Description
A delicious and easy-to-make no bake cheesecake inspired by the classic Woolworth’s recipe, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (About 12 whole graham crackers, finely crushed)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (Melted)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (For crust)
- 1 package lemon Jell-O (3 oz) (Not sugar-free)
- 1 cup boiling water (For dissolving Jell-O)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz) (Well chilled overnight)
- 8 oz cream cheese (Softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (For filling)
- 5 tbsp lemon juice (Fresh is best)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (Optional but recommended)
- 1 pinch salt (Enhances overall flavor)
- fresh berries (Optional topping)
Instructions
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch dish.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until completely clear. Let it cool to room temperature—but don’t let it set.
- Pour the well-chilled evaporated milk into a cold bowl. Whip on high until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth.
- Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low.
- Gently fold the whipped milk into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling over your crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
Notes
- For extra stability: Add a pinch (less than ¼ tsp) of cream of tartar when whipping evaporated milk.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free graham crackers. Adjust butter as needed.
- Citrus variations: Try lime Jell-O for a key lime flavor or raspberry for a pretty pink twist.
- Serving tip: Garnish with fresh berries or lemon zest just before serving.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Not recommended for freezing due to texture change.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 145g
- Calories: 310kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg