, adding a depth of flavor and satisfying crunch that you won’t find anywhere else.
I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your own preferences. Experiment with different fruits, extracts, or toppings to create your own signature shooter!
Print the recipe, share it with friends, or browse our other delicious dessert recipes!
FAQ
How far in advance can I prepare these mini cherry cheesecake shooters? The cherry topping and cheesecake filling can be made 1-2 days in advance. Assemble the shooters a few hours before serving to prevent the graham cracker crust from getting soggy.
What is the best way to prevent the graham cracker crumbs from getting soggy? Toasting the graham cracker crumbs with butter creates a moisture barrier. Also, assemble the shooters closer to serving time.
Can I substitute the cherries with other types of fruit? Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Adjust the honey to taste based on the sweetness of the fruit. For another delicious fruit-based dessert, why not try these edible flower cookies?
How do I store these cherry cheesecake shooters? Store leftover shooters in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How long will cherry cheesecake shooters last in the fridge? They will last for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
What type of glasses or containers are best for serving these shooters? Mini wine glasses, demitasse cups, or small mason jars work well. Choose vessels that are clear to show off the beautiful layers.
Can I freeze these cheesecake shooters? Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the cream cheese filling.
Mini Cherry Cheesecake Shooters: No-Bake Party Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen sweet cherries and honey. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Pour in the whiskey (if using) and stir to combine. Let it cook for 2 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
- Stir in the butter until it melts, adding richness to the cherry topping.
- Mix together the lemon juice with the cornstarch, then pour it into the saucepan. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the almond extract for a hint of nutty flavor.
- Pour the cherry topping into a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or zip-top bag and rolling pin.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toast the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until they are fragrant and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip them together until the filling is light and fluffy. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Spoon the toasted graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of mini wine glasses or other serving vessels.
- Fill a pastry bag (or a zipper bag with a snipped-off corner) with the cheesecake filling. Pipe a generous amount of filling over the crumbs in each glass.
- Top each shooter with a big spoonful of the chilled cherry topping.
- Garnish with sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Chill the assembled shooters before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
