Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites are the perfect festive delight! Soft, creamy, and sweet, these cheesecake bites bring holiday cheer to any occasion. They are easy to make and have a lovely combination of flavors, thanks to the Little Debbie snack cakes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a special treat for the family, these bites will surely be a hit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This dessert is great for busy families. It comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients. You’ll find that it’s a fun and tasty way to brighten up any day. Plus, kids will love these little bites! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just some cozy family time at home.
How to Make Cheesecake Bites
Making these cheesecake bites is straightforward and enjoyable. You start by baking a simple cake base, then mix up a delicious cheesecake filling with sweet and creamy flavors. Just a few baking steps and some chilling time, and you’ll have a treat ready to share.
What You Need
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
- 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
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (additional as needed)
- Additional cream cheese icing (optional)
- Sugar sprinkles
- Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes evenly into the cheesecake mixture.
- 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.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set.
- 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.
- 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 with additional cream cheese icing, sugar sprinkles, and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes to decorate and enhance the festive look.
How to Serve Cheesecake Bites
These bites are delightful on their own but can also shine with some fun toppings! Serve them at holiday parties, or enjoy them as a special treat at home. Pair them with a warm drink, like hot cocoa or coffee, for an inviting snack. They also make great handmade gifts for friends and family.
How to Store Cheesecake Bites
To keep your cheesecake bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the bites for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving. Reheat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
Recipe Tips
- Allow the baking base to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent sogginess.
- When mixing the cheesecake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth blend.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake; it should be set but still a bit jiggly in the center.
- For a festive feel, consider without the icing, and use colored sugar or crushed holiday candies as toppings.
- You can use other cake mixes or different flavored cream cheese for variety.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap out the vanilla cake mix for chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist.
- Use flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or pumpkin spice, for a seasonal flair.
- For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free vanilla cake mix.
- Add mini chocolate chips or nuts to the filling for extra texture.
- These bites can be made dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftover cheesecake bites?
Yes! They freeze well for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
What’s the best way to reheat these?
For a warm treat, microwave them in short increments of 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up without cooking further.
Can I swap the Little Debbie cakes for something else?
Sure! You can use any similar snack cake or even cookies if you want. Just keep the total measurement the same.
What if my cheesecake is too thick or too runny?
If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk to your cream cheese icing. If it’s too runny, you might need to chill it a little longer to firm it up.
Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened For the filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes
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
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- 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.
Cheesecake Layer
- 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.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes evenly into the cheesecake mixture.
- 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.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it fully set.
Glazing and Serving
- 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.
- 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 with additional cream cheese icing, sugar sprinkles, and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes.
