The holidays are all about indulgence, and this Christmas Little Debbie Tree Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to spread some festive cheer. I stumbled upon this idea when brainstorming ways to incorporate my favorite nostalgic snack cakes into a show-stopping holiday dessert. The result? A no-bake cheesecake that's as fun to make as it is to eat.
The creamy cheesecake filling, dotted with chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, sits on a buttery graham cracker crust and is topped with festive decorations that will light up any dessert table. It’s the perfect blend of whimsy and decadence, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Trust me, this is one dessert that will be the star of your holiday celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and stress-free: Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive and nostalgic: Combines the charm of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with creamy cheesecake.
- Show-stopping dessert: Beautifully decorated to wow your guests.
- Simple ingredients: Easy to find and assemble.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it the day before for hassle-free entertaining.
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 6 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, chopped
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Additional Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, halved (for garnish)
- Red and green sprinkles
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, being careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
- Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cheesecake is firm and set.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with swirls of whipped cream, halved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, and a generous sprinkle of red and green sprinkles.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead: This cheesecake can be made a day ahead. Add the whipped cream and garnishes just before serving for the freshest look.
Helpful Notes
- For a sweeter crust variation, swap the graham crackers for crushed vanilla sandwich cookies.
- Add an extra festive touch by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cheesecake before adding the toppings.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of snack cake?
Absolutely! Substitute with any holiday-themed snack cakes for a similar festive flair. - What if I don’t have a springform pan?
Use a deep 9-inch pie dish instead. The slices may not lift as cleanly, but the flavor will still be amazing! - Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze it without the whipped cream and garnishes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before decorating and serving. - How do I ensure my whipped cream doesn’t deflate?
Make sure the heavy cream is cold before whipping, and whip it just until stiff peaks form for the best texture. - Can I make individual cheesecakes instead of one large one?
Yes! Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers to create individual servings.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Little Debbie Tree Cheesecake is the ultimate festive dessert that combines nostalgia with indulgence. The no-bake cheesecake is easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. Every bite is packed with creamy filling, a buttery crust, and those iconic holiday snack cakes we all love.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or just want to treat your family, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. So, grab your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and get ready to create a dessert that will shine as brightly as your Christmas tree!
Christmas Little Debbie Tree Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 6 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes chopped
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Additional Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes halved (for garnish)
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, being careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cheesecake is firm and set.
Decorate and Serve:
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with swirls of whipped cream, halved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, and a generous sprinkle of red and green sprinkles.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For a sweeter crust variation, swap the graham crackers for crushed vanilla sandwich cookies.
- Add an extra festive touch by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cheesecake before adding the toppings.
