Sweet, creamy, no-bake cheesecake layered over a tart raspberry pie filling. Served in single-serving-sized shot glasses on a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream, these decadent little desserts are the perfect miniature treat for your next get-together.
I just have a short post for you today, one with almost more pictures than words.
I recently shared these raspberry cheesecake dessert shooters over on Spend With Pennies, but I wanted to share them here with you, too.
I raved about the homemade berry filling and creamy cheesecake over there, so I won’t go into too much detail here, but I do want to stress a few things before I go.
- That cheesecake filling is not your average no-bake cheesecake. Unlike many no-bake cheesecakes that can fall flat in terms of flavor (Psst, mine does not, but many I tried before developing mine did!), these dessert shooters have all of the depth and richness of “real” cheesecake, thanks to a healthy spoonful of sour cream (cheesecake made without sour cream just isn’t really cheesecake to me).
- That homemade filling — so good, and so worth making from scratch. In a bind you can definitely substitute a can of pie filling, but if you have about 20 minutes to spare it’s worth every second to make this tart filling from scratch.
- My family raved about these. I was hesitant to even send them over because sometimes my siblings can be funny about fruity desserts, but, according to a text message from my mom, these shooters were devoured nearly instantly. So yeah, you’re going to want to try them out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.
- Individually portioned. Like my mini cheesecakes, these are great for serving up single-serving-sized and feeding a crowd!
- Customizable, substitute strawberry sauce for the filling and top with macerated strawberries for a strawberry cheesecake version!
- Use store-bought pie filling or make my simple raspberry sauce (recommended)!
Annnnd that’s all from me today.
I hope these desserts bring a little brightness into your Monday.
Raspberry Cheesecake Dessert Shooters
Ingredients
Raspberry layer (or use one 21oz can of raspberry pie filling -- you will not need the whole can)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups frozen raspberries--divided
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ Tbsp butter
Crust
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
Cheesecake
- 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Whipped cream and fresh raspberries for topping optional
Instructions
Raspberry Sauce - skip this step if you are using storebought pie filling-
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, 2 ½ cups raspberries, and lemon juice over medium-low heat.⅓ cup sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 3 cups frozen raspberries--divided, 2 tsp lemon juice
- Stir frequently until raspberries release their juices.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute and remove from heat.
- Add in remaining ½ cup raspberries and butter. Stir until butter is melted and raspberries are soft and broken.½ Tbsp butter
- Set aside, and allow to cool while you prepare the crust and filling.
Crust
- Using a fork, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter.½ cup graham cracker crumbs, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp butter
- Measure out approximately 1 ½ tsp of the graham cracker crumb mixture into the bottom of each shot glass and lightly tamp down. Set prepared shotglasses aside and make your cheesecake filling.
Cheesecake
- In a stand mixer or with electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and vanilla extract until completely combined16 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gradually stir in powdered sugar.2 cups powdered sugar
- With mixer on low-speed, slowly add heavy cream, stirring until combined.½ cup heavy cream
- Gradually increase speed to medium, and then high, and beat mixture on high-speed for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a large ziploc bag and refrigerate (sealed) until ready to use.
Assembly
- Once the raspberry filling has cooled, portion out a heaping tablespoon on top of the crust in each prepared shot glass.
- Snip the corner of the ziploc bag holding your cheesecake mixture, and pipe the cheesecake on top of the raspberry filling, filling each shotglass to the brim with cheesecake.
- Immediately before serving, top with whipped cream and raspberries, if desired.Whipped cream and fresh raspberries for topping
Notes
*Prepare the sauce first, as it will have to cool to room temperature -- at least 30 minutes -- before you can use it
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Other Dessert Shooter Recipes:
Cake Batter Cheesecake Dessert Shooters
Nutella Crunch Dessert Shooters
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dessert Shooters
Cma
I’ve made this a few times scaling it up a bit, and sometimes the filling doesn’t fluff up after adding the heavy whipping cream. Should I use the whisk instead of the paddle? Is my speed not high enough? Any pointers?
Sam
If you are increasing the recipe it may just need to be mixed a little bit longer, or faster. 🙂
Veleste Carbon Samuel
Hello, how many 2oz shooter do I need for this recipe?
Sam
This recipe will make about 22. 🙂
Stacie B
Lots of love for these cute desserts-made them for several showers and family events in both gluten-free and regular form. Tks for posting!
*worth noting: If you strain the seeds from the berry mix after cooking, you end up with much less filling-had to double the raspberry portion of the recipe to have enough.
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much, Stacie! 🙂
Kayla
Any change in the recipe if using fresh raspberries?
Sam
You may need to add a splash of water in the beginning, 2-3 teaspoons. Other than that no change! Enjoy 🙂
Aimee
Looks amazing!!! Can strawberries be substituted for the raspberries?
Sam
Hi Aimee! That should work just fine. Enjoy! 🙂
LoveToBake
What’s your opinion on whipping the heavy whipping cream then adding it to the mixture ? Instead of adding it to the mixture as liquid form
Sam
You can do it that way. It will make a slightly sturdier filling. I would probably beat half of the powdered sugar in with the cream to make it a little sturdier and less likely to deflate. 🙂
Lynette
I will have to save this one for sure. Thank you for posting.
Sam
I hope you love it! 🙂
Charrison
Made these for a babyshower and they were very delicious and a real hit. Everyone wanted the recipe. Thanks for sharing this.
Sam
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for letting me know how they turned out for you!! <3
CassandraS
How far in advance can these be made?
Sam
About 3 days, but I would wait until the day of serving to assemble. 😃
Sues
Gorgeous!! And definitely making my rough Monday a little happier (but would be way happier if I actually had one in front of me!) 🙂
Sam
Thank you so much, Sues! 🙂