If you’re searching for a festive dessert that brings both nostalgia and wow-factor to your holiday table, this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Crafted with the beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes nestled inside a rich, creamy cheesecake surrounded by a buttery vanilla wafer crust, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the season. Each bite bursts with luscious cream cheese goodness, a hint of tangy lemon, and the charming crunch of the vanilla wafer crust, all topped with vibrant red and green frosting accents. This recipe transforms a classic holiday treat into a stunning centerpiece that will have your friends and family lining up for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pie with a crumbly brown crust forms the bottom and sides, filled with a smooth, pale yellow creamy layer. On top of the pie, there are three white Christmas tree-shaped cookies decorated with red icing zigzags and green sprinkles. A woman's hand is holding one of the cookies, about to place it onto the pie. The pie sits on a white marbled surface with a glimpse of a white plate holding more decorated cookies in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—these simple, pantry-friendly items come together to create impressive layers of flavor and texture. From the crumbly vanilla wafers that form the perfect buttery crust to the creamy blend of full-fat cream cheese enriched with sour cream and lemon juice, each ingredient plays a crucial role to balance richness, moisture, and that subtle zing that makes this cheesecake unforgettable.

Vanilla wafer cookies (65 cookies / 2 cups crumbs): Provides a nostalgic, buttery base with a delightful crunch for the crust.
Salted butter (6 tablespoons melted): Binds the cookie crumbs and adds richness and moisture to the crust.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup for crust + 1 1/3 cups for filling): Sweetens both crust and cheesecake, balancing tang and creaminess.
Full fat cream cheese (24 ounces + 8 ounces for frosting): The star for smooth, creamy cheesecake texture and frosting richness.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cheesecake irresistibly moist.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Enhances all the flavors, bringing warmth and depth.
Lemon juice (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brightens the cheesecake with subtle tartness.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Stabilizes the filling and ensures a perfect texture.
Eggs (4 large, room temperature): Essential for binding and giving structure to the cheesecake.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (6 cakes): The magic inside that makes this cheesecake uniquely festive.
Butter (4 tablespoons, room temperature for frosting): Creates a smooth, dreamy frosting with cream cheese.
Powdered sugar (4 cups for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect pipeable consistency.
Red gel food coloring: Adds vibrant holiday cheer to your frosting decorations.
Green sprinkles: The perfect finishing touch for festive sparkle on top.

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrapping a 9-inch springform pan with heavy-duty foil helps prevent water leakage during the water bath baking stage—this little step is a lifesaver. Crush the vanilla wafer cookies finely, using a food processor or a trusty rolling pin. Mixing these crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter creates a moist, sandy-textured base that presses beautifully against the pan’s bottom and sides. Bake this crust for 8 minutes to set it firmly. If you notice any cracking after it cools while still warm, pressing it back gently fixes that perfectly smooth crust wall.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the room temperature cream cheese with sugar until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy. Adding sour cream, vanilla, and lemon juice next brings depth and tang, while flour stabilizes your filling. Incorporate the eggs carefully, one at a time, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter, which ensures a silky finish. Pour half of this luscious batter over the cooled crust and smooth it out to create a lovely even base — this is where the magic takes form.

Step 3: Add the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Now, place the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes atop the cheesecake layer in a circular pattern, with their points facing inward. This classic treat nestled inside a creamy cheesecake is the recipe’s signature moment. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the cakes, fully enclosing them and allowing their festive charm to peek through after slicing.

Step 4: Bake in a Water Bath

Set your springform pan inside a larger roasting pan and pour boiling water about 1-inch deep around it. This gentle water bath ensures your cheesecake bakes evenly, preventing cracking and drying out. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 65-75 minutes. The cheesecake should be slightly wobbly in the center but firm at the edges. After baking, let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open. This gradual cooling guards against cracks and helps build that silky texture we all love.

Step 5: Chill and Frost the Cheesecake

Once cooled to room temperature, wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to develop the flavors and firm the texture further. For the frosting, whip room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, then beat until fluffy. Spread half the frosting evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Tint the remaining frosting red and pipe festive wavy lines across the top, finishing with a sprinkle of green sanding sugar for that iconic holiday sparkle.

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe

A round cake with six triangular slices, showing a light golden base layer topped with smooth white icing that covers the entire top surface. Bright red icing lines curve diagonally across the white icing, with small green sugar sprinkles scattered evenly. One slice is placed on a white plate to the upper left, accompanied by a gold fork. The cake sits on a black base against a white marbled surface. Several small white Christmas tree-shaped snacks with similar red and green decorations are scattered nearby. A red box of snack cakes with holiday graphics is partially visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touches on this cheesecake are where you get to be playful and festive. Beyond the piped red frosting and green sprinkles, try adding fresh cranberries, edible gold stars, or tiny mint leaves shaped like holly to create a beautiful seasonal presentation. These garnishes add bursts of color, texture, and even a fresh twist that balances the rich creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is so rich and filling that simple sides work best. Consider serving with a tart cranberry sauce or bright raspberry coulis to complement the creamy texture. A cup of strong coffee or spiced holiday tea is also an ideal companion, helping to cleanse your palate and warm you through chilly winter evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping holiday dessert, plate individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream adorned with a mini Christmas tree cookie on top. Alternatively, serve the cheesecake on a rustic wooden platter decorated with pinecones and fresh evergreen sprigs to bring out a cozy, festive vibe that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesecake always tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and protect from absorbing other fridge odors. Stored properly, your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later or prepare ahead, this cheesecake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cheesecake can last up to 2 months without loss of flavor or texture. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if the frosting feels too firm after refrigeration, allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust instead of vanilla wafers?

Absolutely! While vanilla wafers provide a classic buttery crunch, graham crackers or gingersnaps work beautifully and add their own unique flavor, perfect for a holiday twist.

Why is a water bath necessary when baking this cheesecake?

The water bath gently and evenly distributes heat around the cheesecake, preventing the edges from overcooking and cracking, resulting in that dense yet silky texture you want.

Can I make the cheesecake in advance for a holiday party?

Yes! In fact, it’s recommended to make it at least a day ahead. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set perfectly for serving.

Are Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes available year-round?

Typically, these festive cakes are seasonal and found during the holidays. If you can’t find them, consider ordering in advance or substituting with another holiday-themed snack cake to keep the spirit alive.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

For the best taste and texture, full-fat versions are recommended. They provide richness and creaminess that low-fat alternatives can’t fully replicate, especially in a celebratory cheesecake like this.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about combining cherished holiday treats into one show-stopping dessert, and this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Recipe does just that with heartwarming success. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year, to share laughs and create sweet memories. Give it a try—you’ll be the holiday hero everyone asks for at dessert time.