Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that turns a beloved holiday treat into a creamy, cheesecake masterpiece. With the familiar flavors of Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree Cakes nestled throughout, this cheesecake will bring joy to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive party, celebrating with family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to make a lasting impression.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are so many reasons to whip up this festive cheesecake! First and foremost, it’s a crowd-pleaser, combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nostalgic taste of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. This recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced culinary enthusiasts. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer during celebrations, holiday dinners, or simply as an indulgent treat after a long day.
"This cheesecake brought so much joy to our Christmas party! Everyone was raving about it, and I loved that it was so easy to make."
Preparing Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Making this cheesecake involves a few simple steps that result in a show-stopping dessert. You’ll start by creating a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a silky cheesecake filling packed with cream cheese and decorated with festive elements. Sounds fun, right? Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need and the cooking process.
What you’ll need
To create this indulgent cheesecake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3 packs cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 eggs
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
- 1 cup white chocolate
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (for white chocolate ganache)
- Green sprinkles (for decoration)
- Red buttercream frosting (for decoration)
Pro tip: Feel free to experiment with different holiday-themed sprinkles or chocolates to customize your dessert!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and generously spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- In a food processor, pulse the graham cracker crumbs until finely crushed. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the springform pan to form a crust, then bake it for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened cream cheese on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add in the granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined and smooth.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the heavy cream, mixing on low until incorporated. Raise the speed to high and mix for an additional minute.
- Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth it with an offset spatula.
- Place the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes on the batter in a circle and gently press them down. Pour the remaining batter over the top and smooth it out.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200 degrees without opening the oven door. Bake for another 50-53 minutes until the center jiggles slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Refrigerate overnight to set.
- For the ganache, heat 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream in 30-second increments until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the white chocolate and let it set for three minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the cheesecake, smooth it out, and decorate with green sprinkles and lines of red buttercream frosting.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
What to serve it with
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with some fabulous pairings. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or even spiced chai for a luxurious treat. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a fruity tang to balance the rich cheesecake.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To maintain the lusciousness of your cheesecake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Helpful cooking tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
- Slow baking: The low and slow baking method provides a creamy texture and prevents cracks on the surface.
- Cooling: Always cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven to avoid shocking it with a drastic temperature change.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize this cheesecake to suit your taste! Try swapping the Little Debbie cakes for other seasonal flavors, like pumpkin or peppermint bark. You could also mix in festive spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
Your questions answered
What is the prep and bake time?
This cheesecake takes about 25 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake, plus overnight chilling.
Can I use different crackers for the crust?
Absolutely! While graham crackers provide a classic flavor, you could use Oreo crumbs or gingersnap cookies for a fun twist.
Is it safe to freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly and consume it within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Now you’re all set to create this festive and delightful Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake. Gather your ingredients and put on your apron for a sweet holiday treat your family will love!
