little debbie christmas tree cheesecake recipe

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves craving sweet treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. For many, the classic Christmas tree cheesecake from Little Debbie ranks high on the list of must-haves. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of creamy cheesecakes and provide a simple, easy-to-follow recipe to create your own Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake at home. Let’s get started!

 

 

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe Ingredients

 

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

 

• • 16 ounces graham cracker crumbs

 

• • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

• • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

 

• • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

 

• • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

• • 4 large eggs, separated

 

• • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

• • 1/4 teaspoon salt

 

• • 1 1/2 cups sour cream

 

• • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

 

• • 1/4 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)

 

 

 

 

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe Step-by-Step Guide

 

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan by greasing it with butter and dusting with flour.

 

1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan, making sure to evenly distribute it throughout the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

 

2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and salt.

 

3: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan over the crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

 

 

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe Variations

 

Are you looking to mix things up with your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake? Try one of these variations to spice things up:

 

• • Strawberry Swirl: Add 1 cup of strawberry jam and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh strawberries to the batter before baking. Top with whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries after cooling.

 

• • Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings after cooling.

 

• • Lemon Delight: Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and add 1/4 cup of lemon zest to the batter before baking. Top with a lemon glaze after cooling.

 

 

 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

 

To avoid common mistakes, keep the following tips in mind:

 

• • Don’t overmix the batter: This can lead to a dense cheesecake.

 

• • Resist the urge to open the oven door: Sudden temperature changes can cause the cheesecake to crack.

 

• • Don’t overbake: Check the cheesecake frequently during the baking time to avoid overbaking.

 

 

 

 

Storing and Freezing Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

 

To ensure your cheesecake remains fresh and delicious, follow these storage and freezing tips:

 

• • Room Temperature: Store the cheesecake at room temperature for up to 3 days.

 

• • Refrigerate: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

 

• • Freeze: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

 

 

 

 

Nutritional Information for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

 

Per serving (1 slice, approximately 1/12 of the cheesecake):

 

• • Calories: 320

 

• • Total Fat: 24g

 

• • Saturated Fat: 16g

 

• • Cholesterol: 80mg

 

• • Sodium: 250mg

 

• • Total Carbohydrates: 24g

 

• • Dietary Fiber: 2g

 

• • Sugars: 18g

 

• • Protein: 6g

 

 

 

 

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe FAQs

 

Q: Can I make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan instead of a springform pan?
A: While it’s possible, you may need to adjust the baking time and check the cheesecake frequently to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

 

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall texture and taste of the cheesecake.

 

Q: How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
A: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Check every 5-7 minutes to avoid overbaking.

 

Conclusion:

Summarizing the main points, we’ve explored the world of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake, covering the basic recipe, variations, common mistakes to avoid, and storage and freezing tips. With this knowledge, you’re ready to create your own Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake at home. Try it out and share your results!

 

References:

 

• • “The Art of Baking Cheesecakes” – David Lebovitz