There is something truly magical about the holidays, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe. This no-bake dessert combines the nostalgic charm of Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree Cakes with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling that’s both rich and light. Imagine the holiday cheer multiplied by every bite of this luscious treat—it’s perfect for sharing at your next celebration or simply indulging in a cozy, sweet moment with loved ones. Trust me, once you try this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your holiday dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role—from building the perfect crust to creating a velvety cheesecake mixture that melts in your mouth. These familiar pantry staples come together to deliver a festive, colorful dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (12 cakes): The star of the show, adding fun texture and that classic holiday flavor.
- Graham crackers (2 cups, crushed): The foundation for a buttery, crunchy crust.
- Melted butter (6 tablespoons): Binds the crust together while adding richness.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons + 1/2 cup): Balances sweetness in both the crust and filling.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): For that creamy, tangy cheesecake base.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to perfection to keep the cheesecake light and airy.
- Unflavored gelatin (1 packet, optional): Provides stability for a firmer set, perfect if you like a slice that holds its shape.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): To bloom the gelatin if you choose to use it.
- Whipped cream and festive sprinkles: For that extra holiday pizazz on top!
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by lining the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper—this makes removal a breeze. Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a bowl until everything is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a solid base. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you move on to the filling, giving the crust time to set perfectly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add in the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined. The smoothness here sets the tone for one irresistibly silky cheesecake. It’s truly the first step toward a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this will give your cheesecake that light, fluffy texture everyone loves. If you want your cheesecake a bit sturdier, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Then, gently warm it until fully dissolved, let cool slightly, and incorporate it into your cream cheese mixture. This is an optional step, but highly recommended if you’re planning to slice the cheesecake for a crowd!
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining that airy texture. Then, chop half of the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into small, bite-sized pieces and gently fold them in as well. This creates delightful pockets of cake sweetness throughout your cheesecake and adds a playful holiday surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Pour the luscious filling over your chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set beautifully. Patience here pays off with the perfect texture and those flavors melding into festive harmony.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Just before serving, embellish the top of your cheesecake with the remaining Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, sliced or whole, dollops of whipped cream, and festive sprinkles for that classic holiday sparkle. This finishing touch not only amps up the visual appeal but makes each slice feel like a special gift on your dessert table.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings are your chance to get creative and really wow your guests. Whipped cream adds a light contrast to the rich cheesecake, while festive sprinkles inject fun and color. If you want to elevate it further, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or candy melts in red and green can be a stunning, flavorful addition.
Side Dishes
Pairing this cheesecake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries can add a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea also complements the creamy texture and holiday flavors perfectly, creating a cozy moment with every bite and sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve individual mini cheesecakes in clear dessert cups, layering chopped Christmas Tree Cakes at the bottom with the cheesecake filling and whipped topping? Or transform it into a layered cheesecake trifle with alternating layers of filling and cake pieces for a show-stopping centerpiece that invites everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to secure it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain that perfect creamy texture and keep the festive look fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this cheesecake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its rich flavor and silky smooth texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and not heated. Simply thaw if frozen, and bring it to cool room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if desired. Avoid microwaving or warming, as the texture will be compromised and you might lose that signature creamy cheesecake consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
While the original vanilla variety works best to complement the creamy cheesecake, you can certainly experiment with other flavors. Just keep in mind that more intense flavors might change the overall balance and sweetness of the dessert.
Is the gelatin necessary in this recipe?
Gelatin is optional but recommended if you want a firmer cheesecake that slices cleanly. If you skip it, the dessert will still be delightful but a bit softer and creamier—perfect for spooning instead of slicing.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Since the crust uses graham crackers, it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture or flavor.
What is the best way to chop the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes for the filling?
Using a sharp knife, cut the cakes into small, bite-size pieces to ensure they can be folded evenly into the cheesecake mixture. This way, each slice has a nice distribution of cake bits without overwhelming the creamy filling.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9-inch pans. Keep the chilling time the same, but be mindful that thicker cheesecakes may benefit from extra chilling to fully set.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a show-stopping, joy-filled dessert to your holiday celebrations, the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe is calling your name. Its perfect balance of creamy cheesecake and festive cake bits wrapped in a buttery crust is simply irresistible. I promise once you make it, you’ll be the dessert hero everyone raves about at every holiday gathering. So, grab those Christmas Tree Cakes and get ready to make some delicious memories!
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is a no-bake creamy dessert perfect for the holiday season. Combining crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with a smooth cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a delightful seasonal treat that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 packet (1/4 oz) unflavored gelatin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 6 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, chopped
Topping
- Remaining Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (sliced or whole)
- Whipped cream
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the pan’s bottom to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Prepare the gelatin (optional): If using gelatin, sprinkle it over the 2 tablespoons cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat gently until dissolved, then let cool slightly before adding to the cream cheese mixture.
- Combine mixture: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until fully incorporated. Then fold in the chopped 6 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes pieces evenly throughout the filling.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread the top smoothly. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until set.
- Decorate and serve: Before serving, decorate the top with the remaining Christmas Tree Cakes (sliced or whole), add whipped cream dollops, and sprinkle festive sprinkles for a colorful holiday presentation.
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, drizzle the cheesecake with melted white chocolate or red and green candy melts before serving.
- If you prefer a gelatin-free cheesecake, it will still set but have a slightly softer texture.
