Desserts Served in Shot Glasses

Popular at many restaurants, desserts served in shot glasses are a trendy and fun way to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Not only are these mini desserts attractive, they are small enough to allow sampling of various confections without overindulging. In addition, they are easy to make from traditional desserts or by modification of store bought treats. The possibilities are nearly endless; the only limit is your culinary imagination!

Parfaits

Parfaits are a simple and traditional layered dessert. Layers can include pudding, whipped cream, fruit or crushed cookies. Tall shot glasses (shooters) work best for this dessert style because several layers create the best visual effect. The colors of the layers are ideal for matching party themes. Try layering strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream for a red, white and blue dessert shooter on Independence Day. Butterscotch and vanilla puddings layered with candy corn make a tasty Halloween treat. Layer yogurt, fruit and granola to make a healthy and refreshing dessert for any season.

Mini Desserts

Shot glasses can be used to contain traditional desserts, like pies, cakes or sundaes. Mini pies are much easier to make than their oven-baked cousins. Make a crust of crumbled graham crackers mixed with melted butter; no baking necessary. Spoon pie fillings on top of the crust and top with whipped cream. Making shot glass cakes can be as simple as preparing a boxed cake mix and adding store-bought frosting. German chocolate cake is especially impressive and attractive in the shot glass format. Prepare ice cream sundaes in advance, but keep them frozen until serving time.

Alcoholic Sweets

Instead of traditional dessert foods, take a new twist on the after-dinner drink by serving a sweet libation in a shot or shooter glass. Like parfait desserts, many cordials can be layered using a spoon. Irish creme, coffee liquor and cream blend nicely together for a sweet dessert with a kick. Combining cordial with cookie crumbs and ice cream in a blender makes a tasty milkshake for adults. Adding vodka when making jello results in a slippery and sweet bite that fits neatly in a shot glass.

References

• King Arthur Flour: Dessert Parfaits
• Intoxicologist: Dessert-Inspired Holiday Shot Recipes