Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots: A Bold No-Bake Dessert with a Kick

Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots: A Boozy Dessert That Steals the Show

When I first made these Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots, it was on a sticky July evening in Sacramento. The heat clung to everything, and I needed something cold, sweet, and cheeky. That’s when Grandma Rosa’s words echoed in my head: “The fruit is talking to you.” Only this time, the fruit came from a cherry pie filling can and the heat was whispering, “Fireball.” One chilled tray of cheesecake shots later—fire met cream, crunch met smooth—and the kitchen fell quiet but for one sound: spoons scraping glass.

These little no-bake dessert shots are everything: creamy cheesecake spiked with cinnamon whiskey, layered over buttery graham crust, topped with boozy cherries. They’re bite-sized rebellion—sweet, spicy, and unapologetically bold.

Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots

alexmorgan

No-bake, creamy, and spiked with cinnamon whiskey—these Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots are the ultimate party dessert served in shot glasses.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course cocktails, Dessert Drink, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 30 shots

Calories 130 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Shot glasses
• Spoon or piping bag

Ingredients

  

heavy cream

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter melted

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3 oz Fireball Whiskey divided

Topping

• 21 oz cherry pie filling 1 can
• maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

 

• Combine cherry pie filling and 2 oz of Fireball Whiskey. Stir and set aside.
• In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until fully combined.
• In another bowl, beat cream cheese, lemon juice, heavy cream, white sugar, and the remaining 1 oz of Fireball Whiskey until smooth and fluffy.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the crust mix to each shot glass and press down to form the base.
• Layer with cheesecake filling, filling the shot glass about ¾ full.
• Top with cherry pie mixture. Chill until ready to serve.
• Before serving, top with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy chilled.

Notes

Yields 30 small dessert shots. Great for parties or as a fun make-ahead treat.

Keyword , frozen desserts, Fireball Whiskey, graham cracker crumbs, half-and-half or heavy cream

At parties, people hover near them. They’re curious. “Is this a shot… or dessert?” Answer: Yes. I always watch for the moment they take that first spoonful—when eyebrows lift, and someone says, “Whoa.” Then I know it sings.

Dessert Meets Party: Why Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots Work

No-Bake Treats That Wow Without the Oven

Making a dessert that doesn’t require baking is a game changer, especially when time or weather doesn’t cooperate. These Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots only need mixing, layering, and chilling. Cream cheese, whipped cream, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and whiskey—all whipped into a silky mousse—sit beautifully on a cinnamon-kissed graham crust.

If you’ve ever made Jello shots, you know the thrill of serving up tiny treats packed with surprise. These cheesecake shots bring that same thrill—just with more sophistication and a whole lot more flavor.

Fireball: The Spicy Hero of Dessert Shots

Fireball brings the heat in the best way. Its cinnamon warmth cuts through the richness of cream cheese and adds an unexpected kick. It’s not just boozy for boozy’s sake—it makes the dessert more interesting. If you’re not into Fireball, swap it for bourbon or rum. I’ve even tried a variation inspired by my bacon bourbon caramel cheesecake—equally incredible.

Fireball whiskey pairs especially well with warm flavors like cherry, chocolate, or caramel. It’s also what makes these shots more than just cute—they’re bold.

A Shot of Comfort: The Cheesecake Base & Cherry Top

Graham Cracker Crust with a Kick

Let’s talk crust. A mix of graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon gives these shots a sturdy but flavorful foundation. You press it right into the bottom of each shot glass—no baking required. It’s like making the best part of a bourbon chocolate cheesecake portable.

Want to level it up? Swap graham for crushed Biscoff cookies or even pretzels for a salty edge.

Boozy Cherries That Pop

Canned cherry pie filling + a splash (or two) of Fireball = the ultimate shortcut topping. It’s bright, juicy, and spiked. Top your shots with a spoonful of this mix, and it sets the tone: playful, boozy, and a little nostalgic. You could even use this same cherry topping on something like a boozy shamrock shake for St. Patrick’s Day.

Each layer balances sweet and spice. And if you’re feeling extra, garnish with a maraschino cherry—it’s the cherry on top (literally and figuratively).

Serve, Customize & Celebrate with Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots

Now that you’ve layered the graham crust, whipped that spiked cheesecake filling, and crowned it with boozy cherries, let’s talk about how to serve these Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots so they shine. Whether you’re hosting a boozy brunch or planning a dessert table at a late-summer barbecue, these shots adapt beautifully—and steal the spotlight every time.

Party-Perfect Presentation

Mini Shot Glasses & Smart Garnishes

Presentation matters. I always serve these in clear plastic or glass shot cups to show off the layers. That creamy cheesecake against cinnamon crust and glossy red cherry topping? It turns heads.

Top each shot with a maraschino cherry or a dollop of whipped cream. I’ve even sprinkled cinnamon sugar or crushed red-hot candies for flair. If you’re going for something more elevated, try piped whipped cream and a cinnamon stick shard—very cocktail hour meets dessert.

For a creative twist, use white peach martini-inspired flavors by subbing the cherry topping with peach preserves and a splash of peach schnapps.

Make-Ahead & Chill

These are dream-worthy for hosts: you can assemble them up to 48 hours ahead. Cover with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flavors meld, the textures set, and cleanup is already done when guests arrive. Just add toppings right before serving.

Need to transport? Use a muffin tin to hold the shot cups steady. It’s how I once carried 24 of these across campus to a friend’s engagement party. Not one spill.

Dessert Shots, Your Way

Swaps, Add-Ins & Themed Variations

Want to riff on the original? Here’s how you can flex the base recipe into something totally yours:

You can also mix and match booze: spiced rum, coffee liqueur, or even amaretto all blend beautifully with the cheesecake base. The cherry topping? Try blueberry, strawberry, or boozy apple pie filling for seasonal flair.

Dietary Options

Going gluten-free? Use almond meal or gluten-free cookies for the crust. Dairy-free? Sub with plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. And if you’re just looking to skip the booze? These still taste amazing alcohol-free—just reduce the sugar slightly in the cherry topping.

Conclusion

These Fireball Whiskey Cheesecake Shots are more than just dessert—they’re a mood. Creamy, spicy, sweet, and fun to make, they’re my secret weapon for parties big and small. Whether served in shot glasses or spooned from a pie plate, they capture that RecipesTrip spirit: bold flavor with soul. Grandma Rosa might not have had Fireball in her pantry, but she’d understand the heart behind it.

For more recipes that make your dessert table sing, check out our spiked favorites like Fireball Margaritas and cocktail-inspired cheesecakes. or visit our facebook