Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

This creamy and festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake takes a classic cheesecake and turns it into a showstopping holiday dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and plush cream cheese filling studded with actual Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, each slice brings a nostalgic treat to your holiday table. Everything gets finished with a shiny layer of white chocolate ganache and playful decorations that make your cheesecake look like the cakes themselves.

I remember the first time I made this cheesecake for a family holiday brunch. My nieces and nephews went wild for it and the grownups asked for the recipe right after their first forkful.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Bring a classic sweet crunch to the base Choose name brands for a more uniform crumb
• Butter melted: This binds the crust together and gives it rich flavor Use real butter for best taste
• Cream cheese softened: Forms the base of your filling Opt for full fat and let it come to room temp for a super smooth batter
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tang of the cheese Go for fine sugar so it blends in easily
• All purpose flour: Gives the cheesecake extra structure Unbleached flour keeps the texture light
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the filling Use real vanilla for deepest flavor
• Heavy whipping cream: Gives lusciousness and smoothness to both filling and ganache Pick the freshest carton
• Eggs: Provide lift and creaminess Room temp eggs mix in better
• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star of the show Their icing adds pops of texture and color in every bite Look for fresh boxes at your grocery store—they sell out fast in winter
• White chocolate: Turns into a silky ganache Choose high quality bars or chips that melt down creamy
• Green sprinkles: These add festive holiday flair Pick jimmies or sanding sugar for best effect
• Red buttercream frosting: For finishing lines to mimic the cakes Storebought tubes work perfectly for piping

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Spray a nine inch springform pan generously with non stick spray so nothing sticks to the beautiful cheesecake finish

Make the Crust:

Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until very fine and measure out one and a half cups Add melted butter and pulse again Carefully pour crumb mixture into the pan and really press it down in an even layer Bake for ten minutes just until set and golden

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat cream cheese on high until light and fluffy This step is key for that creamy texture

Sweeten and Flavor:

Add granulated sugar flour and vanilla extract Mix only until smooth and barely combined you do not want a dense filling

Add the Cream:

Scrape the bowl Make sure nothing is stuck to the sides Pour in the heavy cream and mix slowly on low until it just comes together Then beat on high for about one minute more

Incorporate Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time Let each one fully mix in before the next Do not overbeat or your cheesecake might crack

Layer with Cakes:

Pour half the batter over your baked crust and smooth Arrange Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes over the batter in a circle Press them gently into place Pour the rest of the cheesecake batter over the cakes and smooth the top

Bake Low and Slow:

Start baking at 350 degrees for 15 minutes then reduce the oven to 200 degrees without opening the door Bake another 50 to 53 minutes until just set and the center still jiggles slightly

Cool Gradually:

Turn off the oven and crack the door Let the cheesecake cool for 15 minutes inside Move to a wire rack and cool completely at room temperature

Chill Overnight:

Place the cheesecake in the fridge at least six hours or overnight This is essential for clean slices and perfect texture

Make Ganache and Decorate:

Heat heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave until very hot Pour it over white chocolate Let it sit three minutes Whisk until smooth and shiny Pour ganache over the cheesecake and smooth the top Sprinkle with green sprinkles and finish with red buttercream lines

Serve and Store:

Slice and serve right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days

My favorite part is biting into the center of the cheesecake and finding those whole Little Debbie cakes tucked inside It reminds me of Christmas mornings growing up when we raced to the treat table before breakfast

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge Sliced pieces can be wrapped individually for easy grab and go treats If you want to freeze it wrap tightly in plastic and foil to seal out air then thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the graham crackers for vanilla wafers or crushed gingersnaps for a spiced twist If you cannot find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes any seasonal snack cake will work The white chocolate ganache can use good quality melting chocolate discs if you have them handy

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is rich so serve it in thin slices for dessert after a big meal Pair it with hot cocoa or strong coffee Double down on holiday vibes by adding extra green and red sprinkles or a dollop of whipped cream on each slice

Cultural and Historical Context

Little Debbie snack cakes have been an American holiday staple for decades Creating a cheesecake with these iconic treats brings together family nostalgia and the tradition of sharing sweets at Christmas Even if you did not grow up with these cakes this recipe delivers instant holiday spirit

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pastel sprinkles and swap cakes for the spring versions to make an Easter cheesecake Dress it up for Valentine’s Day with heart shaped snack cakes and pink ganache Switch to fall sprinkles and use pumpkin snack cakes for an autumn twist

Success Stories

Every year someone messages me with a photo of their finished cheesecake and a story about how it was a hit at their office party or family dinner It is especially loved by those who want to wow guests but are not expert decorators

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make ahead for a big event follow all the steps through baking chilling and decorating Then wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month Let it thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before serving

This showstopping cheesecake is as fun to slice as it is to eat. Bring it to your next holiday party and watch everyone's face light up with nostalgia and delight.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use a different brand of snack cakes?

Yes, you can substitute with other vanilla or pound cake snack cakes, but the classic design and flavor come from Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.

→ How do I ensure the cheesecake is set?

After baking, the edges should be firm and the center slightly wobbly. Chill thoroughly overnight for best results.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy.

→ What can I use instead of white chocolate ganache?

You may use a simple glaze or even whipped cream as a topping, though ganache gives the best festive appearance.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days to maintain freshness and texture.