Shot Glass Desserts

Shot Glass Desserts
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These shot glass desserts are basically mini trifles. These quick desserts in a glass are made in the same way as a larger trifle, and are deceptively easy to put together. The recipe was born when I offered to make something for a friend’s afternoon tea party. We thought that mini desserts – like those served in a local pub – might be fun to eat.

I suggested either mini trifles or a cheesecake dessert and she plumped for the former. Thus, these glamorous, glittery little dessert shots were born. The shimmery jelly (made by Rowntree’s) is stocked in most larger supermarkets, or you can buy it from Amazon. You don’t have to use sparkly jelly, of course – a tray of these shot glass trifles will still look good without the shimmer.

desserts in shot glasses
The first layer of the dessert shooters contains cake, fruit, jelly – and maybe even vodka

Making this shot glass trifle recipe is really just an assembly job. There is a bit of stirring of the jelly, but otherwise it’s just about placing, pouring, spooning or piping each layer into the glasses. As there will be a lot of them, you really don’t have to worry too much about the detail. An array of desserts in a glass makes an attractive colourful display, so no one will notice any uneven layers or less-than-perfectly piped cream. I found glimmer sugar strands which are a nice finishing touch. You can get them in lots of colour options too.

This easy shot glass dessert recipe is ideal for older kids’ parties, or to glam up a gathering of adults – like the afternoon tea party I first made these for. You can of course omit the vodka if catering for children (sugar, I find, is enough for them)! Shot glass desserts for weddings are increasingly popular too. As well as for entertaining or parties, they’re also great when you just want a little taste of something sweet at home. An after dinner treat.

shot glass desserts uk
Creamy custard forms the second layer of these cup desserts

Makes about 20

Shot glass desserts ingredients

  • Madeira loaf cake, 1/2 approx
  • Vodka, 3 tbsp (optional)
  • Raspberry Glitter Jelly, 1 pack
  • Raspberries, 1 for each glass
  • Custard
  • Extra thick or whipped cream
  • Sprinkles, to decorate

Equipment

desserts in a glass layered
Shooter desserts, dessert in a cup, mini desserts – whatever you call them, they won’t last long!

How to make Shot Glass Desserts

  • Trim the edges of the madeira cake, then cut out small cubes, sized to fit in the bottom of each shot glass.
  • Lay out the cake cubes in a shallow glass dish, then (if using) spoon over the vodka as evenly as possible, leaving until it is soaked up by the cake cubes.
  • Place the cake cubes into the glasses, then add a raspberry to each.
  • Make up the jelly – in a pyrex jug – as per pack instructions, then pour some into each shot glass – to about halfway up.
  • Refrigerate to set.
  • Once the jellies have fully set, add a layer of custard to each glass, using a piping bag. Chill for at least 10 minutes.
  • Finally, pipe (or spoon) on a swirl of cream, then add some sprinkles to decorate the mini desserts before serving.

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Note – This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a small fee. This has absolutely no effect on the price you pay. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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