No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

This no-bake classic Woolworth cheesecake offers a refreshing lemon twist with a creamy texture that’s perfect for warm days. Easy to prepare and delightfully tangy, it’s a nostalgic dessert that requires no oven time.

Ingredients

• 1 (3 oz) lemon Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 box graham cracker crumbs (3 cups), divided
• 1 stick melted butter
• 1 (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 can evaporated milk, well chilled (or 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O in boiling water and let it cool until it is slightly thickened.
2. Step 2: Combine 3/4 of the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and mix well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining crumbs for topping.
3. Step 3: Beat the chilled evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream until fluffy using a mixer.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Step 5: Slowly add the thickened Jell-O to the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped evaporated milk or cream until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top.
7. Step 7: Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer texture, use heavy whipping cream instead of evaporated milk.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top along with the crumbs for a brighter citrus aroma.
• To make the crust thicker, use all the graham cracker crumbs instead of dividing them.

Storage

Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended since this is a no-bake chilled dessert. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of lemon Jell-O?

Yes, you can substitute with other flavored gelatin, but it will change the lemon flavor profile of the cheesecake.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake vegan?

This recipe uses dairy and gelatin, so to make a vegan version, you would need to substitute cream cheese, evaporated milk, and gelatin with plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and agar-agar.

No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

This No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake is a nostalgic, refreshing dessert combining tangy lemon Jell-O and creamy cream cheese over a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to prepare without baking, it’s a perfect cool treat for warm days or any occasion.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (divided)
• 1 stick (4 tbsp) melted butter

Filling

• 1 (3 oz) lemon Jell-O
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 can evaporated milk, well chilled (about 12 fl oz) or 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. Dissolve Jell-O: In a medium bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then allow it to cool until slightly thickened but not set.
2. Prepare the crust: In another bowl, mix 3/4 of the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan to form an even crust. Reserve the remaining graham cracker crumbs for topping.
3. Whip evaporated milk or cream: Using a mixer, beat the chilled evaporated milk or heavy whipping cream until it becomes fluffy and forms soft peaks.
4. Mix cream cheese filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Combine ingredients: Slowly add the slightly thickened lemon Jell-O to the cream cheese mixture, mixing gently until blended. Then fold in the whipped evaporated milk or cream carefully to maintain a light texture.
6. Assemble cheesecake: Spread the creamy filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the pan. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the top to finish.
7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow it to set properly. Keep covered while chilling for best freshness.

Notes

• Use heavy whipping cream instead of evaporated milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• Ensure the lemon Jell-O is cool but still liquid before mixing to prevent curdling.
• Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when serving.
• This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days.
• For a thicker crust, use the entire box of graham cracker crumbs instead of just 3/4.

Keywords: no bake cheesecake, lemon cheesecake, Woolworth cheesecake, easy cheesecake, classic cheesecake, no bake dessert