If you love festive treats that combine creamy, rich textures with nostalgic holiday flavors, then you are going to adore this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe. These bite-sized delights bring together the moist goodness of vanilla cake, the tangy smoothness of cheesecake, and the fun crunch of Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes—all nestled under a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or indulging as a cozy treat by yourself, this recipe captures all the joy of the season in one irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe plays a crucial role—whether it’s providing a moist base, creamy texture, or that signature festive crunch. The beautiful balance of flavors and textures starts here with simple but essential pantry staples and those iconic Christmas Tree snack cakes.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of this recipe gives the bites their soft, cakey foundation with just the right hint of vanilla.
- Egg: Helps bind the cake ingredients together with a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake perfectly tender.
- Water: Softens the batter for a light, fluffy cake texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides the classic tangy creaminess for the cheesecake layer.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Eggs: Added to the cheesecake mixture for richness and smooth texture.
- Sour cream: Makes the cheesecake incredibly creamy and adds a gentle tang.
- White chocolate chips: Little pockets of sweetness that melt into the cheesecake layer.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes (crushed): Infuses the cheesecake bites with a festive crunch and chocolatey bits.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Used in the icing glaze to top off the bites with silky sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing glaze for a smooth finish.
- Milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
- Additional cream cheese icing (optional): For extra decadent topping.
- Sugar sprinkles: Add fun color and sparkle perfect for the holiday season.
- Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes (for garnish): Gives a charming festive crunch on top.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine your vanilla cake mix, one egg, vegetable oil, and water. Stir everything together until it’s smooth, then pour this batter into the pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Once baked, make sure it cools completely before moving on—this sets the perfect stage for the creamy cheesecake topping.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until you get a silky, creamy texture. Add vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream, mixing thoroughly until every bit is smooth and well combined. This luscious filling is what makes these bites incredibly rich and delicious.
Step 3: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Little Debbie Snacks
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes. This step is crucial because those festive cake pieces add delightful texture and flavor contrasts to the creamy cheesecake layer, making each bite a holiday celebration.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled vanilla cake base. Smooth it out nicely, then bake the entire pan for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be set but still just a little jiggly in the middle for that perfectly creamy consistency. Let it cool down to room temperature afterward.
Step 5: Chill and Prepare the Icing Glaze
Once cooled, pop the cheesecake into the fridge for at least 2 hours to fully set. Meanwhile, whip up the icing glaze by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get a nice drizzle consistency that’s not too thick or too runny.
Step 6: Cut, Drizzle, and Garnish
Cut your cheesecake into bite-sized pieces—perfect little holiday treats. Drizzle each piece generously with the cream cheese icing glaze. For an added festive touch, garnish with extra cream cheese icing, colorful sugar sprinkles, and a sprinkle of crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up these cheesecake bites for your Christmas table, a sprinkle of sugar sprinkles creates a joyful pop of color, while extra crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes add texture and emphasize that holiday vibe. These thoughtful details make each bite feel extra special and festive.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a fresh winter berry salad to complement the creamy richness of the bites. The balance between warm drinks or tangy fruit allows the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe to shine as the star of your holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the cheesecake bites on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly. You could also serve them in mini cupcake wrappers or on skewers dipped in extra glaze and sprinkles for an edible holiday centerpiece that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cheesecake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy your festive treat throughout the week without losing any of that delicious charm.
Freezing
These cheesecake bites freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, so you can make a batch ahead and pull them out to delight guests anytime your holiday cravings hit.
Reheating
For best texture, allow frozen cheesecake bites to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer them room temperature, warm gently for a few seconds in the microwave, but avoid overheating to keep the creamy filling intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla provides a perfect neutral base that complements the cream cheese and chocolate, using almond or yellow cake mix can add a new twist without overwhelming the flavors.
Is it necessary to crush the Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes for the filling?
Yes, crushing the snack cakes before folding them into the filling adds a delightful crunch and integrates their festive flavor throughout each bite. Whole pieces may make cutting messy and alter the texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the vanilla cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure the snack cakes are gluten-free or omit them. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What is the best way to cut the cheesecake bites evenly?
Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts can help you slice neatly without dragging or cracking the cheesecake layer, resulting in nice, uniform bites.
Can I add different sprinkles or toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the sprinkles or add festive toppings like crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips to suit your holiday decor and preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe is a joyful holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these bites bring that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and festive magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a delicious tradition in your own holiday celebrations!
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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites combine a moist vanilla cake base with a creamy cheesecake layer enhanced by white chocolate chips and festive crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes. Finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze and decorated with colorful sprinkles and more crushed snack cakes, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday celebrations and crowd-pleasing dessert tables.
Ingredients
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
Garnish
- Additional cream cheese icing (optional)
- Sugar sprinkles
- Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the cake base: In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, 1 egg, vegetable oil, and water. Stir the mixture until smooth, then pour it evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, the 2 eggs, and sour cream, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Add mix-ins: Fold the white chocolate chips and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes into the cheesecake batter evenly, making sure not to overmix.
- Assemble and bake cheesecake layer: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled cake base. Smooth the top carefully, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours so it fully sets and becomes firm.
- Prepare the icing glaze: Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
- Cut and glaze: Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the cream cheese icing glaze over each piece evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the bites with additional cream cheese icing if desired, sugar sprinkles, and a sprinkle of crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes for a festive finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cake base is completely cool before spreading the cheesecake filling to prevent melting and mixing layers.
- You can prepare these bites a day in advance and store them refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
- For easier cutting, chill the cheesecake thoroughly before slicing.
- Substitute white chocolate chips with mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a flavor twist.
- If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheesecake filling for added warmth.
