If you’re searching for a festive dessert that brings joyful nostalgia and creamy indulgence together in one unforgettable treat, the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe is your new holiday hero. This delightfully creamy cheesecake blends the beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with a rich cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a luxurious texture and a colorful presentation that will light up any holiday table. The subtle mix of vanilla or chocolate cake pieces folded inside adds a fun surprise in every bite, making this cheesecake as charming as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a holiday party, this recipe turns a classic dessert into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the first step to nailing this cheesecake. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and that festive vibe you want to see and savor.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (2 boxes, 10 cakes, chopped): Provides iconic holiday flavor and a moist texture to the cheesecake filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): Forms the perfect buttery and crunchy base crust that holds the cheesecake together.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and binds the crust crumbs firmly.
- Cream cheese (3 packages, softened, 8 oz each): The creamy, tangy heart of the cheesecake filling for smoothness and body.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sour cream (1 cup, room temperature): Keeps the texture lush and adds a subtle tartness that brightens the dish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- Large eggs (3, room temperature): Gives structure and helps the cheesecake set while staying tender.
- Red and green sprinkles (for garnish): The festive finishing touch that brings joyful holiday colors to your dessert plate.
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping): Adds an extra layer of creaminess and elegance when serving.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter, mixing until every crumb is lightly coated and feels like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it sets nicely. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This step ensures a crunchy, buttery base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it’s smooth and fluffy without any lumps. This process is the key to a velvety texture. Gradually add the granulated sugar and blend well to sweeten your base. Next, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth, adding depth of flavor and balancing the cream cheese’s tang. Beat in the eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just enough to incorporate each egg without overworking the batter, which helps keep the cheesecake light and tender.
Step 3: Fold in the Christmas Tree Cakes
Gently fold the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into your creamy mixture using a spatula. Whether you choose vanilla or chocolate cakes, these pieces will add bursts of flavor and a delightful texture contrast, turning a classic cheesecake into a holiday showstopper. Make sure to distribute them evenly without overmixing so every slice has a perfect balance of cake bits.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top carefully. Place the springform pan in your preheated oven, and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The center should be just set and still slightly jiggly to the touch—that’s the magic marker of a creamy cheesecake. Turn off your oven and crack the door open, letting the cake cool inside for about an hour; this slow cooling helps prevent cracks and perfects the texture. After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set and enrich the flavors.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, decorate your cheesecake with a light cloud of whipped cream for that extra creamy indulgence. Generously sprinkle red and green festive sprinkles on top for a cheerful and colorful touch. These additions make the presentation pop and add a textural contrast to the smooth surface, giving every slice a magical holiday feel.
Side Dishes
Pair your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe with light, fresh fruit like raspberries or a citrus fruit salad to cut through the richness with their natural acidity and brightness. A dollop of tart cherry sauce or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache also works beautifully, enhancing the indulgence without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your holiday dessert table by slicing the cheesecake into small, bite-sized squares for a festive party platter. You can also serve it in individual clear cups layered with extra chopped Christmas Tree Cakes and whipped cream for a fun parfait-style presentation. For a wow factor, drizzle some melted white chocolate tinted with green or red food coloring across each slice just before serving, making it look as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesecake covered tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious and fresh for up to 4 days. Chilling not only preserves flavor but also helps the cheesecake maintain its creamy consistency.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dessert well ahead of time or save leftovers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cheesecake securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, it can last in the freezer for up to 1 month without losing its signature taste and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your cheesecake after freezing, allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving since reheating cheesecake can compromise its smooth, rich texture. Instead, serve it chilled, just as you would freshly made cheesecake, for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use only vanilla or only chocolate Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
Absolutely! Whether you choose vanilla or chocolate, the flavor of your cheesecake will be delicious; it just depends on your personal preference or what you have on hand. Mixing both can also create a fun twist.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A springform pan is ideal because it allows easy removal without damaging the cheesecake. If you don’t have one, use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper or foil, but be extra gentle when removing the cheesecake from the pan.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and sour cream for its signature texture and flavor. While substitutions exist, like vegan cream cheese and sour cream, results may vary, so it might require some experimentation.
How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?
Cooling the cheesecake slowly with the oven door cracked, not overmixing the batter, using room temperature ingredients, and properly baking will all help prevent cracks. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes after baking.
Is it okay to add frosting or glaze on top?
Definitely! Topping the cheesecake with melted chocolate, a glaze, or cream cheese frosting can add a decadent touch. Just make sure to let the cheesecake chill thoroughly before adding any toppings so they set nicely.
Final Thoughts
The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe is a true festive delight that brings together familiar holiday flavors and a creamy texture everyone will love. It’s approachable yet impressive—perfect for sharing with loved ones who appreciate a sweet holiday tradition with a fresh twist. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to dessert every holiday season!
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake combines the nostalgic flavors of chopped vanilla or chocolate Christmas Tree Cakes with a creamy cheesecake base and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this dessert is topped with whipped cream and colorful red and green sprinkles to add a merry touch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 (7.96 oz) boxes Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (vanilla or chocolate), 10 cakes total, chopped
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Topping
- Red and green sprinkles, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Next, add the sour cream and vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate the cake pieces: Gently fold the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly but carefully to maintain the batter’s light texture.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool and chill: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Then, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream if desired and sprinkle it generously with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday presentation. Slice and enjoy your celebratory dessert!
Notes
- You can use either vanilla or chocolate Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes depending on your preferred flavor profile.
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cheesecake with melted white chocolate or red and green candy melts before serving.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling texture.
