Pioneer Woman Cherry Cheesecake Shooters

Pioneer Woman cherry cheesecake shooters turn sweet cherries, cream cheese and graham crackers into a creamy no-bake dessert in 3 hours 15 minutes. Save this easy mini dessert for baby showers, summer parties or Fourth of July, because it's make-ahead and served in cute little glasses.

Chill the cherry topping for a few hours until it's cold and thick, because that is what keeps it sitting on top of the filling. Spoon it on while it's still warm and it runs straight down into the cream.

Whipping the cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk gives you a smooth filling that never needs an oven or any gelatin. Swapping a splash of whiskey and almond extract into the cherries adds a grown-up flavor that canned pie filling can't give you.

Pioneer Woman Cherry Cheesecake Shooters

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Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

18

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

240

kcal

A crunchy graham layer, a fluffy cheesecake cream and a glossy cherry topping stack up in each glass, so every spoonful gets a bit of all three. The almonds on top add a little crunch.

Ingredients

• 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
  

Directions

• Cook the cherries: Combine 2 bags frozen sweet cherries and 1/4 cup honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until hot and bubbly.
• Add the whiskey: Pour in 1/4 cup whiskey, if you're using it, and stir to combine. Then let it cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the butter: Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir until it melts. That gives the cherries a rich, glossy finish.
• Thicken the topping: Mix the juice of half a lemon with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, then pour it into the pan. Keep cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the topping thickens.
• Flavor and chill: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, then pour the cherries into a bowl and let them cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours until chilled.
• Crush the crackers: Crush 12 whole graham crackers and spoon the crumbs into the bottom of mini wine glasses. If you'd like them a little more moist, mix in 2 tablespoons melted butter first.
• Whip the filling: Add 2 packages cream cheese and 1 can sweetened condensed milk to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip until fluffy.
• Pipe the filling: Fill a pastry bag or zipper bag with the filling and snip off the end. Then pipe a big helping over the crumbs in each glass.
• Top and serve: Add a big spoonful of the chilled cherry topping to each glass. Finish with 1/4 cup sliced almonds.

Tools for this recipe

• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro 3-quart saucepan, KitchenAid 5-speed hand mixer, Riccle piping bags and tips set, Nielsen-Massey pure almond extract. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I make these without the whiskey?

Yes, the whiskey is optional, so you can leave it out. The cherries and honey still make a sweet, thick topping, and you can add a splash more lemon juice if you want a little extra brightness.

Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead?

You can, and it saves you the cooking and chilling time. Just spoon it over the filling the same way, since the assembly doesn't change.

How far ahead can I make cherry cheesecake shooters?

The cherry topping needs a few hours in the fridge anyway, so make it ahead. I'd assemble the glasses close to serving time, because the crumbs soften the longer they sit under the filling.

What can I use if I don't have mini wine glasses?

Any small glass works, like demitasse cups or small mason jars. Pick something clear so you can see the layers.

How do I get a thicker or softer filling?

Two packages of cream cheese make a thicker filling, while one package gives you a more pudding-like texture. Use the amount that suits how you like to eat it.