Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

If you love festive desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe. It’s the perfect holiday treat that combines the creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake with the fun, nostalgic twist of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes crumbled right inside. Seriously, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen as soon as the holiday season hits, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet vanilla frosting, and those nostalgic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes creates a harmony of flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the graham cracker crust brings a classic, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Look for finely crushed crumbs for an even crust that holds together well.
• Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar to sweeten both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
• Butter (melted): Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in your crust.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Bring it to room temperature before mixing for a perfectly smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit to help stabilize the cheesecake while baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and warms up the cheesecake’s profile nicely.
• Eggs: Adding them slowly ensures a creamy texture without curdling.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and moisture to the batter, making it ultra-smooth.
• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (crumbled): The star ingredient—don’t skimp on these festive treats!
• Vanilla Frosting: I swear by Pillsbury White frosting for the classic creamy topping.
• Green Sanding Sugar: For that festive sparkle and crunch.
• Red Frosting or Candy Melts: Use these for the iconic red stripes on top, making it look just like a real Christmas tree.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can play around with different toppings or switch up a few ingredients to match your holiday mood or dietary needs.

• Chocolate Twist: I once swapped the vanilla frosting for chocolate ganache, and my family went crazy over the richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Just swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cracker crumbs, and make sure the Little Debbie cakes or your substitute suit your diet.
• Mini Cheesecakes: I’ve made this recipe in mini springform pans for a fun individual dessert option that’s perfect for parties.
• Berry Addition: Adding fresh cranberries or raspberries on top gives a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Crust for That Perfect Base

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F—this low temperature helps the cheesecake cook gently. Mix your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it has the consistency of wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan. I find using the bottom of a glass helps press the crust nicely without breaking it. Bake it for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Cream Cheese Filling Like a Pro

Beat your softened cream cheese and sugar in a stand mixer on high speed until silky smooth. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and is crucial to avoid lumps in your cheesecake. Next, add in the vanilla extract and flour and mix until combined. Then, incorporate the eggs—in my experience, adding them two at a time helps keep the batter smooth without air bubbles or curdling. Once eggs are fully mixed in, beat in the sour cream on high until everything is well combined and glossy.

Step 3: Layer the Batter and Little Debbie Cakes Gently

Pour half of your cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Carefully sprinkle the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes over this layer. I like to spread them evenly to make sure every slice has that delightful cake surprise. Pour the remaining batter on top and then give the pan a few gentle taps on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

Step 4: Set Up a Water Bath for Even Baking

Fill a large sheet pan with about 2 inches of boiling water. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan tightly in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in. Place the springform pan in the center of the water bath and slide the whole setup into the oven. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 10 minutes. This steam bath trick keeps the cheesecake creamy and avoids cracking.

Step 5: Cool and Chill for That Perfect Set

Once baking time is up, turn off the oven and open the door halfway. Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven completely—this slow cooling helps prevent cracks. Then, run a knife around the pan edges to loosen the cheesecake and bring it to room temperature before refrigerating overnight or at least 8 hours. Trust me, this chilling step is non-negotiable for a firm, creamy texture.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate Like a Festive Pro

Warm up your vanilla frosting in the microwave for about a minute to make it easy to spread. Pour it over your cheesecake, smoothing it gently while still in the springform pan. Chill again for about one hour until the icing sets. Finally, sprinkle liberally with green sanding sugar and pipe on curvy red stripes using frosting, candy melts, or cookie icing to mimic the Christmas tree’s traditional colors. This step always earns me oohs and aahs from guests!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple but festive: green sanding sugar sprinkled generously so it shines like a tree covered in snow, and those red curvy stripes—always handmade with frosting or candy melts to add that holiday wow factor. Sometimes I throw on a few edible gold pearls to mimic tiny ornaments. Your creativity here can really take it to the next level!

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is rich, so I like pairing it with a light peppermint tea or a small fruit salad to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries on the side are also a nice touch to keep things fresh and colorful on your dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this cheesecake on a rustic wooden board with mini Christmas ornaments scattered around, adding some fresh pine branches for an authentic holiday feel. You could also slice it into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a fun twist kids love. If you’re going all out, a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” over the top makes it look magical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover cheesecake with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge—it keeps perfectly up to 4-5 days. I’ve found wrapping it well prevents it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cheesecake! I slice it first, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe container. When I thaw them overnight in the fridge, the texture stays wonderfully creamy, almost like freshly baked.

Reheating

I usually serve cheesecake cold, but if you want a softer texture, I let a slice sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—it can ruin the texture. Just patience here is the key!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe holds such a special place in my heart because it perfectly blends holiday nostalgia with a rich, homemade dessert feel. Every year when I make it, there’s a sense of joy as my family gathers around to enjoy each creamy, festive slice together. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s uniquely Christmas and guaranteed to impress, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll be making it for years to come!

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