Bring festive joy to your holiday table with this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake. This delicious dessert blends the nostalgic flavors of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with a creamy, rich cheesecake. With a graham cracker crust, fluffy cheesecake filling, and a smooth white chocolate ganache, this recipe is sure to be a showstopper.
A Festive Delight: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Christmas desserts hold a special place in holiday traditions, and this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake takes it to the next level. Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree Cakes, with their soft layers of vanilla cake, creamy filling, and signature sprinkles, add a delightful texture and taste to the classic cheesecake. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or a Little Debbie fan, this recipe is the ultimate treat for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – finely ground for a smooth crust
- 6 tablespoons melted butter – for binding and flavor
For the Filling:
- 3 packs cream cheese (8 oz each), softened – creates a creamy, rich base
- ½ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the filling slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the cheesecake flavor
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream – makes the filling extra smooth
- 2 large eggs – adds structure to the cheesecake
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes – chopped into small pieces for that festive flavor
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate – provides a smooth, rich finish
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream – makes the ganache pourable
For Decoration:
- Green sprinkles – for a festive touch
- Red buttercream frosting – to add more holiday color and fun
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to pack the crust tightly.
- Set the crust aside to firm up while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 packs of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to ensure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add ½ cup of granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, beating until the mixture is well combined.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in ½ cup of heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Gently fold in 7 chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. This step adds unique texture and flavor, creating delightful festive bursts in every bite.
3. Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and slightly golden, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour to cool gradually. This prevents cracking on the surface.
- After an hour, transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack to cool completely. Then, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
4. Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache
- In a heatproof bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and ⅓ cup of heavy whipping cream.
- Microwave the mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth. Alternatively, you can heat the cream in a saucepan until hot, then pour it over the white chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled cheesecake, allowing it to spread evenly over the surface.
- For extra holiday spirit, decorate with green sprinkles and red buttercream frosting in a festive pattern.
Chilling and Serving
- Once decorated, return the cheesecake to the fridge and chill for at least another hour to allow the ganache to set.
- When ready to serve, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then carefully release it from the springform pan.
- For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
Serving Suggestions
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is best served chilled. Each slice reveals delightful bits of Christmas Tree Cake that blend beautifully with the creamy, smooth cheesecake base. The white chocolate ganache adds a rich sweetness, and the green sprinkles and red buttercream frosting bring a fun, festive flair. This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced holiday drink.
Storage Tips
To store any leftovers, cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. This cheesecake can last for up to 4-5 days when stored properly. For longer storage, freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen slices can last up to 3 months; simply thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
This cheesecake is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of holiday memories. The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes add a unique twist, making it a treat that’s not only delicious but also reminiscent of festive moments. With its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and smooth ganache topping, this cheesecake is a must-have for your holiday gatherings.