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This pull apart cheesecake Christmas tree transforms simple ingredients into a festive holiday treat that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. The warm, flaky crescent rolls filled with cream cheese and chocolate chips create the perfect sweet appetizer or dessert for holiday gatherings.
I first made this for my family's Christmas Eve gathering last year, and it immediately became our new tradition. The way everyone gathered around to pull pieces from the tree created exactly the kind of shared joy I wanted for our holiday celebration.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: Provide the perfect flaky base without any homemade dough stress
- Cream cheese: Creates that cheesecake flavor when mixed with powdered sugar for just the right sweetness
- Chocolate chips: Add pockets of rich melty goodness in each bite
- Powdered sugar: For dusting gives that beautiful snow covered appearance perfect for a Christmas theme
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F for the perfect golden crust. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps the tree keep its shape as it bakes.
- Make The Filling:
- Mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. This takes about 2 minutes of mixing. Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the smoothest results.
- Prepare The Dough:
- Open your crescent roll cans and separate the dough into the precut triangles. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle lengthwise to create thinner triangles. This gives you more pieces for your tree and ensures each bite has the perfect bread to filling ratio.
- Fill And Roll:
- Place about half a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on the widest part of each triangle. Add 3 to 4 chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese. Roll each triangle starting from the wide end toward the pointed tip. The filling should stay contained as you roll.
- Create The Tree Shape:
- Arrange the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet in a tree formation. Start with one roll at the top, then add two in the next row, three in the following row, and so on until you form a complete tree shape. Make sure the rolls touch slightly to create the pull apart effect.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake in your preheated oven for 13 to 16 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The tree is ready when the crescent rolls have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown color. Finish with a generous dusting of powdered sugar before serving while still warm.
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My family fights over the corner pieces where the cream cheese gets extra caramelized against the parchment paper. I now make a separate small batch of just those edge pieces that I keep hidden in the kitchen for true fans of the crispy bits.
Make Ahead Tips
This Christmas tree can be assembled up to 4 hours before baking. Prepare the entire tree on your parchment lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 1 to 2 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
Sweet Variations
Try different fillings to customize this tree for your family preferences. Nutella makes an excellent substitute for the cream cheese mixture. You could also add finely chopped nuts, orange zest, or mini marshmallows to the filling. For a fruity version, add a small dab of raspberry or strawberry jam alongside the cream cheese.
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Serving Suggestions
Place this beautiful tree on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh berries and mint leaves for a spectacular presentation. Serve with small bowls of warm chocolate sauce, caramel, or raspberry coulis for dipping. For brunch, pair with a mimosa bar for a festive holiday morning.
The History Behind The Tree
The Christmas tree shape has been part of holiday food traditions for centuries. In European countries, tree shaped breads and pastries symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. This modern take using convenient crescent rolls continues that tradition while making it accessible for today's busy home cooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this Pull Apart Cheesecake Christmas Tree ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. For best results, bake just before serving so it's warm and the chocolate is melty.
- → What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can substitute the chocolate chips with mini peanut butter cups, caramel bits, chopped nuts, or even fruit preserves for different flavor variations.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, you can use homemade pastry dough or puff pastry as substitutes. Just roll it thin and cut into triangles similar to the crescent roll shapes.
- → How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out?
Make sure to place the filling in the center of the wide end of each triangle, leaving space around the edges. Roll tightly starting from the wide end to seal in the filling.
- → What can I serve with this Christmas tree dessert?
It pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate, coffee, or a dessert dipping sauce like caramel, chocolate, or vanilla glaze for added indulgence.