No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
