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If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly combines creamy richness with holiday cheer, the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe is your ultimate go-to. This delightful cheesecake captures the nostalgic flavors of those iconic Christmas Tree Cakes, folding them right into a luscious cream cheese filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with silky white chocolate ganache and sprinkled with seasonal decorations, it’s as charming to look at as it is irresistible to taste. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or a cozy family dessert, this recipe is sure to spread the joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe come together in a simple yet magical way. Each component plays its part in bringing the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and festive appeal to your cheesecake.
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery base for the cheesecake crust.
- 6 tablespoons melted butter: Helps bind the crust crumbs into a solid, flavorful foundation.
- 3 packs cream cheese, softened (8 oz each): The creamy heart of the cheesecake, giving it that soft, tangy texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake just enough to balance the cream cheese’s tang.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as a subtle stabilizer, making sure the filling holds together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that makes every bite comforting.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the cream cheese mixture extra silky and rich.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the filling and achieving that perfect cheesecake firmness.
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, chopped: The star ingredient that infuses festive flavor and delightful texture throughout the cheesecake.
- 1 cup white chocolate: Creates a luscious ganache that crowns the cheesecake with sweet sophistication.
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream: Used to melt the white chocolate into a smooth, velvety topping.
- Green sprinkles: Adds a bright, festive pop of color.
- Red buttercream frosting: Perfect for piping joyful holiday decorations on top.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate heat guarantees even baking without cracking the cheesecake. Don’t forget to grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to make removing your cheesecake a breeze later.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Creating an even crust layer is the secret to that perfect crunchy base that complements the creamy topping.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Then add sugar and flour, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract and ½ cup heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes carefully—this is the magical twist that makes this cheesecake truly unique.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour your luscious filling over the crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. This ensures that creamy texture we all crave. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 30 minutes to cool slowly, which helps prevent cracks.
Step 5: Chill the Cheesecake
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it come to room temperature on a wire rack. Then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to fully meld and the texture to become firm and perfect.
Step 6: Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache
Gently heat ⅓ cup of heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it’s just steaming. Pour the hot cream over 1 cup of white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. After a minute, stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly until thick but still pourable—this will create that dreamy white chocolate crown for your cheesecake.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the white chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade gently over the edges. Sprinkle green sprinkles while the ganache is still fresh, then pipe festive designs with red buttercream frosting to make your cheesecake truly pop with Christmas spirit.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe into a show-stopping dessert centerpiece. Consider adding extra mini Christmas Tree Cakes or edible gold flakes to complement the green sprinkles and red buttercream decorations. Fresh mint leaves or holly-shaped sugar cookies also add a whimsical touch that will wow guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheesecake with light sides to balance its richness. Fresh berries such as raspberries or pomegranate seeds add a juicy tartness. You can also serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or peppermint hot chocolate for a cozy holiday experience that complements the creamy, sweet flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the presentation by placing the cheesecake on a festive cake stand surrounded by pinecones, fairy lights, or a holiday-themed table runner. You might also slice the cheesecake into individual mini “tree” shapes before adding ganache and decorations. Serving single portions on colorful plates with a sprig of rosemary makes for an elegant, giftable dessert moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cheesecake, cover any remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated to preserve freshness and prevent the delicate cream cheese texture from drying out. Properly stored, leftovers stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe for later enjoyment. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll have nearly fresh-tasting dessert anytime you want.
Reheating
Because this cheesecake is best served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, simply allow frozen slices to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with another snack cake?
While the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes provide that unique combination of flavor and festive crunch, you can experiment with other holiday-themed snack cakes. Just make sure the flavors complement cream cheese and white chocolate for best results.
Do I need a springform pan to make this cheesecake?
A springform pan is highly recommended because it makes removing the cheesecake clean and easy without damaging the delicate edges. If you don’t have one, a regular 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper will work, but be extra careful when unmolding.
Why does the cheesecake need to cool in the oven with the door open?
Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually with the oven door slightly ajar helps prevent cracks on the surface. Sudden temperature changes can cause the fragile filling to shrink and crack, so this step ensures a smooth, beautiful finish.
Can I prepare this cheesecake in advance for a holiday party?
Absolutely! In fact, the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe benefits from being made a day ahead. The flavors meld better and it sets perfectly, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy holiday schedules.
What’s the best way to pipe the red buttercream frosting?
Use a small round piping tip to create festive designs like dots, swirls, or even little bows. Practice on parchment paper first if you’re new to piping. You can also use a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for a simple alternative.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe that goes beyond just dessert—it’s a slice of holiday joy you can share with loved ones. With its creamy texture, playful festive ingredients, and beautiful presentation, this cheesecake is perfect for creating warm memories and making your celebration extra special. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your holiday baking rotation!
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake combines a creamy, rich cream cheese filling with the fun addition of chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes folded in. Set on a buttery graham cracker crust, the cheesecake is baked to perfection and topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache, green sprinkles, and red buttercream frosting to create a delightful holiday dessert perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packs cream cheese, softened (8 oz each)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, chopped
White Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup white chocolate
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream
Decoration
- Green sprinkles
- Red buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust layer. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and all-purpose flour, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Then add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, mixing to combine. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when nudged. After baking, turn off the oven, slightly open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set and develop flavors fully.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy whipping cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool until it thickens to a pourable consistency but is not too runny for drizzling.
- Assemble and Decorate: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter. Pour the slightly thickened white chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip naturally down the sides for an elegant effect. Decorate the top with green sprinkles and pipe festive red buttercream frosting patterns to complete the holiday-themed presentation.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracking.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill thoroughly to ensure proper texture when slicing.
- Use parchment paper lining for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- The white chocolate ganache should be thick enough to coat without running off completely.
- Store leftover cheesecake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
