Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake Bites

Introduction

When I first tried making these Little Debbie Christmas Tree cheesecake bites, I was skeptical about how well the combination of a soft vanilla cake crust, creamy cheesecake batter, and Little Debbie snack cakes would work together. But after one bite, I was hooked! The soft, buttery cake base perfectly complements the rich and smooth cheesecake filling, while the white chocolate chips and snack cake pieces add a fun, festive touch. The cream cheese icing glaze and extra sugar sprinkles make these bites not only delicious but also a visual delight.

These bites were an instant hit in my house, and they disappeared faster than I could make them. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, a fun family baking project, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy evening. With the holidays just around the corner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Little Debbie snacks and cheesecake. It’s like bringing the joy of Christmas trees into bite-sized, decadent treats!

Ingredients

• For the Cake Layer:
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water
• For the 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 (approximately 2-3 cakes)
• For the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• For Garnishing:
• Additional cream cheese icing (optional)
• Sugar sprinkles
• Crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layer:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream, and continue to mix until everything is well incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake Bites:
   Once the cake layer has cooled, carefully spread the cheesecake filling on top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and a slight jiggle remains in the center. Let the baked cheesecake cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Icing Glaze:
   In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and runny. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Garnish the Cheesecake Bites:
   Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into small squares or bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the cream cheese icing glaze over the top of each bite and sprinkle with extra sugar sprinkles. For an extra touch, add more crushed Little Debbie snack cakes on top of each bite to garnish.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16
• Calories per serving: 200-250 calories (depending on the size of each bite)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• On a Dessert Platter: Serve these cheesecake bites on a festive dessert platter with other holiday treats.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These little bites pair perfectly with a warm mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
• As a Party Snack: They make great finger food for holiday parties, allowing guests to grab and go without needing utensils.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and a creamy texture in both the filling and glaze.
2. Chill Before Cutting: To get neat, clean cuts, refrigerate the cheesecake bites for a few hours before cutting them into squares. This helps the filling firm up.
3. Customize the Flavor: You can add a touch of peppermint extract to the cheesecake batter for a holiday twist or mix in mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
4. Adjust the Icing Glaze Consistency: If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches a pourable consistency.
5. Decorate Creatively: Top your bites with extra holiday-themed decorations, such as edible glitter or holiday sprinkles, for an extra festive look.

Recipe Variations

• Peppermint Cheesecake Bites: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cheesecake filling for a minty twist that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Bites: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling for a chocolate-flavored base.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free vanilla cake mix and check the ingredients of the Little Debbie snack cakes to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cheesecake filling for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Cookie Plate: Include these cheesecake bites on a plate with other holiday cookies, candies, and treats to offer guests a variety of sweet options.
• For Breakfast: Serve these bites as a special holiday breakfast or brunch treat alongside fresh fruit and hot beverages.
• Giftable Treats: Package these cheesecake bites in festive gift boxes to give as homemade gifts during the holidays.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cheesecake bites freeze well! Simply place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store the cheesecake bites in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
   Yes, feel free to use a chocolate cake mix or even a red velvet cake mix for a different flavor base.
2. Do I have to use Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes?
   While these are a signature part of the recipe, you can substitute them with any similar snack cake if needed, such as Hostess cakes or other festive snack cakes.
3. Can I make these bites without the white chocolate chips?
   Yes, you can skip the white chocolate chips or substitute them with mini chocolate chips or other add-ins like crushed toffee bits.
4. Can I make these bites in advance?
   Absolutely! Make them ahead of time, refrigerate them for a few hours, and then serve them chilled.
5. How can I make these bites dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free cake mix to make these bites dairy-free.
6. How do I know when the cheesecake filling is done baking?
   The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center. If the edges are golden brown, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
7. Can I add more cream cheese icing to the top?
   Of course! Feel free to go crazy with extra icing for a sweeter and more indulgent treat.
8. Can I use store-bought cream cheese icing for the glaze?
   Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought cream cheese icing can work as a shortcut.
9. How many bites does this recipe make?
   This recipe makes approximately 16 bites, but you can adjust the size to make more or fewer depending on your needs.
10. What’s the best way to cut these cheesecake bites?
    Let them chill for a few hours before cutting them into neat squares. Use a sharp knife to get clean edges.

Conclusion

Little Debbie Christmas Tree cheesecake bites are a delightful and festive treat that combines the best of snack cakes and cheesecake. With their soft cake base, rich cheesecake filling, and fun garnishes, they’re sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these bites bring the spirit of Christmas to life in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a sweet holiday treat that everyone will love!

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