Wholesome Winter Wonderland Cheesecake ❄️
A festive and wholesome cheesecake featuring a simple graham cracker crust, a creamy filling with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, and a delightful white chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Equipment
- Oven
- 9-inch Springform Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Wire Rack
- Microwave-safe Bowl
Ingredients
For the Simple Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
For the Creamy Filling
- 3 packages cream cheese 8oz, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
For the Festive Topping
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- green sanding sugar
- red buttercream frosting from a tube
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a gentle 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an easy release later.
- For the simple crust, finely crush graham crackers (or use pre-made crumbs) to get about 1 ½ cups. Stir in the melted butter until it's just combined – a quick and easy step!
- Press this buttery mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for a mere 10 minutes until it looks lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Now for the creamy filling! In a mixing bowl (stand mixer or hand mixer), gently beat the softened cream cheese until it's wonderfully smooth and airy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, a touch of flour, and the lovely vanilla extract. Mix just until everything comes together smoothly, without overworking.
- Give the bowl a quick scrape. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix on a low speed until blended, then increase speed to high for about 1 minute to make it extra luscious.
- Fold in the eggs, one by one, ensuring each is just incorporated before adding the next. This keeps your batter light!
- Pour half of this delightful batter over your cooled crust and smooth it out. Carefully arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes on top, gently nesting them into the batter. Cover them with the remaining batter, smoothing the top for a flawless finish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to a low 200°F (95°C) and continue baking for another 50-53 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight, gentle jiggle.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door a tiny bit, and let your cheesecake slowly cool inside for about 15 minutes. This prevents cracks and ensures a perfect texture.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack.
- For the best flavor and firmness, transfer your cheesecake to the refrigerator to chill and set thoroughly, ideally overnight.
- When your cheesecake is perfectly set, prepare the simple ganache. Gently warm 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling – short bursts work best!
- Pour the warm cream over the white chocolate chips and let it sit for about 3 minutes, then whisk until it's wonderfully smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle this beautiful ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake and spread gently. Add a festive touch with green sanding sugar and delicate red buttercream lines, mimicking a classic holiday treat.
- Serve slices of this wholesome delight immediately, or keep it fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Notes
This Wholesome Winter Wonderland Cheesecake is a delightful treat perfect for the holidays. For the best result, ensure the cream cheese is softened and chill the cheesecake overnight. Enjoy your festive creation!
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 480 kcal, Total Carbs: 65g, Net Carbs: 60g, Fats: 35g, Protein: 10g.
