No bake caramel cheesecake shooters are the perfect way to get all the creamy richness of cheesecake, without heating up the oven or waiting hours. I love how this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and still delivers that decadent, dreamy bite. If you’re looking for a mess-free, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes as indulgent as it looks, these layered cheesecake cups are it. With just a few pantry staples and some chilled glasses, you’ll have a showstopper treat ready in no time.
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My Love for No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Shooters
The craving that sparked this 20-minute creation
Cheesecake has always had a special place on my dessert list. But let’s be honest, making it from scratch can turn my calm kitchen into a full-blown mess zone. That’s exactly why I fell in love with these no bake caramel cheesecake shooters. The first time I made them was on a warm Thursday evening after a chaotic school pickup. I wanted something sweet and satisfying but with zero oven drama. That’s when these dreamy shooters came to life, and wow, they did not disappoint.
A perfect dessert with layers of joy
Each spoonful gives a little bit of everything, velvety cheesecake cream, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and silky caramel sauce that ties it all together. And the best part? No baking, no waiting overnight, and barely any cleanup. I used three of my larger shooter glasses and they came out looking like elegant little trifles. These days, I even use the same base method from my matcha tiramisu days, just with flavors my kids go wild for.
Recipe
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No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Shooters
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 shooter glasses 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and creamy, these no bake caramel cheesecake shooters are layered desserts with graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake, and caramel topping.
Ingredients
- 4.5 ounces graham crackers (crumbled)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar caramel sauce
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Crumble graham crackers and mix with melted butter.
- Press a layer of the crumb mixture into the bottom of shooter glasses.
- Mix cream cheese with 2/3 can of condensed milk until smooth.
- Layer cream cheese mixture over the crust in each glass.
- Repeat with another crumb layer and another layer of cream cheese mixture.
- Mix remaining condensed milk with caramel sauce and spoon over the top.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Top with whipped cream and remaining crumbs before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers. Add sliced bananas or berries between layers for seasonal variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No Bake Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
How to Make No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Shooters
Simple pantry ingredients, no oven needed
What I love most about making no bake caramel cheesecake shooters is how little you actually need. These are desserts made from pantry basics and still taste like something you’d get at a fancy café. For the crust layer, graham crackers and melted butter give that nostalgic crunch. You’ll also need cream cheese, condensed milk, and a jar of caramel sauce. Whipped cream brings it all together. I used three medium shooter glasses, but these are easy to scale for a party tray or bite-sized versions.
If you’ve ever tried my plant-based tiramisu recipe, you know how much I enjoy layered desserts. Serving them in glass makes every spoonful look beautiful. For these no bake caramel cheesecake shooters, layering is where the magic happens.
Ingredients:
- 4.5 ounces of graham crackers (pre-crumbled or crushed at home)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar caramel sauce
- Whipped cream for topping
| Ingredient | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|
| Graham Crackers | Crunchy base layer with classic cheesecake flavor |
| Butter (melted) | Binds graham crumbs to form crust texture |
| Cream Cheese | Base of the cheesecake filling, rich and creamy |
| Condensed Milk | Sweetens and smooths the filling and caramel |
| Caramel Sauce | Adds a sweet, silky topping for extra indulgence |
| Whipped Cream | Final garnish, adds lightness and presentation |
Step-by-step layering magic
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter to create the crust base for your no bake caramel cheesecake shooters. Distribute this mixture evenly among the shooter glasses, gently pressing down to create a firm foundation. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese with two-thirds of the condensed milk until smooth, then layer that over the crust.
Repeat those two layers again. Whisk together the remaining condensed milk and caramel sauce, then pour this blend over each glass.Place in the fridge for at least 60 minutes to set. ust prior to serving, finish with a dollop of whipped cream and dust with any extra crumb mixture for garnish. The result? No bake caramel cheesecake shooters that taste just as good as they look.
Tips for the Best No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Shooters
What kind of caramel works best in this dessert?
When it comes to these no bake caramel cheesecake shooters, not all caramel sauces are created equal. I’ve tested both store-bought and homemade versions, and while a classic jar from the dessert aisle will absolutely do the trick, I personally like the thicker, richer kind. If it’s too runny, it can sink into the cheesecake layer and lose that glossy, luxurious topping. I sometimes warm the jar slightly to make it pour easily, then mix it with a little condensed milk for extra smoothness.
Once, I tried a salted caramel swirl and it took things to another level. My son loved the sweet and salty combo so much he asked if we could try a chocolate version next.
Fun and family-friendly ways to serve them
No bake caramel cheesecake shooters are perfect for casual entertaining or even after-school treats. I’ve served them in shot glasses for bite-sized fun, and in mason jars when we had guests over. For kids, I often use small plastic dessert cups with lids, they’re mess-free and portable, which came in handy at last month’s picnic.
My daughter Ella made her own version using chocolate syrup instead of caramel, layering in mini marshmallows for fun. It reminded me how creative kids can get with simple recipes like these.
Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, each little cup feels like a treat worth celebrating. These no bake caramel cheesecake shooters might just become a family tradition in our home, they’re that good.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Creative Twists
Can you make no bake caramel cheesecake shooters ahead of time?
Absolutely. These no bake caramel cheesecake shooters are ideal for prepping a day in advance. Once you’ve assembled all the layers and added the caramel topping, simply cover the glasses with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days. I suggest holding off on the whipped cream topping until just before serving. This keeps it fluffy and photo-ready, especially if you’re hosting or planning to post them on social.
When I first made these for my sister’s brunch spread, I prepped them the night before and added whipped cream just as the guests walked in. It saved so much time. I used the same strategy I do when making mini dessert jars, and it worked beautifully.
Easy ways to remix this recipe for any event
No bake caramel cheesecake shooters are flexible. Want a summer vibe? Add thinly sliced bananas between the layers. Hosting during fall? Swap the caramel with spiced apple butter and a dash of cinnamon. I even tried a crushed ginger biscuit base instead of graham crackers once, inspired by my mum’s favorite crumble topping. That version paired so well with pumpkin purée that I may create a seasonal twist for our next holiday post.
For chocolate lovers, mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese blend. For berry fans, drop a few raspberries into the bottom before layering. No matter the variation, these cheesecake shooters remain a foolproof go-to.
My son Oliver likes his with chocolate chips and whipped cream, while Ella leans toward caramel drizzle and crushed pretzels. Their favorites change weekly, but these always stay in rotation.
Final Thoughts
No bake caramel cheesecake shooters have quickly become a favorite in our kitchen. They deliver that creamy, indulgent cheesecake flavor without any oven time or complicated prep. I love that they’re easy enough to whip up after dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a party. The layering, the caramel, the smooth cheesecake filling, it all just works. Every time I make them, my usually picky teenager asks for seconds, and that’s when I know we have a keeper.
If you’re short on time but still want to impress, these no bake caramel cheesecake shooters are your new go-to. Try them once and I promise, they’ll end up in your dessert rotation too.
Follow me on Pinterest for more no-bake dessert recipes.
FAQs About No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Shooters
What kind of caramel is best for cheesecake shooters?
The best caramel for no-bake caramel cheesecake shooters is thick and smooth. Look for a high-quality jarred caramel sauce that holds its shape well when spooned. If it’s too runny, mix in a bit of condensed milk to balance the texture. Homemade caramel works great too, as long as it’s not overly thin.
Are no-bake cheesecake shooters gluten-free?
They can be. Just use gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs in place of standard graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients, including cream cheese, condensed milk, and caramel sauce, are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels if you’re preparing these for someone with a gluten sensitivity.
What type of cups or containers should I use for cheesecake shooters?
You can use shooter glasses, small mason jars, clear plastic dessert cups, or even mini trifle dishes. For parties, disposable mini cups with lids are great. I used three medium shooter glasses, but I’ve also made mini versions in espresso cups when serving a large crowd.
Are no-bake cheesecake shooters suitable for kids?
Definitely. These no bake caramel cheesecake shooters are fun, sweet, and easy for kids to eat. Just adjust the portion size and serve them in plastic cups if little hands are involved. My kids like to help with layering and love picking their own toppings like chocolate chips or mini marshmallows.
