Applebee’s Strawberry Dessert Shooters

These cute little dessert parfaits are as much fun to make as they are to eat. Applebee’s Strawberry Dessert Shooters are a delightful and charming dessert served in individual glasses, offering a sweet and satisfying treat to end a meal on a high note. The dessert features layers of creamy cheesecake filling, graham cracker crumbs, and luscious strawberries in syrup, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that please the palate.

The dessert starts with a creamy cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, and a hint of vanilla, which is expertly cooked to achieve the perfect consistency. The mixture is then chilled to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set, ensuring a smooth and velvety mouthfeel with each spoonful.

The presentation of the dessert is as inviting as its taste. The layers of graham cracker crumbs and strawberry syrup-soaked strawberries add a visual appeal to the dessert shooters, making them an eye-catching addition to any table. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream, the dessert becomes an indulgent treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the aesthetic senses.

Applebee’s Strawberry Dessert Shooters are a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant gatherings. Their individual servings make them perfect for parties, allowing guests to savor the delightful combination of flavors in their own glass. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a meal or as a standalone treat, these dessert shooters capture the essence of a classic cheesecake with a fruity twist, leaving diners with a lasting impression of pure indulgence.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup thawed frozen sliced strawberries in syrup
• Whipped cream, for garnish

INSTRUCTION:

1. To make the cheesecake filling, in a large bowl, using a mixer on high, blend the cream cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken. Pour the thickened mixture into a covered container and chill it for several hours until it becomes cold.
3. To prepare each serving, combine the melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs.
4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs into a 6-ounce glass, creating a base layer.
5. Top the graham cracker crumbs with 1/3 cup of the chilled cheesecake filling.
6. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the thawed frozen sliced strawberries in syrup on top of the cheesecake filling.
7. Finish the dessert by topping it off with whipped cream for a delightful garnish.

VARIATIONS:

• Chocolate Delight: For chocolate lovers, replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed chocolate cookies or brownie crumbs. Layer the chocolate crumbs with the cheesecake filling and top with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings.
• Mixed Berry Medley: Instead of just strawberries, use a medley of mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The combination of different berries will add a burst of color and a variety of flavors to the dessert shooters.
• Nutty Twist: Add some crunch and nutty goodness by mixing chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts into the graham cracker crust or as a topping over the whipped cream.
• Lemon Berry Burst: Incorporate some zesty lemon flavor by adding a hint of lemon zest or lemon juice to the cheesecake filling. Pair it with the sweetness of the strawberries for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Cookie Butter Bliss: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookie butter cookies or speculoos cookies. The cookie butter flavor will add a unique and irresistible taste to the dessert.
• Tropical Escape: Create a tropical version by using tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi alongside the strawberries. This variation brings a taste of the tropics to the dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a luscious caramel sauce over the dessert shooters to add a rich and caramelized flavor profile that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake.
• Oreo Overload: Opt for crushed Oreo cookies as the crust base, and layer it with the cheesecake filling and strawberries. This version is sure to be a hit among Oreo enthusiasts.
• Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan-friendly version, use plant-based cream cheese, coconut cream, and maple syrup to create a vegan cheesecake filling. Pair it with fresh strawberries and vegan whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond meal for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.