Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots

These Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots are a fun and festive way to enjoy a creamy dessert with a bit of a kick. Perfect for parties or as a playful treat after a meal, they combine a crunchy graham cracker crust, a fluffy cinnamon whiskey cheesecake filling, and a bright cherry topping for a balanced and irresistible bite in every shot glass.

I first made these for a holiday gathering and they quickly became the most requested dessert, with guests loving the playful presentation and rich flavours.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: For the crust layer, provide a classic sweet crunch
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the crust
• Cinnamon: Gives cozy warmth that echoes the whiskey
• Unsalted butter: Melted to hold the crust together without overpowering flavour
• Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth creamy base for the filling
• Lemon juice: Brightens the richness of the cheesecake filling
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to taste
• Heavy cream: Whipped in to give lightness and body
• Cinnamon whiskey: Infuses the filling with warm spice and festive flavour
• Cherry pie filling: Provides a vibrant fruity contrast for the topping
• Whiskey: A splash in the topping ties the flavour throughout
• Maraschino cherries: Optional garnish for colour and extra sweetness

Instructions

Prepare the Crust Layer:

Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and have a moist texture. Press about one to two tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each shot glass to form a compact crust layer. This base needs to be solid to prevent mixing with the filling later.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps. Add lemon juice and granulated sugar and continue beating until creamy and well incorporated. Gradually add the heavy cream and cinnamon whiskey while mixing on medium speed. Beat until the filling is light, fluffy, and holds its shape. The gradual addition is key to preventing the filling from becoming runny.

Assemble Layers:

Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each shot glass filling about three quarters full. In a separate bowl, stir the cherry pie filling with the remaining whiskey to incorporate flavors. Layer the cherry mixture on top of the cheesecake filling in each glass. Garnish each with a maraschino cherry if you like for an extra touch.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the glasses and refrigerate for at least one to two hours until the filling is fully set and chilled. Serving them straight from the fridge ensures the layers stay defined and the texture is just right. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or some citrus zest before serving.

My family enjoyed these so much that one holiday, the shots were gone before the mains were served.

Storage Tips

Store the assembled shots covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them freshest when preparing early, chill the crust and cheesecake filling first and add the cherry topping just before serving. Avoid freezing these since the texture of the filling can suffer once thawed and lose its creamy quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter alcohol flavour, reduce the amount of whiskey or swap it for spiced rum which has a gentler profile. Use gluten free graham cracker crumbs to make the recipe friendly for gluten sensitivities. You can replace cherry pie filling with other bright fruit fillings like blueberry or strawberry but taste the mixture to adjust whiskey amounts accordingly. To cut down sugar, use less granulated sugar but know this might change the texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these shots on a mirrored tray or tiered dessert stand for a refined presentation. Pair with coffee or dessert wine to enhance the creamy cheesecake and spicy whiskey flavours. They work wonderfully alongside other bite sized sweets like macaroons or mini tarts. These little shots also make memorable party favors, simply tied with a ribbon for guests to take home.

These cheesecake shots are easy to make ahead and bring festive flavour to any gathering. Chill thoroughly for the best texture and defined layers.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I omit the whiskey?

Yes, replace whiskey with heavy cream or vanilla extract for a milder flavor while keeping the creamy texture intact.

→ Why did my crust layer mix into the filling?

Press the crust firmly into the glass and let it set a bit before adding the filling to keep layers distinct.

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely, prepare crust and filling in advance, refrigerate, and add topping just before serving for freshness.

→ Are these very alcoholic?

The whiskey flavor is present but balanced, resulting in a mildly boozy taste suitable for most palates.

→ How should I store leftover shots?

Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and texture.