Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

The Jolly Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

Festive desserts bring pure joy during the holiday season, and this Little Debbie Christmas tree cheesecake recipe delivers pure nostalgic magic.

Sweet memories flood back with every creamy bite of this delightful treat.

Childhood favorites inspire culinary creativity, blending classic flavors with modern baking techniques.

Layers of rich cream cheese and delicate seasonal spices create a dessert that sparkles with festive cheer.

The soft, velvety texture melts perfectly on your tongue, capturing the warmth of holiday gatherings.

Bakers of all skill levels can recreate this beloved classic with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Get ready to wow your guests with a dessert that celebrates the spirit of Christmas.

Why Little Debbie Cheesecake Is Nostalgic Fun

  • Craft a Holiday Showstopper: Create a festive dessert that transforms the classic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into a stunning cheesecake, perfect for impressing guests at holiday gatherings.
  • Celebrate Nostalgic Flavors: Blend childhood memories with gourmet baking by incorporating beloved snack cakes into a luxurious cheesecake that brings comfort and joy to every slice.
  • Master Bakery-Level Technique: Learn professional cheesecake-making skills with step-by-step instructions that guarantee a smooth, creamy texture and beautiful presentation for bakers of all levels.
  • Customize Your Festive Treat: Personalize the cheesecake with creative decorations like green sprinkles and red buttercream frosting, making it a unique centerpiece for holiday celebrations.

Everything for Christmas Tree Cheesecake Treats

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor enhancement.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: Unique festive ingredient that adds holiday flavor and texture to the cheesecake.
Topping and Decoration Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: Creates a smooth, sweet ganache topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Used to melt the white chocolate and create a glossy ganache.
  • Green Sprinkles, Red Buttercream Frosting: Provide festive decoration and holiday spirit.

Steps for Making Little Debbie Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 325F (163C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

Grab a medium bowl and mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in:
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy whipping cream

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.

Tenderly fold in chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top.

Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The edges should look set, with a subtle jiggle in the center.

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 6: Craft the White Chocolate Drizzle

Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming.

Pour over white chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until gloriously smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool and thicken.

Step 7: Dress Up Your Masterpiece

Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan and place on a serving platter.

Cascade the white chocolate ganache over the top, letting it elegantly drip down the sides. Sprinkle with green festive sparkles and pipe red buttercream in playful, holiday-inspired patterns.

Notes for Sweet and Festive Cheesecake Fans

  • Bake cheesecake in water bath or add cornstarch to prevent surface cracks and ensure smooth texture.
  • Let cream cheese, eggs, and butter sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother consistency.
  • Mix eggs one at a time and avoid overmixing to keep cheesecake light and prevent dense texture.
  • Allow cheesecake to cool gradually in oven with door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracks.
  • Keep cheesecake covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days, and freeze without ganache for longer preservation.

Creative Swaps for Holiday Cheesecake Slices

  • Holiday Sugar Cookie Crust Variation: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed sugar cookies for a sweeter, more festive base that complements the Christmas theme.
  • Gluten-Free Holiday Adaptation: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of the cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Christmas Edition: Substitute white chocolate ganache with dark chocolate ganache and mix chocolate cake pieces instead of Christmas tree cakes for a rich, decadent alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt to lower calories while maintaining creamy texture.

Pairings to Try With Christmas Tree Cheesecake

  • Pair Sweet Spiced Mulled Wine: Rich, warm mulled wine with cinnamon and clove notes perfectly complements the sweet cheesecake's creamy texture. The spices enhance the festive Christmas Tree Cake flavor.
  • Complement Vanilla Bean Bourbon: Smooth, velvety bourbon with vanilla undertones matches the cheesecake's richness. Its subtle warmth balances the dessert's sweetness and creamy profile.
  • Match Caramel Espresso Martini: Decadent coffee cocktail with caramel notes provides a delightful contrast to the cheesecake. The robust espresso cuts through the dessert's richness while echoing its sweet character.

Storing Cheesecake for the Holidays

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the quality and freshness remain intact.
  • Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious to avoid overheating, which can make the texture rubbery.
  • Warm slices in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use other Little Debbie cakes instead of Christmas Tree Cakes?

Yes, you can substitute with other Little Debbie cake varieties, but Christmas Tree Cakes provide the most festive holiday flavor and texture.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Always bake in a water bath, avoid overmixing eggs, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

  • Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, a hand mixer works perfectly fine for mixing the cream cheese filling. Just ensure you mix at medium speed and don’t overbeat the ingredients.

  • Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.

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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Christmas spirit meets dessert paradise with this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake, blending nostalgic holiday memories and creamy indulgence. Rich cream cheese layers nestled between festive cake crumbles promise sweet celebration for winter gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Decoration and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • Green food coloring
  • White frosting for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and set up a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper lining and light greasing.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand, then press evenly into the pan’s bottom, creating a compact base.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, ensuring minimal mixing. Carefully fold chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Transfer the cream cheese blend into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface. Bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for 30 minutes.
  5. Transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack, letting it reach room temperature. Wrap carefully with plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  6. Create white chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until steaming. Pour over white chocolate, allowing it to sit for one minute before stirring until achieving a silky consistency. Let the ganache cool to a thick yet pourable state.
  7. Carefully release the cheesecake from the pan and position on a serving plate. Drizzle ganache over the top, allowing elegant drips along the sides. Embellish with green sprinkles and pipe festive red buttercream designs for a holiday-inspired presentation.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to create a smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
  • Place a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create a humid environment, preventing the cheesecake from drying out.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts for a celiac-friendly version.
  • This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for holiday entertaining and reducing last-minute stress.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 46 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 2.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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