This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

These strawberry cheesecake jello pudding shots are a fun, boozy twist on classic layered desserts. Sweet, fruity gelatin and a creamy cheesecake pudding layer come together in these playful, party-ready treats. Made with strawberry-flavored rum and fresh berries, these vibrant little shooters are easy to prepare and always a hit. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, a girls’ night, or you just want something whimsical to share, these layered pudding shots offer flavor, color and charm in every bite-sized cup.

A cup of strawberry ice cream with [strawberry dessert cocktail] crackers next to a bottle of bourbon.

Strawberry cheesecake jello pudding shots are a fun party treat layered with sweet gelatin, creamy pudding, and fresh fruit in every boozy bite.

Also try berry cheesecake tart or funfetti cheesecake. And for strawberry fans, strawberry fields salad or a strawberry gin rickey.

Mini strawberry parfait with whipped cream in a cup, set in a bowl of graham cracker crumbs, with strawberries—perfect as cheesecake shooters for a delightful treat.

Why You’ll Love It

Great for parties: These fun-sized shooters are perfect for birthdays, BBQs or bachelorette nights.
Simple to prep: No baking required and minimal effort with big payoff.
Crowd-pleasing flavors: Strawberry and cheesecake is a classic pairing everyone loves.
Customizable: You can swap out flavors or use other fruit for endless variations.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in advance and chill until ready to serve.

A cup of pudding with whipped cream and a wooden spoon, surrounded by strawberries, graham crackers, and crumbs—perfect for making strawberry pudding shots or indulgent cheesecake shooters.

Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Shooters Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Strawberry-flavored gelatin: Adds vibrant color and fruity flavor to the base.
Strawberries: Bring a juicy, fresh texture to the gelatin layer.
Strawberry-flavored rum: Infuses the shots with a boozy kick and fruity aroma.
Milk: Forms the base of the creamy cheesecake pudding layer.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and structure to the pudding mixture.
Cheesecake instant pudding mix: Creates the luscious cheesecake layer in minutes.
Whipped cream: A light, sweet garnish to balance the stronger flavors.
Graham crackers: Crushed for a crunchy topping that mimics classic cheesecake crust.

White pot, chopped strawberries, pink powder, Malibu bottle, wooden spoons, and a pink cloth on a table—perfect for whipping up delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Pudding Shots.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Shots

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the strawberry layer: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, stir in rum, then divide between shot glasses (I used these!) with diced strawberries. Chill until set.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: Whisk milk, cream, and rum with cheesecake pudding mix. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the shots: Top set gelatin with pudding, then refrigerate until firm. Add whipped cream and crushed graham crackers before serving.

Mini strawberry parfait cup with whipped cream, set in a bowl of crushed graham crackers, just like a bite-sized Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Pudding Shot, served with a wooden spoon.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap the rum: Use vodka, coconut rum or a non-alcoholic substitute if preferred.
Change the fruit: Blueberries, raspberries or peaches would be great alternatives.
Make it non-alcoholic: Replace the rum with fruit juice for a kid-friendly version.
Try another pudding flavor: Vanilla, white chocolate or even lemon pudding would work well.
Whipped cream: Use Cool Whip instead if you prefer, or your preferred whipped topping. Don’t add it until you’re ready to serve these shots.

Small cups of layered cheesecake shooters with whipped cream, strawberries, and crumbs sit on a rustic table draped with a pink cloth.

Serving Suggestions

With savory snacks: Enjoy teriyaki wings, crispy arancini and buffalo chicken tenders with your jello shots.
With sweet treats: Whip up some delicious divinity candy or s’more brownies to pair with them.

A layered dessert cup with whipped cream, strawberry, and graham crackers, this treat is perfect for fans of strawberry pudding shots, complete with a wooden spoon on top.

How to Store Strawberry Jello Shots

Store: You can make these up to 2 days ahead and then just keep them refrigerated and under plastic wrap. However, don’t add the whipped cream garnish until just before serving else it will just melt and look messy.
Freeze: They’re not suitable for freezing.

Mini strawberry parfaits with whipped cream on a wooden table, garnished with strawberries and graham crackers—perfect as a strawberry dessert cocktail inspired by Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Pudding Shots.

Top Tips

Use cold ingredients: Make sure the milk, cream, and rum are well chilled for the pudding to set properly.
Don’t overfill: Leave room for the garnish when layering into the shot cups.
Whisk the pudding again before layering: It may thicken more while chilling, so give it a quick stir before spooning it in.
Chill thoroughly between layers: This keeps the colors and textures distinct.

A layered dessert cup with whipped cream, a wooden spoon, and fresh strawberries on a wooden table, perfect for enjoying as strawberry pudding shots or a delightful strawberry dessert cocktail.

Cheesecake Shooters FAQs

What kind of shot glasses are best for strawberry pudding shots?

I’d recommend clear plastic ones so you can see the cheesecake layers. Choose 2-ounce glasses so you can fit the strawberry cheesecake rum jello pudding shots in there.

How should I serve these?

I’d recommend serving cheesecake shooters with mini tasting spoons. If you don’t have those, popsicle sticks would do at a pinch. You could serve them without either of these but it isn’t going to be the easiest cocktail to knock back that way!

A dessert cup with layered strawberry, custard, and whipped cream, served as a playful strawberry pudding shot, with strawberries and a Malibu bottle behind.

Strawberry Rum Jello Shots Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Pudding Shots

This easy recipe makes the ultimate party dessert in individual servings. Creamy cheesecake pudding, fruity gelatin, and a whipped topping make these fun to serve and even more fun to eat.
Prep Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients 

For the Strawberry Layer

  • 1 Cup water, boiling
  • 1 Box strawberry flavored gelatin, 3-Ounce
  • 1 Cup rum, strawberry-flavored, chilled
  • 12 strawberries, about 2 Cups, diced into ¼-inch cubes

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 Cup milk, cold
  • 1 Cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 Cup rum, strawberry-flavored, chilled
  • 2 Boxes instant pudding, 3.4-Ounce, cheesecake-flavored

Toppings 

Instructions 

Make the Strawberry Layer

  • Remove boiling water from heat source. In a 1.5-quart saucepan (or other similarly sized heatproof container), add strawberry gelatin to boiling water. Whisk until gelatin has completely dissolved. Add chilled strawberry rum. Stir to mix.
  • Spoon a tablespoon of diced strawberries into each 2-ounce shot glass. Add about a tablespoon (½-ounce) of gelatin over top of the diced strawberries in each cup. Submerge the strawberries using the spoon so that they’re evenly distributed in the gelatin.
  • Refrigerate for 1½ hours or until set.  

Make the Cheesecake Layer

  • While gelatin is chilling, stir together milk, heavy whipping cream, and rum. Add powdered pudding mix to liquid and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use. (The pudding will be slightly thinner than usual).

Assemble the Shots

  • Remove set gelatin from the refrigerator along with the cheesecake pudding mixture. Whisk the pudding, stirring until smooth. Top each shot with about 2½ tablespoons of the prepared pudding.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour.  
  • Top with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers just before serving. 

Notes

Use cold ingredients: Make sure the milk, cream, and rum are well chilled for the pudding to set properly.
Don’t overfill: Leave room for the garnish when layering into the shot cups.
Whisk the pudding again before layering: It may thicken more while chilling, so give it a quick stir before spooning it in.
Chill thoroughly between layers: This keeps the colors and textures distinct.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 179IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Turn your party up a notch with these strawberry cheesecake jello pudding shots. Made with real strawberries, fruity gelatin, and a creamy cheesecake pudding topping, they’re both pretty and tasty. The layers come together easily and can be made in advance, so they’re ideal for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard bash, planning a festive holiday spread, or just want something unique, these sweet and boozy dessert shots are guaranteed to impress.

Other Recipes to Try

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




5 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

3 Comments