Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a festive treat that lights up any gathering with its whimsical design and creamy indulgence. This delightful dessert marries the nostalgia of Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree Cakes with a rich, silky cheesecake base, making it perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon. I recently tried making it for a holiday potluck, and it was a smashing hit—you’ll find it hard to resist this colorful, delicious twist on a classic!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake truly special? It brings together the sweetness of nostalgic treats with a rich cheesecake that’s both easy to prepare and impressively festive. Not only does it taste heavenly, but it also looks gorgeous, making it a standout dessert on any holiday table. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate the favorite Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into a more upscale dessert without much effort.
“This cheesecake was the star of our holiday party! The flavors and presentation are off the charts!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Understanding how to make this delightful cheesecake can set you up for success. After prepping your crust and cheesecake batter, you’ll layer in the Little Debbie cakes before baking. Once cooled and set in the fridge, finish it off with a smooth white chocolate glaze and festive sprinkles. It’s simple enough for beginners while offering a fun challenge even for seasoned bakers!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients to gather for this festive cheesecake:
- 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
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream (for the glaze)
- Green sprinkles
- Red buttercream frosting (for decoration)
Feel free to swap out the heavy cream for a lighter option, or experiment with different flavors of white chocolate!
Directions to Follow
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until you have about 1 ½ cups of fine crumbs. Mix in the melted butter until well combined.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust, then bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- In your stand mixer, cream the softened cream cheese on high until light and fluffy.
- Add the granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix on low until combined, then increase the speed to high for about 1 minute.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a circle on top of the batter, gently pressing them in.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cakes, smoothing the top again.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and bake for an additional 50-53 minutes until the edges are set, and the center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open for about 15 minutes.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate overnight.
- For the topping, heat the ⅓ cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the white chocolate and let it sit for 3 minutes before whisking until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate glaze over the chilled cheesecake and smooth it. Use green sprinkles to decorate, and pipe red buttercream frosting over the top for extra flair.
- Serve immediately or keep stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To serve your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake, consider presenting it on a festive platter garnished with fresh berries or mint leaves for added color. Pair it with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. This cheesecake also becomes an eye-catching centerpiece at any holiday dessert table—just slice it into wedges for easy serving!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Proper storage is key to keeping your cheesecake tasting great. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you need to freeze it, wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving again, but keep in mind that the texture may slightly change.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened fully for a smooth batter without lumps.
- When incorporating eggs, do so at room temperature for even mixing.
- Try using different flavored melting chocolates on top for a fun twist.
- If your cheesecake cracks while baking, don’t worry! A garnish of sprinkles and frosting will easily cover it up.
Creative Twists
If you’re looking to change things up, here are some creative variations to try:
- Swap the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with other seasonal treats, like peppermint bark or gingerbread.
- For a chocolatey kick, add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate cheesecake base.
- Experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or peppermint, instead of vanilla for an added layer of flavor.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the prep time for this cheesecake?
A: The prep time is about 30 minutes, with an additional baking and chilling time of several hours. It’s best to make this the day before serving!
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the texture might be slightly different—less creamy and rich.
Q: Can I decorate this cheesecake differently?
A: Absolutely! Use any theme-appropriate toppings that suit your style, such as crushed candies or holiday-themed chocolates.
Q: How do I know when my cheesecake is finished baking?
A: The edges should be set, and the center will slightly jiggle—a sign that it’s perfectly baked and will firm up as it cools.
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration. So gather your ingredients and delight your friends and family with this fun and festive treat! Enjoy your baking!
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until you have about 1 ½ cups of fine crumbs. Mix in the melted butter until well combined.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form an even crust, then bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- In your stand mixer, cream the softened cream cheese on high until light and fluffy.
- Add the granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined and smooth.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix on low until combined, then increase the speed to high for about 1 minute.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a circle on top of the batter, gently pressing them in.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cakes, smoothing the top again.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and bake for an additional 50-53 minutes until the edges are set, and the center slightly jiggles.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open for about 15 minutes.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate overnight.
- For the topping, heat the ⅓ cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the white chocolate and let it sit for 3 minutes before whisking until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate glaze over the chilled cheesecake and smooth it. Use green sprinkles to decorate, and pipe red buttercream frosting over the top for extra flair.
