Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flair: The incorporation of iconic Christmas Tree Cakes adds a whimsical and celebratory touch, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

• Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese and sour cream ensures a velvety and indulgent filling that melts in your mouth.

• Crowd-Pleaser: This unique dessert is bound to impress guests with its creative twist on traditional cheesecake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crust:

  • Graham cracker crumbs

  • Granulated sugar

  • Melted butter

• Cheesecake Filling:

  • Cream cheese, softened

  • Granulated sugar

  • All-purpose flour

  • Vanilla extract

  • Eggs

  • Sour cream

  • Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

• Topping:

  • White chocolate

  • Heavy whipping cream

  • Green sanding sugar

  • Red frosting or candy melts

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

   • Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.

   • Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

   • Add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

   • Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.

   • Mix in the sour cream until the batter is uniform and velvety.

   • Gently fold in crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

   • Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan and add hot water to the outer pan to create a water bath.

   • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears slightly golden.

   • Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool with the door ajar for 1 hour.

   • Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Prepare the Topping:

   • Melt white chocolate and heavy whipping cream together until smooth and glossy.

   • Spread the white chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake, creating an even layer.

   • Decorate with green sanding sugar and drizzle with red frosting or melted candy melts to mimic the classic Christmas Tree Cake design.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 1 hour

• Chilling Time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)

Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Substitute the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor.

• Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin to create individual servings, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

• Flavor Infusion: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling for a minty holiday variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cheesecake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Reheating: Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled; however, if you prefer a warmer slice, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Baking the cheesecake in a water bath and allowing it to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, a chocolate cookie crust or a vanilla wafer crust can be used as alternatives to the graham cracker crust.

Do I need to use a water bath?

While not mandatory, a water bath promotes even baking and minimizes the risk of cracks.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?

The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

Can I freeze individual slices?

Yes, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

Can I use regular cheesecake filling instead of adding Little Debbie Cakes?

While you can make a regular cheesecake, the addition of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes gives it a festive twist that adds both flavor and texture.

How should I decorate the cheesecake?

You can decorate with white chocolate ganache, green sanding sugar, and red frosting or melted candy melts to create the iconic Christmas Tree Cake look.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust if you want to save time.

Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake overnight?

For the best texture and flavor, it's ideal to chill the cheesecake overnight, though a minimum of 4 hours will suffice.

Conclusion

This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a festive, fun, and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. With its creamy texture and nostalgic flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a fan of Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree Cakes, this dessert is a must-try. Enjoy the season with a slice of this festive treat!

Print