Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake

Directions to Follow

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Then, add in the heavy cream and eggs, mixing until well incorporated. Gently fold in the chopped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the delicious filling over the crust in your prepared springform pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set yet slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature before proceeding.
Prepare the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until warm. Remove from heat, add white chocolate chips, and stir until smooth and melted. Drizzle this luscious ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
Decorate and Chill: Sprinkle festive green sprinkles on top of the ganache and pipe small dots of red buttercream frosting to resemble ornaments. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to fully set.
Serve: Once set, slice and enjoy this festive cheesecake! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a later treat.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is about creating a delightful experience. For an impressive presentation, slice it into generous pieces and arrange them on a decorative platter. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the flavor profile. It also pairs great with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee, making for a perfect end to a festive meal.

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your cheesecake fresh, it’s essential to store it properly. If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, where they can last up to three months. Just make sure to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Softening Cream Cheese: To speed up the softening process, cut cream cheese into smaller blocks and let it sit at room temperature.
Avoid Cracks: To minimize cracking in your cheesecake, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the creamiest texture.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this cheesecake! Try adding a layer of peppermint extract for a minty twist, or swap out the Little Debbie cakes for other festive treats, like chocolate-covered marshmallows. For a fun color variation, add blue or gold sprinkles alongside the green for a unique holiday touch.

FAQs

Q: How long does prep take?
A: The prep time is roughly 30 minutes, and you’ll need to allow additional chilling time for the cheesecake.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.

Q: Can this cheesecake be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.