Description
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake is a festive and indulgent dessert combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. Featuring a golden Oreo crust, a smooth cream cheese filling layered with the cakes themselves, and topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache, this treat makes a perfect holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups Golden Oreo cookies, crushed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Christmas nonpareils sprinkles
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 7 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, unwrapped
Ganache Topping
- 1 cup white baking chocolate
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- Green sanding sugar sprinkles, for garnish
- Red cookie icing, for decorating
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Add the crushed Golden Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a mixing bowl, then pour in the melted butter and Christmas nonpareils sprinkles. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Transfer the crust mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides about half an inch. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, and mix for 1-2 minutes until fully combined. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.
- Incorporate Eggs and Cream: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until each is fully incorporated. Add in the heavy whipping cream and sour cream, then mix until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Arrange the unwrapped Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes evenly on top of the filling and gently press them into the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cakes, smoothing the surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55-65 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 45 minutes to finish setting.
- Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until hot but not boiling. Add the white baking chocolate to the cream and let it sit for a few minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Release and Decorate: Run a butter knife around the cheesecake edges to loosen it from the pan. Open the springform latch and remove the sides of the pan. Transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
- Top with Ganache: Pour the white chocolate ganache over the cheesecake and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle green sanding sugar over the top as desired. Allow the ganache to firm up slightly.
- Pipe Decor: Snip the tip off the red cookie icing and pipe lines across the cheesecake surface to mimic the decorative lines found on Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cheesecake carefully and serve to guests or family. Enjoy the festive flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix eggs into the batter to prevent excess air that could crack the cheesecake.
- Let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door cracked to avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves texture and flavor melding.
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to achieve clean slices when serving.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cheesecake, Little Debbie desserts, holiday cheesecake, festive dessert, white chocolate ganache cheesecake
