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Looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that combines nostalgia with creamy, luxurious flavor? Our Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a holiday masterpiece that will steal the spotlight at your festive gatherings. This cheesecake marries the beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with a smooth, decadent filling and a crunchy, buttery crust, topped off with a festive white chocolate ganache. Here’s how to bring this delicious holiday treat to life.
The History of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes have been a holiday favorite for decades, bringing joy and festive flavor to households across the country. These soft, creamy vanilla cakes with their iconic tree shape, green sprinkles, and red icing stripes capture the spirit of the season in every bite. By incorporating these classic treats into a cheesecake, we’re giving these iconic cakes a new twist and elevating them into an indulgent dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups Golden Oreos (about 18 Oreos), crushed into fine crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Christmas nonpareils (for festive sparkle)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 28 ounces (3 ½ blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 10 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, divided (5 for the batter, 5 for topping)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
White Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate, finely chopped
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ to 1 tablespoon green sanding sugar
- Red store-bought cookie frosting (for decoration)
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
1. Prepare the Golden Oreo Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Crush the Oreos: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Oreos until they’re reduced to fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can place the cookies in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine with Butter and Sprinkles: In a medium bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and Christmas nonpareils until well combined.
- Press into the Pan: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Flour and Vanilla Extract: Mix in the flour and vanilla extract, blending until well incorporated.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each egg is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in your cheesecake.
- Fold in Sour Cream and Whipping Cream: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream until smooth and creamy.
- Chop the Christmas Tree Cakes: Cut 5 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into small chunks. Carefully fold these into the cheesecake batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
3. Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the Batter Over the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare a Water Bath: To help prevent cracks, place the springform pan inside a larger baking pan and fill the larger pan with hot water, ensuring the water reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake at a Lower Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Carefully place the water bath and cheesecake in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is just set and jiggles slightly.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked open for one hour. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.
4. Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Combine with White Chocolate: Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl, then pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over the Cheesecake: Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it to the edges for an even layer.
- Add Festive Toppings: Sprinkle the green sanding sugar over the ganache and use red cookie frosting to create festive designs that mimic the classic Christmas tree cake decoration.
5. Whip the Cream for Topping
- Beat Heavy Cream and Sugar: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Add as Garnish: Spoon or pipe the whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake before serving for an extra festive touch.
Serving and Storing Tips
This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days. For an extra festive presentation, garnish each slice with an additional Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake half or extra Christmas sprinkles. This is a make-ahead-friendly dessert that only gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Additional Tips for the Perfect Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
To make this cheesecake extra special, consider these additional tips to elevate your dessert:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then collapse, leading to cracks. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature and lead to cracks.
- Water Bath for Even Baking: A water bath (or bain-marie) helps the cheesecake cook evenly and prevents cracking. Be sure to wrap the outside of your springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the crust.
Substitution Options
If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try a variation, here are some options:
- Golden Oreos: Substitute with graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: If these cakes aren’t available, you can use any soft, vanilla-flavored snack cakes as a substitute, though the Christmas Tree Cakes add that holiday magic.
- Heavy Cream for Whipped Topping: For a lighter option, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of freshly whipped cream.
How to Serve Your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Serve this cheesecake cold, straight from the fridge, for the best texture and flavor. Each slice will be creamy, dreamy, and packed with holiday nostalgia, making it the perfect end to a festive meal. Pair it with hot cocoa, coffee, or a holiday punch for an unforgettable dessert experience.
With its beautiful layers and festive toppings, this cheesecake is also a delightful addition to any dessert table, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, holiday parties, or family gatherings. Prepare to watch it disappear quickly!
Final Thoughts
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is the ultimate holiday indulgence that captures the magic of the season in every bite. With its creamy, dreamy texture, nostalgic flavors, and festive decorations, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Give this recipe a try, and make it part of your holiday traditions for years to come!
