Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season, Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is exactly what you need! This indulgent treat combines the classic flavors of creamy cheesecake with the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests, serve at a holiday party, or enjoy with your family.

What makes this cheesecake so special is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The crust is made from crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, providing a soft, cake-like texture with hints of vanilla and chocolate. The cheesecake filling is creamy, rich, and smooth, topped off with a festive green whipped topping and a drizzle of chocolate for that extra holiday cheer. This cheesecake is guaranteed to be the star of your dessert table!

I first made this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake when I wanted to create a holiday dessert that was both nostalgic and delicious. The idea of turning Little Debbie’s famous Christmas Tree Cakes into a cheesecake was too good to pass up, and it turned out to be a total hit with everyone. The flavors are spot on, and the visual appeal of the Christmas tree decorations makes it perfect for the holiday season.

Why This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert

• Nostalgic and fun: This dessert brings the beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into a rich and creamy cheesecake form, making it perfect for the holiday season.
• Delicious layers: The crushed Christmas Tree Cakes create a soft, cake-like crust, while the creamy cheesecake filling is the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Visually festive: With its vibrant green topping and chocolate drizzle, this cheesecake is not only delicious but also looks gorgeous on a holiday dessert table.
• Easy to make: While it looks fancy, this cheesecake is surprisingly easy to make with minimal ingredients and a few simple steps.
• Great for gatherings: This cheesecake is perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a fun treat to share with friends.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 6 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (or more, depending on crust thickness)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
• Green food coloring (optional, for coloring the whipped topping)

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

1. Prepare the crust:
   Start by crushing the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing the cakes in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin or pulsing them in a food processor. Once crushed, mix the crumbs with the melted butter until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. The mixture should be light, fluffy, and smooth.
3. Assemble the cheesecake:
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Prepare the topping:
   In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If you want a festive green color, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until evenly colored. Once the cheesecake has fully set, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
5. Decorate the cheesecake:
   Garnish the cheesecake with mini chocolate chips or any other festive toppings you like. You can also drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top for a finishing touch.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice it into wedges and serve chilled. Enjoy your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake as a festive and delicious holiday treat!

Tips

• Make it ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve.
• Add more cake for the crust: If you want a thicker crust, feel free to use more Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. Just be sure to adjust the melted butter to ensure it binds properly.
• Change the flavor: You can swap the whipped topping for a cream cheese frosting or even use a flavored whipped cream like peppermint for an extra holiday touch.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use a different flavor of cake: If you don’t have access to Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, you can substitute with vanilla or chocolate sandwich cookies, or any other festive cake or cookie that can be crumbled to form the crust.
• Add flavor to the cheesecake: For a fun twist, you can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use low-fat cream cheese: To reduce the fat content, swap regular cream cheese for reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese.
• Use a lighter topping: Instead of heavy cream, you can use whipped coconut cream or a lower-fat whipped topping for the garnish.
• Lower sugar option: You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-sugar version of this dessert.

Closing

And there you have it! Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake combines the nostalgic flavors of the beloved Christmas Tree Cakes with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling that’s sure to be the highlight of your holiday dessert spread. It’s festive, easy to make, and will be a hit at any holiday gathering. Don’t forget to let us know how your cheesecake turns out, and be sure to check out more of our holiday recipes for even more inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
   Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of cake for the crust?
   Absolutely! You can use other cake types like vanilla or chocolate cake, or even crushed cookies if you prefer a different flavor.
3. Can I freeze this cheesecake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I add a different topping?
   Yes! You can top the cheesecake with festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even fresh berries for a different touch.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.
6. Can I use a different frosting for the topping?
   Yes, you can use a cream cheese frosting or even a marshmallow fluff topping for a fun variation.
7. How can I make this cheesecake without using heavy cream?
   You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option like whipped coconut cream or use a lower-fat whipped topping.
8. Can I use a different extract in the filling?
   Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like peppermint, almond, or orange for a unique twist on the flavor.
9. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
   To prevent cracks, make sure to mix the cheesecake filling gently and avoid overmixing. Also, chill the cheesecake slowly in the fridge to prevent temperature shocks.
10. Can I add more cake to the crust for a thicker base?
    Yes! Feel free to use more Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes for a thicker crust if you prefer. Just adjust the butter accordingly.