Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake: The Must-Try Holiday Dessert
The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is the breakout dessert of the holiday season, combining nostalgic charm with creamy indulgence. Beloved across the U.S., this no-bake treat transforms the iconic snack cake into a festive, crowd-pleasing cheesecake enjoyed in homes, cabins, and on-the-go winter adventures. Whether you’re baking with family or packing dessert for your next trail hike, this rich and festive recipe delivers warmth and flavor with very little fuss.
From snow-covered parks in the Smoky Mountains to sunny stops on the West Coast, this cheesecake travels well and shares beautifully. In this guide, you’ll find a classic recipe, fun regional upgrades, the best places to enjoy your slice, and tips on where to find the cakes while you’re on the road.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
This easy dessert uses the wildly popular Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes as both the base and flavor booster. No oven needed — just a few pantry staples and a little chill time. The cheesecake is perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, weekend camping, or road trips where a sweet treat brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 5 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (vanilla preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: crushed cakes, festive sprinkles, chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Crumble three Christmas Tree Cakes into a bowl. For a firmer texture, freeze them for 15 minutes beforehand — a trick shared by a Tulsa holiday baker.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, keeping the texture airy.
- Stir in the crumbled cakes. Spoon mixture into a pie dish, springform pan, or mason jars for travel-friendly treats.
- Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Before serving, top with the remaining two cakes (sliced or crumbled). Try white chocolate or raspberry drizzle for an extra holiday touch — a foodie favorite in Austin, Texas.
Why does the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake work so well? It blends that familiar, sweet cake flavor with a creamy, tangy filling — all in a format that requires no oven time and minimal cleanup. Some travelers even stash slices in travel coolers during holiday treks.
Top Spots to Enjoy Your Holiday Cheesecake Across the U.S.
This chilled cheesecake is a packable dessert that’s perfect for scenic stops and cozy gatherings. Whether you’re in the backcountry or downtown for tree lighting festivities, here are some ideal spots to share a slice:
- Smoky Mountain National Park, TN: Enjoy a slice beneath snow-dusted pine canopies near Elkmont. Tables and flat trails make this a family favorite.
- Front Street Park, Leavenworth, WA: This storybook town becomes a holiday wonderland in December. Locals often bring homemade treats to the park during the nightly light displays.
- Red Rock Canyon, NV: During sunrise hikes, solo travelers bring cheesecake in jars for a dessert with breathtaking views. Try it near the canyon overlook loop.
Need to keep it cool on the trail? Store slices next to a frozen water bottle in your backpack — a practical tip from a hiking dad we met in Bryce Canyon, Utah.
Regional Twists on the Little Debbie Cheesecake
Across the country, locals are remixing the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake with creative additions to match their geography and flavor preferences. Here are a few standout ideas:
- Bar Harbor, ME: Gingerbread syrup and crushed gingersnaps turn this into a New England winter classic.
- Salt Lake City, UT: Peppermint extract and chocolate drizzle elevate the cheesecake for après-ski indulgence.
- New Orleans, LA: Add a splash of rum or bourbon cream for an adults-only version that pairs well with strong chicory coffee.
Looking to entertain kids too? In Asheville, North Carolina, one school teacher sets up make-your-own cheesecake jar stations using crumbled cakes, colorful toppings, and whipped filling — perfect for holiday parties and post-hike hangouts.
Where to Find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes While Traveling
The key to making Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake is finding the cakes before they disappear! These seasonal snacks typically arrive in stores mid-November. Here’s where they’re easiest to track down:
- Kum & Go: A favorite in Nebraska and Iowa among van-lifers stocking up before winter road trips.
- Publix: Southeast locals, especially around Charleston, report full displays and steady stock through December.
- Kroger and Meijer: Great options for travelers in Nashville, Louisville, and Detroit areas.
- Walmart: Reliable nationwide — even outlets in rural Oregon and Arizona seem to carry at least one shipment.
Pro tip: Ask store employees when delivery trucks arrive. A holiday baker in Palm Desert swears by this method and picks up fresh cakes every Thursday morning without fail.
Cheesecake, Campfires, and Cozy Winter Memories
One of our fondest experiences happened on a hike near Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. As the sky glowed with sunset, we shared a chilled slice of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake in perfect silence. It was the kind of moment that defines the season — sweet, simple, and full of joy.
This dessert makes more than a statement on the table — it creates a story at every stop. Whether served outdoors under starlit skies or beside a fireplace in a snowy cabin, it’s a recipe that travels well and warms hearts.
So wherever your holiday path leads, pack this cheesecake along for the ride. It’s a no-fuss, high-reward treat that captures the spirit of the season in every creamy bite.
