By Lindy Van Schalkwyk, last updated on January 21, 2022
These cheesecake pudding shots with vodka are incredibly delicious with a smooth and creamy texture. And, they’re easy to make and versatile!
We have developed the ultimate cheesecake party snack! It is very quick to make and most of the time is spent setting the shots in the fridge. And, they keep for a couple of days, making it perfect to prep in advance! This recipe can also be transformed into hundreds of different flavors for any occasion. Ready to try it? Here’s how!
About This Recipe
We are obsessed with this recipe and can guarantee that you will be too! What we love most about it is the recipes’ flexibility. You can substitute virtually every ingredient with an alternative that meets your needs.
You can even change the entire flavor profile by using a flavored instant pudding, flavored vodka, or flavored syrup. Create hundreds of boozy cheesecake shots with only one recipe – incredible, right?
And, we have even included some delicious flavor variations you can try. We’ve even included a vegan option!
These smooth and creamy cheesecake pudding shots are perfect at parties, as a unique dessert, or as a simple sweet treat for special occasions.
What You Will Need To Make Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Shots
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham crackers, crumbled
- 3 ounces (1 box) Instant Cheesecake Pudding mix
- 1 cup milk, chilled
- 3/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup strawberry liquor
- 1 cup heavy cream,
- Strawberries washed and sliced (or quartered)
- 1 cup whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
Equipment
- 10-12 shot cups (2 – 2.5 ounces)
- Baking pan or cookie sheet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric or stand mixer
- Rubber or silicone spatula
How To Make Cheesecake Pudding Shots With Vodka
Step 1: Prepare the shot cups
Place all of the shot cups inside a baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Divide the crushed graham crackers between each cup. You don’t have to press the crumbs down, but make sure they aren’t too loosely packed.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake mix
In a medium mixing bowl, add the instant cheesecake pudding mix. Then, add the chilled milk and whisk until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure that there are no lumps!
Then, whisk in the vodka and strawberry liquor. Keep whisking until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set the mixture aside until it’s needed.
Step 3: Add the cream
Now, there are two ways you can incorporate the heavy cream into this cheesecake pudding shot batter. The first is to simply fold it in as-is. This will create a very smooth and softer mixture.
However, you can also whip the cream until they are almost at soft peaks. This will give the mixture a more fluffy and light texture.
Whichever you choose, gently fold the cream in using a rubber or silicone spatula. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the shots
Divide the strawberry cheesecake batter into the shot cups. Chill the shots for at least 1 hour before garnishing and serving. This will help firm them up.
Finally, top each cup with some whipped cream and strawberry slices, or quarters.
Tips and Tricks for this Cheesecake Pudding Shots with Vodka
- For this recipe, we decided to use slightly larger cups than actual shot glasses. If you didn’t know already, the volume of shot glasses differs depending on the country you are in. In America a single shot glass measures between 30-44 ml. In the UK, it’s about 25-35 ml. And, in Italy, it’s between 40-60 ml. So, if for example, you use a US shot glass, there wouldn’t be much cheesecake inside. For this reason, we just prefer using 2.5 fluid-ounce shot glasses or cups.
- If you are planning on transporting these cups or if you want to make some shots in advance, buy cups with lids. It will make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time.
- If you don’t want to use strawberry liquor, you can also use strawberry-flavored vodka or strawberry-flavored syrup. We wouldn’t recommend using strawberry puree as the tiny seeds might not be that appetizing.
- When incorporating the cream into the cheesecake batter, keep in mind that using soft peak whipped cream will increase the volume of the batter. This basically means that it will make more batter. So, essentially, you will have more shots.
- If you aren’t planning on serving the cheesecake shots soon, place their lids on them. Alternatively, wrap the tops with saran or plastic wrap or wrap the entire tray. This will help prevent them from drying out in the fridge.
Variations For This Recipe
Because we used such an incredibly simple recipe for these cheesecake shots, it is very easy to substitute a few ingredients to change the entire flavor profile of the recipe.
Even though we mentioned using regular vodka, we highly recommend you make these pudding shots with caramel vodka. Caramel and strawberry are excellent flavor pairing and will give these shots a very complex flavor!
You can also add some white chocolate or dark chocolate liquor instead of the strawberry. These delicious chocolate cheesecake pudding shots can then be garnished with some chocolate shavings.
And, you can even change these cheesecake pudding shots with vodka to a non-alcoholic recipe. Use some sparkling water, tonic water, or simply more milk instead.
If you still want cheesecake pudding shots without having to change this recipe, you can also have a look at this Cherry Cheesecake Pudding Shot recipe.
Making this Recipe Vegan
Making this recipe vegan (or simply dairy-free) is easier than you might think. Most instant pudding mixes are vegan, but always check the packaging to make sure, especially when using cheesecake mixes.
The same goes for graham crackers. Whether they are vegan or not depends on the brand you use (some brands use honey as a sweetener).
Then, simply substitute the milk with a vegan alternative, like almond milk or coconut milk.
And, instead of the cream and whipping cream, you can use coconut cream, which can also be whipped to a certain extent.
Servings and Preparation Time
| Preparation time | Setting time | Serves |
| 10 minutes | 1 hour | 10-12 (2-2.5 ounces each) |
Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Shot – Final Thoughts
Let us know what you think about this recipe in the comments below. And, share it with your fellow party-goers to make at your next get-together! You won’t regret it!
Strawberry Cheesecake Pudding Shots
Equipment
- 10-12 shot cups (2 - 2.5 ounces)
- Baking pan or cookie sheet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric or stand mixer
- Rubber or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham crackers crumbled
- 3 ounces 1 box Instant Cheesecake Pudding mix
- 1 cup milk chilled
- 3/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup strawberry liquor
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Strawberries washed and sliced or quartered
- 1 cup whipping cream whipped to stiff peaks
Instructions
- Place all of the shot cups inside a baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Divide the crushed graham crackers between each cup. You don't have to press the crumbs down, but make sure they aren't too loosely packed.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the instant cheesecake pudding mix. Then, add the chilled milk and whisk until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure that there are no lumps!
- Then, whisk in the vodka and strawberry liquor. Keep whisking until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set the mixture aside until it's needed.
- Now, there are two ways you can incorporate the heavy cream into this cheesecake pudding shot batter. The first is to simply fold it in as-is. This will create a very smooth and softer mixture.
- However, you can also whip the cream until they are almost at soft peaks. This will give the mixture a more fluffy and light texture.
- Whichever you choose, gently fold the cream in using a rubber or silicone spatula. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide the strawberry cheesecake batter into the shot cups. Chill the shots for at least 1 hour before garnishing and serving. This will help firm them up.
- Finally, top each cup with some whipped cream and strawberry slices, or quarters.
Notes
If you are planning on transporting these cups or if you want to make some shots in advance, buy cups with lids. It will make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.