If you have a sweet tooth and a love for holiday treats, then you are going to absolutely adore this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe. This delightful dessert combines the nostalgic crunch of Little Debbie’s iconic Christmas Tree snack cakes with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, all nestled on a moist vanilla cake base. It’s festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season or any time you need a joyful pick-me-up. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and charm that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful cheesecake bites, we keep things straightforward with simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fluffy vanilla cake base to the luscious cream cheese filling, every element adds its own magic to the final bite.
- Vanilla cake mix: Provides a soft, tender base that’s perfectly balanced in sweetness and flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and add richness to both the cake and cheesecake layers.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cake layer.
- Water: Liquefies the cake mix for an easy batter consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 oz plus 4 oz): Key for that velvety, tangy cheesecake filling and silky icing glaze.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture perfectly without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out warmth and depth in both cake and cheesecake layers.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to enhance the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
- White chocolate chips: Sweet little pockets of creamy white chocolate that surprise you in every bite.
- Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes: Infuse the cheesecake with classic holiday flavor and a fun crunchy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth and sweet cream cheese icing glaze.
- Milk: Used to thin the icing glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Sugar sprinkles (optional): Add a festive sparkle to your finished bites for extra holiday cheer.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly. Mix your vanilla cake mix with one egg, vegetable oil, and water until smooth, then pour the batter into the pan. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until the cake is golden brown and springy to the touch. Let it cool completely—this base will support all the delicious cheesecake layers.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth. This is the heart of your cheesecake flavor. Blend in vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream until the batter becomes silky. Lastly, fold in the white chocolate chips and the star ingredient—crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes— to add a pleasant texture and unmistakable holiday charm.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your cake base has cooled fully, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Bake the cheesecake layer for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures it will be creamy and luscious rather than dry or overcooked. Once baked, cool it to room temperature before moving on to the chilling phase.
Step 4: Chill and Prepare the Icing Glaze
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least two hours to allow it to firm up beautifully. While it chills, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust milk quantities to reach the perfect consistency for drizzling.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
When your cheesecake is fully chilled, cut it into bite-sized squares for perfect Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites. Drizzle the cream cheese icing glaze over each piece and top with more icing, sugar sprinkles, and crushed Little Debbie snack cakes for a festive finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance those merry bites with colorful sugar sprinkles or additional crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes for texture and visual appeal. A light drizzle of cream cheese icing glaze adds extra sweetness and moisture that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a soothing cup of spiced tea during chilly winter afternoons. For an extra festive occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to add freshness that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by arranging your cheesecake bites on a holiday-themed platter. You could stack them in a pyramid shape resembling a Christmas tree or serve them on mini festive plates with decorative napkins. A few sprigs of fresh mint or edible glitter sprinkled on top can elevate their appeal even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps preserve their creamy texture and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cheesecake bites by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer them slightly less cold, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before indulging.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla cake mix complements the flavors beautifully, you can experiment with white or even almond-flavored cake mixes to add new nuances to your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe.
Do I have to use sour cream in the cheesecake layer?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang which enhances the creaminess of the cheesecake, but you can substitute Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option with similar consistency.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, if you find a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and gluten-free Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes, this recipe can be adapted. Just double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How long does it take to chill the cheesecake layer?
At least two hours in the refrigerator is the sweet spot for firming up the cheesecake so it’s easy to cut and holds its shape perfectly.
What’s the best way to crush the Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes?
Place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup until you achieve small, crumbly pieces that add great texture without overwhelming the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe is a joyful celebration of holiday flavors wrapped up in moist cake, creamy cheesecake, and festive crunch. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make but sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Don’t wait for the next special occasion—grab those Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes and start baking your own batch of cheer today!
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 60 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bite-sized bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites are a festive and delightful treat featuring a vanilla cake base layered with creamy cheesecake filling studded with white chocolate chips and crushed Christmas Tree snack cakes. Finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze and festive sprinkles, these bite-sized bars make a perfect holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes
Icing Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (additional as needed)
Garnish
- Additional cream cheese icing (optional)
- Sugar sprinkles
- Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Cake Base: In a medium bowl, mix the vanilla cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely to prepare for the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream; mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Add Mix-ins to Filling: Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes evenly into the cheesecake mixture.
- Assemble and Bake Cheesecake Layer: Once the cake base has cooled, spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the top. Bake the combined layers for 20-25 minutes until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set.
- Prepare Icing Glaze: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick.
- Cut and Glaze: After chilling, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the cream cheese icing glaze over each piece for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional cream cheese icing, sugar sprinkles, and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes to decorate and enhance the festive look.
Notes
- Ensure the cake base is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent mixing and ensure proper texture.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake bites for at least 2 hours; overnight chilling is even better for firm slices.
- Customize the garnish with holiday sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and decoration.
- If the icing glaze is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency for drizzling.
- Store leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
