I kept seeing this viral Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake all over social media, and I finally had to try it for myself. Let me tell you, it’s totally worth the hype! With a buttery graham cracker crust, rich vanilla cheesecake filling, and whole Christmas Tree Cakes baked right inside, this festive dessert is everything I love about Christmas baking.
If you’re planning your holiday dessert menu, this stuffed cheesecake is a fun addition alongside my homemade Amish cinnamon rolls, easy homemade apple crisp, and pumpkin spice scones. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or bringing something sweet to a holiday party, this creamy Christmas Tree Cake cheesecake is sure to be a favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
There’s something about Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes that instantly brings back childhood Christmas memories. The soft vanilla cake, fluffy creme filling, white frosting, and signature red stripes are practically a holiday tradition.
Now imagine all of that tucked inside a thick, creamy cheesecake!
Here’s why this viral Christmas dessert is worth making:
- A fun surprise inside: Whole Christmas Tree Cakes are hidden inside the cheesecake, making every slice extra special.
- Rich and creamy: A classic vanilla cheesecake filling balances the sweet snack cakes.
- Perfect for Christmas parties: This festive cheesecake makes a beautiful holiday dessert centerpiece.
- Make-ahead friendly: Cheesecake actually tastes better after chilling overnight.
- Nostalgic holiday flavor: All the flavors of your favorite Little Debbie Christmas snack cakes in one decadent dessert.
Ingredients for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
This homemade Christmas Tree Cake cheesecake starts with a simple graham cracker crust and a classic cream cheese filling.
Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake Filling
- 4 packages (8 ounces each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 box Little Debbie Vanilla Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red decorating icing or melted red candy melts
- Green sanding sugar or green sprinkles
- Extra Christmas Tree Cakes, optional
Ingredient tip: Use the original vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes for that classic holiday flavor. The chocolate version would make a delicious variation, but the vanilla cakes create the prettiest contrast inside the cheesecake.
How to Make Viral Christmas Tree Cake Stuffed Cheesecake
This Christmas Tree Cake cheesecake is surprisingly straightforward. The biggest secret is allowing enough time for the cheesecake to bake gently and chill completely before slicing.
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt.
Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly.
Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium-low speed until completely smooth.
Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each egg is incorporated.
Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter once the eggs have been added. Too much air can cause the cheesecake to rise, crack, and sink during baking.
Step 3: Stuff the Cheesecake with Christmas Tree Cakes
Pour approximately one-third of the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust.
Arrange the whole Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a single layer over the batter, leaving a little space between them.
Gently spoon the remaining cheesecake filling around and over the cakes until they are completely covered.
Smooth the top with an offset spatula.
The cakes will create sweet little pockets of vanilla cake and creme filling throughout the finished cheesecake.
Helpful tip: Don’t press the snack cakes directly into the crust. Keeping a layer of cheesecake filling underneath helps create that beautiful stuffed cheesecake effect when sliced.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Wrap the outside of the springform pan securely with heavy-duty aluminum foil to help prevent water from leaking inside.
Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
Bake at 300°F for approximately 75–95 minutes, or until the outer edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the depth of your cheesecake.
Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Decorate the Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is completely chilled, carefully remove the springform pan.
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cheesecake.
Drizzle thin red stripes across the top using red decorating icing or melted red candy melts.
Finish with green sprinkles to recreate the signature Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake look.
For an extra festive presentation, decorate the top with pieces of additional Christmas Tree Cakes.
Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts.
Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
Use room-temperature ingredients. Softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs create a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix the eggs in gently to avoid incorporating too much air.
Keep the Christmas Tree Cakes whole. Whole snack cakes create the fun stuffed center that makes this viral cheesecake so special.
Bake low and slow. A lower baking temperature and gentle water bath help prevent cracks and keep the filling creamy.
Chill overnight. This is one of those desserts that gets even better after spending the night in the refrigerator.
Use a hot knife for clean slices. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to show off the Christmas Tree Cakes hidden inside.
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Viral Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Stuffed Cheesecake
This viral Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake is worth the hype! Whole Christmas Tree Cakes are baked inside a rich, creamy vanilla cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Finished with homemade whipped cream and festive red and green sprinkles, this stuffed Christmas cheesecake is the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday parties and Christmas celebrations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 7 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
-
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-
1 pinch salt
Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake Filling
-
32 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened (4 packages, 8 ounces each)
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
-
4 large eggs, room temperature
-
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
5 Little Debbie Vanilla Christmas Tree Cakes (1 standard box)
Whipped Cream Topping
-
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
-
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 tablespoons red and green Christmas sugar sprinkles
-
Additional Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes for decorating, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
7. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
Assemble the Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
8. Pour approximately one-third of the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth into an even layer.
9. Arrange the whole Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes over the cheesecake batter in a circular pattern, leaving a little space between each cake.
10. Carefully spoon the remaining cheesecake batter over and around the Christmas Tree Cakes, covering them completely. Gently smooth the surface with an offset spatula.
Bake the Cheesecake
11. Wrap the outside of the springform pan securely with several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to help prevent water from entering.
12. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches approximately halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
13. Bake at 300°F for 75–95 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
14. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
15. Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
16. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until completely chilled and firm.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
17. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
18. Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
19. Spread or pipe the homemade whipped cream over the top of the cheesecake.
20. Sprinkle generously with red and green Christmas sugar sprinkles. Garnish with additional Christmas Tree Cakes if desired.
21. Slice using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Room-temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Christmas Tree Cakes: Use the original vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes for the classic holiday flavor. The chocolate variety can also be used for a different variation.
- Don’t overmix: Once the eggs are added, mix on low speed just until incorporated to prevent excess air from entering the cheesecake batter.
- Water bath: A water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and reduces the chance of cracking. For extra protection against leaks, place the springform pan inside a slightly larger solid cake pan before setting it in the roasting pan.
- Chilling: Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and cleanest slices.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cheesecake up to 2 days before serving. Add the whipped cream and sprinkles shortly before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices without whipped cream for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving tip: Dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe it dry between slices to reveal the Christmas Tree Cake filling.
Can You Make Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it.
This homemade holiday cheesecake needs several hours to chill and set properly, so preparing it the day before your Christmas party or holiday gathering is ideal.
You can make the cheesecake up to two days ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Wait until shortly before serving to add the whipped cream, red icing, and green sprinkles for the freshest presentation.
Can You Make This Cheesecake Without a Water Bath?
Yes, although a water bath helps the cheesecake bake more evenly and reduces the chance of cracking.
If you’d rather skip it, place a pan of hot water on the oven rack beneath the cheesecake instead.
The cheesecake may develop a few cracks, but the whipped cream topping will cover them beautifully.
How to Store Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Because this dessert contains cream cheese, eggs, and whipped cream, it should be kept refrigerated until serving.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices without the whipped cream topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
Yes! Chocolate Christmas Tree Cakes would be delicious inside a classic vanilla cheesecake. You could also add a chocolate cookie crust for an extra-rich holiday dessert.
How many Christmas Tree Cakes do I need?
You’ll need one standard five-count box of vanilla Christmas Tree Cakes for the cheesecake filling. Purchase an additional box if you’d like to decorate the finished cheesecake with extra cakes.
Do the Christmas Tree Cakes melt while baking?
The cakes soften during baking and become part of the creamy cheesecake filling. The frosting and creme filling may blend into the surrounding cheesecake, but the snack cakes still create delicious pockets of cake throughout.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cheesecake can crack when the batter is overmixed, the oven temperature is too high, or the cheesecake cools too quickly. Baking gently and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually can help prevent cracks.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cake cheesecake?
Yes. Freeze the fully cooled cheesecake without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and decorate before serving.
More Christmas Desserts and Holiday Recipes to Try
If you’re putting together your Christmas menu, this viral Little Debbie cheesecake would make a fun addition to a table filled with homemade holiday favorites.
For Christmas morning, try a batch of my homemade Amish cinnamon rolls made with mashed potato dough or a batch of cozy pumpkin pie spice scones.
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, my Holiday Bubbly Bar is another fun way to make entertaining feel special without overcomplicating things.
And don’t forget to browse more of my homemade holiday recipes and seasonal entertaining ideas here on First Home Love Life.
Is the Viral Christmas Tree Cake Cheesecake Worth the Hype?
After seeing this Christmas Tree Cake stuffed cheesecake all over social media, I knew I had to see what the fuss was about.
And yes, this viral Christmas cheesecake really is worth the hype.
Between the buttery graham cracker crust, rich vanilla cheesecake, and soft Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes hidden inside, it’s everything I love about nostalgic Christmas desserts.
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas dessert to bring to a holiday party or serve after Christmas dinner, this one is definitely worth adding to your baking list.
