Festive Christmas Tree Cheesecake Delight!
Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas Tree Cheesecake! Featuring a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling layered with iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, and topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache and holiday decorations. A perfect treat for your holiday gatherings!
Equipment
- 9-inch Springform Pan
- Food Processor
- Stand Mixer
- Offset Spatula
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 6 tablespoons Melted Butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages Softened Cream Cheese (8-ounce each)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 Large Eggs room temperature is best!
For the Layer & Toppings
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
- 1 cup White Chocolate Chips or Chopped White Chocolate
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for ganache)
- Green Sanding Sugar or Sprinkles
- Red Tube Frosting or Buttercream
Instructions
- 1. Prep the Pan & Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray.
- 2. Make the Crust: In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until you have fine crumbs (about 1 ½ cups). Add the melted butter and pulse until just combined.
- 3. Press & Bake Crust: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
- 4. Cream the Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on high speed until it's super smooth and fluffy.
- 5. Mix in Sweetness: Add the granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined and smooth. Don't forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl!
- 6. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix on low speed until it's blended. Increase the speed to high for about 1 minute.
- 7. Incorporate Eggs Gently: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as too much air can cause cracks.
- 8. First Layer of Filling: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over your baked graham cracker crust. Gently smooth it out with an offset spatula.
- 9. Add the Christmas Cakes: Carefully arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a circle over the batter, gently pressing them down slightly into the filling.
- 10. Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the rest of the cheesecake batter over the cakes, smoothing the top to cover them completely.
- 11. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for an additional 50-53 minutes. The cheesecake is ready when the edges are set and the center still has a slight, gentle jiggle.
- 12. Slow Cool Down: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool slowly inside for about 15 minutes.
- 13. Chill Out: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cool, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill overnight (or at least 4-6 hours) for the best texture and firmness.
- 14. Prepare Ganache: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, heat ⅓ cup of heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until it's hot, but not boiling.
- 15. Mix Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 3 minutes, then whisk until the ganache is perfectly smooth and glossy.
- 16. Decorate: Pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the chilled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Sprinkle generously with green sanding sugar. Use your red tube frosting to create decorative lines on top, mimicking the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake design.
- 17. Serve & Store: Slice and enjoy your festive creation! Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Notes
Nutrition values are estimates for this rich, festive dessert. Enjoy in moderation! Per serving: Calories: 600, Total Carbs: 75g, Net Carbs: 70g, Fats: 40g, Protein: 10g, Fiber: 5g.
