Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters: The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 shooters
Dietary: Vegetarian

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful? These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters are taking holiday dessert tables by storm, and for good reason. Individual servings of layered vanilla cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping come together in adorable cups that are both elegant and easy to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These delightful dessert shooters combine the best of both worlds: the richness of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of vanilla cake. The individual presentation makes them perfect for parties, as guests can grab and enjoy without the need for plates and forks. Plus, they look absolutely stunning lined up on a dessert table.

The sweet cherry topping adds a festive pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor that perfectly complements the creamy layers below. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or any holiday gathering, these mini treats will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake Layer:

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus required ingredients: eggs, oil, water)
  • Or your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the Cherry Topping:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • Or 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and sweetened to taste

You’ll Also Need:

  • 12 clear plastic cups or small dessert glasses (8-10 oz each)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the vanilla cake according to package directions (or your favorite recipe) and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Allow to cool completely, then crumble into small pieces. You want a texture similar to coarse breadcrumbs that will layer nicely in your cups.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until you have a light, mousse-like consistency. Refrigerate while you assemble.

Step 3: Assemble the Shooters

Now for the fun part! Take your clear cups and start layering:

  • Add a generous layer of crumbled vanilla cake to the bottom of each cup
  • Spoon or pipe a layer of cheesecake filling on top
  • Add another layer of cake crumbs
  • Top with another layer of cheesecake filling
  • Finish with a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled shooters for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to absorb some moisture from the cheesecake filling, creating the perfect texture.

Tips for Success

Make-Ahead Magic: These shooters are perfect for preparing the day before your event. The flavors actually improve as they sit, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on party day.

Presentation Matters: Use clear cups or glasses so guests can see the beautiful layers. Small mason jars or parfait glasses work wonderfully.

Customize Your Toppings: While cherry is classic and festive, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even chocolate sauce.

Piping Perfection: Transfer your cheesecake filling to a piping bag or large ziplock bag with the corner cut off for cleaner, more professional-looking layers.

Serving Size: These rich desserts are perfectly portioned. One shooter is satisfying without being overwhelming.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Lovers: Swap vanilla cake for chocolate and add chocolate shavings between layers
  • Lemon Twist: Use lemon cake and top with lemon curd instead of cherries
  • Berry Medley: Mix fresh raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for the topping
  • Caramel Drizzle: Add a layer of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shooters are best enjoyed within 24-48 hours of assembly for optimal texture.

Perfect for Every Occasion

While these are ideal for holiday celebrations, don’t limit yourself to just Christmas and New Year’s. These versatile desserts are perfect for birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, potluck dinners, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

The Bottom Line

With just 2 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish (including chill time), these Mini Cherry Cheesecake Cake Shooters deliver maximum impact with minimal stress. They’re proof that big flavor can come in small packages. Your guests will be delighted by these individual treats, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare and serve.

Ready to become the star of your next holiday gathering? Whip up a batch of these irresistible shooters and watch them disappear!

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