Home-style Cherry Cheesecake Shots
If you love no-bake desserts, creamy cheesecake flavors, and fun party treats, these Cherry Cheesecake Shots Will be the star of your next gathering! Made with cheesecake pudding mix, Cool Whip, RumChata, and cherry pie filling, this speedy dessert tastes just like a boozy cherry cheesecake, served in the cutest little shot glasses. They’re simple, festive, and well-balanced for holidays, girls’ nights, BBQs, and anytime you want an straightforward prepare-ahead dessert idea.
Cherry Cheesecake Shots (Straightforward RumChata Dessert Shooters)
This recipe is the definition of Straightforward entertaining: 10 minutes of prep, no baking, and guaranteed to get everyone talking. These mini dessert shooters also travel well and can be made ahead, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, and celebrations.
Can we make these without alcohol?
Yes! Replace the RumChata with Extra cold milk Or Coffee creamer (vanilla or sweet cream flavor works great).
Why this stays in the rotation
- No-bake
- Well-balanced for parties
- Straightforward to transport
- A crowd-pleasing dessert everyone recognizes
- The right touch of boozy RumChata flavor
- Beautiful layered presentation
Ingredients
- Cheesecake pudding mix
- Milk
- RumChata
- Cool Whip
- Graham crackers
- Cherry pie filling
Prepare-ahead Tips
Make the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours ahead
Keep layers separate until assembling
Assemble the shots 2-3 hours before serving For best texture
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Shots
- Mix the pudding:
In a bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix, cold milk, and RumChata until smooth and thickened. - Fold in Cool Whip:
Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a fluffy cheesecake mousse. - Layer the shots:
Add a spoonful of crushed graham crackers at the bottom of each shot glass. - Add the cheesecake filling:
Pipe or spoon the cheesecake mixture over the graham layer. - Top with cherries:
Finish each shot with a spoonful of cherry pie filling. - Chill & serve:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Create a Dessert Shot Bar
Let guests build their own cheesecake shots!
Set out toppings like:
- Whipped cream
- Blueberry pie filling
- Strawberry pie filling
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini chocolate chips
- Caramel drizzle
What else can RumChata be mixed with?
RumChata pairs well with many cocktails and dessert drinks, including:
- Coffee or cold brew
- Fireball whisky (to make “Cinnamon Toast” shots)
- Root beer
- Cream soda
- Vanilla vodka
- Hot chocolate
- Eggnog
- Coca-Cola
- Pumpkin liqueur
It’s also satisfying in dessert recipes like pudding shots, milkshakes, and boozy frosting.
Hosting Tips & Serving Ideas
✨ Party-Well-balanced Presentation
Serve the shots in:
- Mini disposable shot cups
- Small glass dessert cups
- Mini mason jars
- Plastic parfait cups
Add extras such as:
- A tray of assorted toppings (extra graham crumbs, whipped cream, sprinkles)
- Mini spoons
- Printable party labels
Cherry Cheesecake Pudding Shots
Prep 15 minutesTotal 1 hour 15 minutesMakes 12
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ¾ cup RumChata
- 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed
- ¾ cup crushed graham crackers (about 6 full sheets)
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cheesecake pudding mix, milk, and RumChata until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
- Spoon graham cracker crumbs into the bottoms of 12–14 small 2 oz cups.
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake filling over the crumbs.
- Top with a spoonful of cherry pie filling and a swirl of remaining Cool Whip if desired.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. **See Notes**
Notes
- Make the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours ahead
- Keep layers separate until assembling
- Assemble the shots 2-3 hours before serving for best texture
