Okay, so you need a dessert, like, *yesterday*? And you’re picturing something kinda fancy but also, let’s be real, SUPER easy? Girl, I got you! These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters are my go-to for potlucks, BBQs, or honestly, just a Tuesday night when I need a little something sweet. They LOOK impressive, but trust me, they’re ridiculously simple. I’ve been making these for years, tweaking them here and there, and they are ALWAYS a hit. Seriously, watch people’s faces light up when you bring these out! Everyone loves a good cheesecake, but these little shooters? They’re next-level adorable and the perfect single-serving size. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cherry cheesecake? These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters are the answer!
Why You’ll Love These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Seriously, you NEED these in your life. Why? Let me tell you:
- Quick & Easy: I’m talking minimal effort, maximum reward!
- No-Bake! Helloooo, summer! Or anytime you don’t wanna turn on the oven.
- Party Perfect: These are ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser. I swear!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them the day before and BAM! Dessert is DONE.
Quick and Easy Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Seriously, the prep time is like, 15 minutes tops! We’re talking crush, mix, layer, chill. That’s it! No complicated steps, I promise.
No-Bake Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, can we just talk about how amazing no-bake desserts are? Especially when that cheesecake craving hits. No oven required, just pure deliciousness!
Perfect for Parties and Potlucks: Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
These are seriously the *best* for parties. They’re individual servings, so no messy cutting or serving. Plus, they’re so cute! Everyone will be asking you for the recipe, trust me!
Ingredients for Your Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? It makes a difference! I always try to get the best ingredients I can because, well, you can taste it!
- ½ cup vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
Vanilla Wafer or Graham Cracker Crumbs for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, so the crumbs are your base, right? They add that little bit of texture and a hint of sweetness. I usually go for vanilla wafers – Nilla Wafers are my fave! But graham crackers work great too if you’re feeling a little more “cheesecake-y.” You can totally buy the pre-crushed crumbs (I’m not judging!), or just crush ’em yourself. Either way, they’re important!
Cream Cheese for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, cream cheese is KEY! You absolutely want to use the full-fat stuff – trust me on this one. And SUPER important: make sure it’s softened! Like, leave it out on the counter for a bit until it’s nice and squishy. Otherwise, you’ll end up with lumpy filling, and nobody wants that!
Cherry Pie Filling for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
For the cherry pie filling, I usually just grab a can of the regular ol’ stuff from the store. You know, the kind with the big, juicy cherries? But hey, if you’re feeling ambitious, you could totally make your own! Just make sure it’s not too runny, or it’ll make your shooters soggy. Nobody wants a soggy shooter!
How to Prepare Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get started? It’s seriously so easy, you’ll be amazed! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the cutest, most delicious Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters ever!
Preparing the Crust for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
First things first, let’s get that crust ready! If you’re using vanilla wafers or graham crackers, crush ’em up good! I usually just throw them in a Ziploc bag and whack ’em with a rolling pin – it’s kinda therapeutic, actually! You want them pretty fine, but a few little chunks are okay. Then, just spoon a little into the bottom of each glass. I usually do about a tablespoon or so, but you can adjust it to your liking, of course!
Making the Cream Cheese Filling for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Now for the good stuff! Grab that softened cream cheese and whip it up with a mixer until it’s nice and fluffy. This usually takes about a minute or so. Then, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Finally, add the lemon juice and mix it in until everything is well combined and the mixture has thickened a little bit. Don’t worry if it seems a little thick – that’s what we want!
Assembling Your Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, this is where the magic happens! Now, carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over the crumbs in each glass. Then, grab that cherry pie filling and spoon about a tablespoon on top of the cream cheese. Repeat those layers one more time – cream cheese, then cherry pie filling! This layering is what makes them so pretty, too!
Chilling and Serving Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Almost there! Now, pop those little beauties into the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill. This is super important because it lets everything set up and the flavors meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Before serving, garnish with a little fresh mint for a pop of color and a little extra freshness. And that’s it! You’re done! Enjoy your amazing Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters!
Tips for the Best Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Want to take these from good to *amazing*? Here’s my secret sauce! First, make sure that cream cheese is REALLY soft – like, no cold lumps AT ALL. Next, don’t overmix the filling; just combine until smooth. And when you’re layering, try to keep it neat – a little messy is okay, but even layers look so much better! Trust me, a little extra effort goes a long way!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? Don’t panic! Here’s the lowdown on swaps. No vanilla wafers? No problem! Use graham crackers, shortbread cookies, even crushed Oreos (yum!). And if you don’t have fresh lemons for the juice? Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but honestly, fresh is SO much better. Trust me on that one!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters. If you’re wondering something else, just leave a comment below!
Can I make Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! In fact, I usually *do* make them ahead of time! They’re perfect for prepping the day before a party. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 24 hours – maybe even a little longer, but they’re usually gone before then!
Can I use a different fruit pie filling for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters?
Definitely! While cherry is classic, these are super versatile. Blueberry pie filling is AMAZING, and so is strawberry! I’ve even done them with a mixed berry filling before. Just make sure the filling isn’t too runny, or it’ll make the crumbs soggy. Nobody wants that!
How long do Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters last?
Okay, so they’re best within the first 2-3 days, but honestly, they’re usually devoured way before then! Just keep them covered in the fridge. After a few days, the crumbs might start to get a little soft, but they’ll still taste delicious!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
These little guys are best stored in the fridge, covered tightly. They don’t really “reheat” since they’re served cold, but trust me, cold is the way to go! Just keep ’em chilled until you’re ready to wow your guests (or, you know, yourself!).
Nutritional Information for Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, so please remember this is just an estimate, okay? It totally depends on the brands you use and how generous you are with the cherry pie filling (oops!). But roughly, you’re looking at:
- Calories: Around 350 per shooter
- Sugar: Yeah, there’s sugar. Probably around 40g
Just remember, it’s a treat! Enjoy it! And don’t come yelling at me if your numbers are slightly different, okay? 😉
Enjoy Your Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters!
And that’s it! Seriously, aren’t they the cutest? I’d LOVE to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share a pic on Insta! Happy shooting!
Print
Delightful Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters in 15
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy mini cherry cheesecake shooters. These require no baking and are simple to make.
Ingredients
- ½ cup vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Crush vanilla wafers or graham crackers into crumbs and set aside.
- Whip softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and beat at medium speed until well combined.
- Beat in lemon juice until mixture is well combined and thickened.
- Add cookie crumbs to each serving glass.
- Top with about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese pie mixture.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling over cream cheese pie.
- Add more cream cheese pie filling and one more scoop of cherry pie filling.
- Garnish with fresh mint.
- Chill for 2 hours or until ready to serve.
Notes
- Garnish with fresh mint for a fresh flavor.
- Chill completely for the best taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shooter
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
