Ingredients
Equipment
Method
1. Craft the Velvety Cherry Topping
- In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen sweet cherries and honey. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and gently bubbling and the cherries release their juices.
- If using, carefully pour in the whiskey and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off and flavors meld. (If using a gas stove, briefly turn off the flame before adding, then re-ignite once combined.) Stir in the butter until it completely melts.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice with the cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the simmering cherries, stirring continuously. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the topping visibly thickens to a beautiful, syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract.
- Pour this luscious cherry topping into a bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, ideally 4 hours or more, until it’s thoroughly chilled and nicely set.
2. Prepare the Spiced Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush the graham crackers finely. You can use a food processor for ultra-fine crumbs or place them in a sturdy zipper bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Transfer the crumbs to a bowl. Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of fine sea salt with the crushed crackers. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are perfectly moistened.
- Spoon this flavorful mixture into the bottom of your chosen vessels (mini wine glasses, demitasse cups, or small mason jars). Gently but firmly press the crumbs down to form an even, solid crust at the base of each glass.
3. Whip Up the Gourmet Cheesecake Filling
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the room temperature cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste and a touch of fresh orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Whip these ingredients together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, airy, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps.
4. Assemble and Garnish Your Shooters
- Fill a pastry bag (or a sturdy zipper bag with the corner snipped off) with the cheesecake filling. Pipe a generous layer of the fluffy cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in each glass, creating a visually appealing, distinct layer.
- Next, spoon a generous helping of the thoroughly chilled cherry topping over the cheesecake layer. The cool, set topping will sit perfectly without sinking into the creamy filling.
- Finally, garnish each shooter with a light sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds. To toast them, simply spread the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. For an extra pop of color and freshness, an optional sprig of fresh mint can be added.
Nutrition
Notes
Chilling is crucial: allow 4+ hours for the cherry topping and ideally overnight (8+ hours) for assembled shooters. Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Ensure the cherry topping is completely cool before layering to prevent a soggy crust. Toasting almonds adds essential crunch and depth. Nutrition information is estimated and may vary.