Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s fun, festive, and downright delicious, you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share this Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe that combines creamy, dreamy cheesecake with the nostalgic charm of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in where you want to indulge a little (or a lot!). Grab your mixing bowl because you’re going to want to dive into this festive treat ASAP!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from combining simple staples with those charming Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a rich, creamy texture and that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

• Golden Oreos: Crush them finely for a buttery, sweet crust that complements the cheesecake perfectly.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together — I found salted is best to balance the sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat and softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and ultimate creaminess.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch to help stabilize the cheesecake and give it a perfect slice.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances that classic vanilla cheesecake flavor you know and love.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and moisture; make sure it’s full-fat and room temp.
• Heavy Cream: Used in the batter and ganache for smooth, luscious texture.
• Eggs: The key to structure — large eggs at room temperature work best for even mixing.
• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star ingredient that adds gooey, festive fun right inside the cheesecake!
• White Chocolate: Melted to make a beautiful ganache topping that’s creamy and sweet.
• Red Decorating Icing: For those iconic, festive lines that take your cheesecake to the next level visually.
• Green Sprinkles: Adds the perfect pop of holiday color and festive sparkle.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to shake things up a bit. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking — that’s what makes it truly yours!

• Chocolate Crust: Substitute Golden Oreos with chocolate Oreos for a richer base — my kids actually prefer this twist!
• Flavored Extracts: Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract during the holidays for an extra festive touch.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream substitutes — I tested this once and it still turned out creamy and festive!
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust for added crunch and a toasty flavor.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Create the Perfect Golden Oreo Crust

Start by crushing about 23 to 25 Golden Oreos into fine crumbs — I like to use a food processor, but a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin work too! Mix the crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan to form an even crust. I find pressing with the bottom of a measuring cup works best for an even pack without cracks. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you move on to the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat 4 packages of softened full-fat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix well. Next, add ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup heavy cream for that perfect richness and creaminess. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined to avoid air pockets that cause cracks. This step took me a couple tries to perfect, but keeping the eggs cold and mixing gently really helped.

Step 3: Assemble with Your Little Debbie Cakes

This is my favorite part — gently pour half of the cheesecake batter into your chilled crust. Then, evenly place 8 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes across the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, making sure the cakes get nicely covered without breaking them. The cakes add a fun surprise texture and sweet Christmas spirit to each slice — my kids’s eyes light up when they see this!

Step 4: Bake and Cool Slowly

Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for about 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. I recommend placing a water bath under the springform pan during baking to keep the cheesecake moist and crack-free — it’s a trick I discovered after some trial and error. Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack for an hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Patience here really pays off for texture and flavor.

Step 5: Add the Festive White Chocolate Ganache and Decorations

To make the ganache, melt 4 ounces of white chocolate gently with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often until smooth. Pour this over your chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. Then, pipe red decorating icing stripes across the cake, mimicking the iconic Little Debbie packaging stripes — this step is so fun and brings the cake to life! Finally, sprinkle green holiday sprinkles for that extra festive touch. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself grinning as you add this final flourish.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping things simple with garnishes that boost festive vibes. Aside from the red icing and green sprinkles, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cranberries around the plate adds that elegant holiday touch. For a little extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce — both pair beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is a dessert star, but if you’re serving a holiday spread, I like pairing it with simple fruit salad or spiced mulled wine to balance the richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot cocoa also complements the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like slicing the cheesecake into mini portions and serving them in festive cupcake liners on a decorative tray — guests love the idea of a “cheesecake sampler.” Another fun idea I tried was layering small cheesecake bites in clear cups with crushed Oreos and whipped cream for a fancy trifle-style dessert station. Trust me, it gets rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and decorated, cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheesecake once or twice with good results—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. Just note that the ganache and icing may soften slightly, so you might want to freshen up the decorations before serving.

Reheating

This cheesecake is best served chilled, so I generally don’t reheat it. If you want it slightly softer, you can let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps enhance that creamy texture without melting the toppings.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cheesecake with Little Debbie Cakes Recipe is one of those joyful treats that brings the holidays alive in your kitchen and on your table. I absolutely love how the creamy cheesecake plays with the iconic festive cakes inside each bite — it’s indulgence and nostalgia wrapped in one. Whether you’re hosting friends, surprising family, or just craving an extra-special dessert, this recipe never fails to deliver smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a part of your holiday traditions like I have!

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