Introduction
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is one of the most festive and delicious desserts you can make during the holiday season. The idea of incorporating Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into a cheesecake is brilliant! It adds a nostalgic, sweet twist that will remind everyone of the treats they grew up with. When I made this for my family, it was a huge hit. The cheesecake was creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the graham cracker crust complemented the filling perfectly. My kids loved the colorful decorations, and the festive ganache topping really brought the whole dessert together. It was such a fun and delicious treat that it quickly became a holiday favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a unique twist on the classic holiday cheesecake. By using Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes as an ingredient, you’re bringing a nostalgic touch to the dessert, while still keeping it elegant and delicious. The creamy, rich filling is perfectly balanced by the crunchy graham cracker crust, and the white chocolate ganache topping adds a smooth sweetness that ties everything together. Plus, the vibrant green sprinkles and red buttercream decorations give it that perfect holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for your holiday dinner or a fun treat to share with family and friends, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling:
- 3 packs cream cheese, softened (8 oz each)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, chopped
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup white chocolate
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
For Decoration:
- Green sprinkles
- Red buttercream frosting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, creating an even layer. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and flour, mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Gently fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Chill the Cheesecake
- After the cheesecake has cooled slightly, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
Step 6: Prepare the White Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it starts to steam.
- Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate
- Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
- Pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
- Decorate the cheesecake with green sprinkles for a festive touch and pipe red buttercream frosting in patterns or shapes to complete the look.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cheesecake)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (preferably overnight)
- Total Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings
How to Serve
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or as a special dessert for Christmas parties.
- Pair with a warm beverage like hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider to complement the rich, creamy flavors.
- Cut into wedges and serve with extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Top with more festive decorations, such as crushed candy canes or edible glitter, for a more personalized touch.
Additional Tips
- Chill overnight: For the best results, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to ensure it is fully set and to enhance its flavor.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese mixes more easily and results in a smoother filling.
- Don’t skip the ganache: The white chocolate ganache topping adds a silky sweetness that makes the cheesecake extra special.
- Decorate creatively: Use green sprinkles, red buttercream, or even mini candy cane pieces to make the cheesecake look festive and fun.
- Serve on a decorative platter: A beautiful presentation is key, especially when making a dessert like this for a holiday celebration.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, but the flavor will be different. White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that complements the cheesecake well.
- Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.
- Can I use a different brand of Christmas tree cakes?
- Yes, any similar type of Christmas tree-shaped cake will work. Just chop it into small pieces before adding it to the filling.
- What if I don’t have a springform pan?
- You can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan, but you’ll need to line it with parchment paper and carefully remove the cheesecake once it has set.
- Can I use frozen Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
- Yes, frozen cakes will work just as well as fresh ones. Just thaw them before chopping them into pieces.
- Can I use a gluten-free graham cracker crust?
- Yes, there are gluten-free graham cracker crumbs available in stores, and you can use them for the crust.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can I make this cheesecake without the ganache?
- Yes, you can skip the ganache if you prefer a simpler cheesecake. You can top it with whipped cream or just the sprinkles and frosting.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake?
- While cheesecake can be frozen, it’s not ideal for this one because of the ganache topping. If you do freeze it, make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before storing.
- What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream for the ganache?
- You can use regular cream or half-and-half if you don’t have heavy cream, but the texture will be slightly different.
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holidays. Its creamy filling, sweet crust, and beautiful decorations will leave your guests in awe and ensure that it becomes a beloved dessert for years to come!