Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite holiday desserts: the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake! This delightful treat makes me feel like a kid again, reliving those cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and, of course, lots of sweets. The vibrant red and green colors bring so much joy, and every bite tastes just like Christmas! Plus, who doesn’t love a good cheesecake? It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make—what’s not to love?

I remember the first time I made this for a holiday party. Everyone’s faces lit up as soon as I unveiled it! It was the perfect centerpiece for our dessert table, and the festive decorations made it even more special. I can’t wait for you to try this amazing recipe, so here we go!

What’s in Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake?

• For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: The perfect base for any cheesecake! You can use store-bought or make your own. I prefer the classic brand for that nostalgia.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture. Don’t skimp on the quality here.
  • 3 tbsp sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust without overpowering the cheesecake.
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth finish. I always opt for a full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
  • ½ cup sugar: Balance the cream cheese’s tanginess.
  • 2 large eggs: Essential for the structure—don’t forget to bring them to room temperature!
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm flavor. I highly recommend using real vanilla extract for the best taste.
  • 1 cup sour cream: Extra creaminess! Plus, it gives the cheesecake a lovely tang.
  • Red and green food coloring: To make that Christmas magic happen! Feel free to add more or less depending on how festive you want it.
  • ½ cup festive holiday bits: Think crushed candy canes or holiday-themed chocolates for a crunchy surprise!
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup white icing: You can use store-bought or whip up your own! It adds a sweet finishing touch.
  • Red drizzle: Melted red candy melts work wonders here—a splash of color for decoration!
  • Festive green sprinkles: Because who doesn’t want a little sparkle on their cheesecake?

Is Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Good for You?

Well, let’s be honest: this is a dessert! However, the star ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream do pack some calcium and protein. Just don’t go overboard—treat this as an indulgence to savor during the holiday season! If you’re conscious about sugar, you can experiment with sugar substitutes for the filling. Always check with your guests, as dietary preferences vary, but trust me, this cheesecake will spread smiles around the table!

Ingredients List

• Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp sugar
• Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Red and green food coloring
  • ½ cup festive holiday bits
• Topping:
  • 1 cup white icing
  • Red drizzle
  • Festive green sprinkles

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake?

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it’s all mixed together. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake it for 10 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until it’s all smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is well combined.
3. Color the Filling: Divide the cheesecake filling into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other, mixing until you achieve your desired color intensity.
4. Layer the Filling: Pour the red cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, carefully spreading it out. Then spoon the green filling on top and gently swirl it to create a marble effect. Top with festive holiday bits.
5. Bake the Cheesecake: Place the springform pan in a shallow baking dish filled with water to create a water bath. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for another hour.
6. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
7. Add the Topping: Once completely chilled, spread the white icing evenly on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle melted red candy over the icing in a decorative pattern and sprinkle with green sprinkles.
8. Serve: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice it into wedges and serve chilled as a festive holiday dessert.

Spruce it Up!

For an extra flair, consider adding some mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint on top. These little additions add texture and flavor that will make your cheesecake even more amazing! It’s also perfect when paired with a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider, making it a hit at any holiday gathering. Trust me, once you try this dessert, it will become a holiday staple in your home!

I really hope you give this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake a try! When you do, I’d love to hear about your experience, any tweaks you made, or just how much everyone loved it. Happy baking, and merry eating!