These cherry cheesecake shooters are the perfect no-bake dessert. Creamy, sweet, and served in individual cups, they’re my go-to treat for easy entertaining. Made with layers of graham cracker crumbs, a rich cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping, they’re a fun and elegant way to serve classic cheesecake without the fuss!
Love cherry desserts? Try my dark chocolate cherry cheesecake parfaits or smashed cherries, amaretti, and ricotta next.
Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is one of my biggest inspirations. Her blog, food photography, and storytelling have shaped how I cook and share recipes. Her cookbook The Pioneer Woman Cooks – A Year of Holidays is packed with step-by-step recipes, gorgeous photos, full holiday menus, and helpful tips to make entertaining stress-free.
One standout? These cherry cheesecake shooters. They take just 15 minutes to prep and are perfect for parties or holidays. Ree serves them in shot glasses for a fun single-serving dessert. They’re creamy, fruity, and super festive, especially with a splash of whiskey (optional, but so good).
This cookbook makes a great gift for any home cook. And these cheesecake shooters? They’re a must-try!
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete details!
- Cherries – I recommend using frozen, pitted sweet cherries for the best results. Fresh cherries should also work. However, you’ll need to pit them, and will likely need to adjust the cooking time.
- Honey – Substitute maple syrup, if preferred.
- Whiskey – This is optional, but adds lots of depth and an incredibly rich flavor. Personally, I love vanilla whiskey, but any variety will work.
- Butter – This adds richness to the fruit layer. I recommend unsalted butter to avoid an overpoweringly salty taste.
- Cornstarch – This acts as a thickener, creating an almost jam-like consistency so that the cherry filling holds its shape.
- Lemon – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best! The acidity adds brightness and helps thicken the filling.
- Cream Cheese – Make sure to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best taste and texture. Allow it to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This combines with the cream cheese to create a rich, creamy cheesecake filling.
- Graham Crackers – I make my own graham cracker crumbs, but you can sometimes find ready-to-use crumbs in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. Look for gluten-free varieties if you need to keep these cherry cheesecake shots gluten-free.
- Sliced Almonds – Sprinkled on top of the dessert, these add a subtle nutty taste and a nice crunch. If preferred, substitute chopped walnuts or pecans.
How to Make a Cherry Cheesecake Shooters Recipe
- Create the cherry filling. Combine the cherries, honey, and whiskey (if using) in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the butter, and continue to cook until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Thicken. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and lemon juice. Then, add the mixture to the cherry filling, and cook to thicken. Transfer the cherries to a bowl and chill them in the refrigerator.
- Whip the cream cheese. Use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip the cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth and fluffy. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or sealable bag with the tip cut off, and chill the mixture in the fridge.
- Crush the graham crackers. Place the whole graham crackers into a large plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or a heavy-bottomed pot to crush them into fine crumbs.
- Assemble the sooters. Spoon the crumbs into the bottom of a miniature wine glass or small shot glasses. Then, add a layer of the cream cheese mixture, followed by the cherry mixture. Top with almonds as garnish. Repeat, using all the ingredients. Enjoy!
Cherry Cheesecake Shooters
Ingredients
- 24 ounces frozen pitted sweet cherries (2 12-oz bags)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup whiskey (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (2 blocks)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 12 graham crackers
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
NOTES
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, honey and whiskey over medium heat and mix to combine.
- Add the butter and continue cooking until the cherries are hot and bubbly.
- In a separate dish, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice. Add cornstarch mixture to the cherries and cook for 2 additional minutes, stirring until the mixture is nice and thick.
- Remove from heat and transfer the cherries to a bowl. Refrigerate until they’re totally chilled and thick.
- In a stand mixer fit with the whisk attachment, whip the cream cheese and condensed milk until fluffy.Place the mixture into a pastry bag or plastic zipper bag with a medium hole snipped off the end. Store in a bowl in the refrigerator until ready to use.Place the graham crackers into a large storage bag and crush them into fine crumbs.
To assemble:
- Spoon a large helping of the crumbs into the bottom of a miniature wine glass or shot glass.
- Squeeze in 2-3 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture.
- Then spoon in 1-2 tbsp of the cherry mixture.
- Top with a few of the slivered almonds and repeat until all of the ingredients have been used.
Nutrition
tried this recipe?
Let us know in the comments!
If you liked this recipe, I’d love it if you left me a star rating and comment below. Also, don’t forget to share and tag us on Facebook and Instagram!
FAQs
Yes, you can make each part of the recipe ahead of time, including the cherry filling, cheesecake mixture, and crushed graham crackers. You can store these elements separately, covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Then, assemble the shooters when you’re ready to serve. I don’t recommend storing them fully assembled, as the “crust” might become soggy.
I haven’t tested it, but I think it would work! Try frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries, or use fresh or canned peaches.
Sign me up! These shooters look amazing and id love to see ideas of others!
I’m a big fan of Ree Drummond and watch her on the Food Channel. Her recipes are tasty, practical, and pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing her bounty.
Am so enjoying both your blogs! Ree is great. What a wonderful Christmas gift her cookbook would be. Thanks to you both.
Will try with gluten free cookies crumbled on bottom and toasting those almonds.
I am looking forward to making this recipe for New Years Day!
The presentation alone has that “WOW” factor. Thank you for sharing. Will look for The Pioneer Woman cooking show on TV. Thank You.
The cherry cheese cake shooters look so festive. Wish I had this recipe a week ago to share with my neighborhood ladies’ coffee that takes place once a month. Recipe is a saver. I
Love Ree, cherries & cheesecake….wow, what a combination….:)
oh those do look yummy
First of all, thank you for all the wonderful recipes you post; so many of them I pass along to friends and even forward your emails so that they can subscribe also.
I would be so honored to receive a signed copy of Ree’s new cookbook. Keep all those wonderful recipes coming and thanks for what you do for all of us.
Love both her recipes and yours!
This looks fantastic! I would love to win one of the cookbooks!
I have Rees 2nd cookbook and I love it and use it all the time. I really want a. copy of her 1&3 cookbook.
I love Ree and her cookbooks. I have 3 cookbooks…her first two and one that was suppose to help fight cancer (diagnosed in 2006 with ovarian cancer at age 24..came back 2012…) I never made one recipe from the cancer cook book but religiously make Ree’s lasagna and red pepper vodka sauce penne. I love the blackberry cobbler too…I would love to have her new cookbook. I love surrounding myself with friends and family and cooking them am awesome dish.
Just got an awesome kitchen aide artisan mixer for Christmas. Would love to have this cookbook to pair with my mixer!!!
Love PW and her recipes! I have the other two cookbooks 🙂
what a pleasant surprise…finding you AND the recipe…Both are great! Beautiful dish especially for the holidays.
Hoping to win a copy of Lees cookbook (The Pioneer Woman). I need all the help I can possibly get! Seriously!!
Would love to win a copy for my daughter!
I love Ree and watch her show each week and love all her cookbooks. This new one is on my Christmas wish list but so far not looking like Santa is going to bring it, so maybe I can win it!
Would love a signed copy!! Thank you 🙂
Merry Christmas