Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the warm scent of sweet cream cheese and melting chocolate, the kind of aroma that instantly makes your heart flutter with holiday joy. The sight of a sparkling, festive dessert takes center stage, adorned in red and green, reminding you of those delightful Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes from childhood. This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake combines everything we love about the holidays—nostalgia, joy, and downright deliciousness—all in a single, scrumptious bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Christmas gatherings often bring a whirlwind of activity, wrapping gifts and bustling about, but a special treat like this cheesecake can take you right back to simpler times. As a kid, I always looked forward to those unconventional cakes with their bright colors and delightful textures, each bite like a small moment of pure bliss. Now, I get to share that delight, inviting you to recreate this holiday magic in your home. Let’s bring a slice of joy to your festivities with this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 25 minutes of prep and no baking needed mean more time for holiday cheer!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy cheesecake paired with the nostalgic flavor of Little Debbie Cakes is a holiday treat like no other.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This cake is as pretty as it is delicious—perfect for holiday parties or festive gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for dessert, brunch, or even enjoy a slice with your morning coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is decadent, consider gluten-free graham crackers to adapt for dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 ½ cups): Essential for a buttery, satisfying crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, crushed gluten-free cookies work well.
Butter, melted (⅓ cup): Helps bind the crust together for a stable base. You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free spread for a non-dairy option.
Cream Cheese (4 blocks, 8-ounce each): The star of the cheesecake, giving richness and creaminess. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the cream cheese.
Heavy Whipping Cream (2 cups): For a light and airy texture. Using cold cream will whip better, resulting in fluffy cheesecake.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (1 box, 5-count): The fun surprise that gives this cake its name. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade cake can be used too.
White Chocolate (8 ounces, chopped): This creates a sweet, smooth ganache topping. Look for high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Heavy Cream (½ cup): Combined with white chocolate to form the delicious ganache.
Store-Bought Red Decorating Icing: Adds a festive touch and that signature zigzag we all love.
Green Sanding Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and a sprinkle of holiday spirit.

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Prepare the Crust: Start by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Once mixed, firmly press it into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid foundation. Chill this in the refrigerator while you whip up the cheesecake filling, so it’s nice and ready when you need it.

Mix the Cheesecake Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. You want it to be smooth and creamy, so make sure there are no lumps. This base is where you’ll get that wonderful, rich flavor that defines your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake.

Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This is key for achieving that light and fluffy texture in your cheesecake. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula until fully combined, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream too much—this is what makes your cheesecake fluffy!

Layer the Cheesecake: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over your chilled crust. Then, get playful and arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a layer on top, pressing them down slightly. Once they’re nestled in, spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over them and smooth the top with a spatula to create a lovely finish.

Chill to Set: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or overnight. This step is crucial—it allows the cheesecake to firm up properly and develop its flavors, making each slice a delightful surprise!

Make the Ganache: Heat the initial ½ cup of heavy cream in the microwave until it’s just steaming, about 30 seconds. Pour this over the chopped white chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften. Stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, as you want it to be pourable but not too hot.

Top with Ganache: Once your cheesecake has chilled and is firm, pour the white chocolate ganache over the top, smoothing it out so it looks even and delightful. This will add a luxurious touch and make your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake irresistibly inviting!

Decorate Festively: Using the red decorating icing, drizzle it in a zigzag pattern across the top of the ganache. Sprinkle green sanding sugar generously on top to mimic the look of the Christmas Tree Cakes and to bring a festive pop of color, giving your cheesecake that Instagram-worthy finish.

Chill Again: Place the decorated cheesecake back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the toppings to set. This will create those clean slices when you start serving!

Serve & Enjoy: After chilling, run a butter knife around the edge of the springform pan before releasing it. Slice your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake and serve chilled. The surprise of those cute cakes will surely put a smile on everyone’s face!

Storing & Reheating

This cheesecake is best kept in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap to keep it tasting its best. If you want to keep it longer, this treat freezes beautifully—just wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When it’s time to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The cheesecake’s texture may slightly change, but a quick whip of the cream topping can revive its fluffiness before serving!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the whipped cream when folding it into the cream cheese mixture, as this can lead to a dense cheesecake rather than a light and airy dessert.
For the best flavor, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother filling.
Chill the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream—this can help achieve those stiff peaks more easily.
If you want to reduce sweetness, cut back on the sugar in the cream cheese layer slightly—taste as you mix to suit your preference.
Get creative! You can use different flavors of store-bought cakes for variety. Chocolate or vanilla options would work well too.
Make this dessert a day ahead for the best flavor—but don’t forget to decorate just before serving for the freshest look!

The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive experience wrapped in nostalgia and joy. With its whimsical presentation and rich, creamy texture, this cheesecake is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or decorations. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and allow each layer of this cheesecake to unfold like a sweet, festive story. Let your loved ones share in this delightful treat, and celebrate every cheerful moment this season brings!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While graham crackers provide a classic taste, feel free to substitute with crushed Oreos for a chocolatey twist or any other cookie that you love. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly to ensure it holds together well!

How can I make the cheesecake lighter?

To make a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and substituting half of the heavy cream with yogurt. You could also add a bit of lemon juice for a fresh zing without adding too many calories!

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance is ideal. You want the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to set up perfectly. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular pie dish or a square baking dish, but it will make slicing a bit trickier. Just ensure to line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal!