Description
This vintage Woolworth Cheesecake is a no-bake classic with a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, airy lemon-cream filling made with chilled evaporated milk, cream cheese, and lemon Jell-O. It’s cool, creamy, and refreshingly nostalgic—perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 package (3 ounces) Lemon Jell-O mix
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, well chilled
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: No oven needed. Chill evaporated milk in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before starting.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and ½ cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust. Reserve a handful for topping.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a separate bowl, dissolve the Lemon Jell-O mix in boiling water. Stir well until fully dissolved, then cool until slightly thickened but not set.
- Assemble the Dish: Beat cream cheese with 1½ cups sugar and lemon juice until smooth. In a chilled bowl, whip evaporated milk until light and fluffy. Fold the cooled Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped milk.
- Cook to Perfection: Pour the mixture over the prepared crust, smooth the top, and sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs.
- Finishing Touches: Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm and set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve cold for a creamy, lemony treat.
Notes
- Ensure evaporated milk is thoroughly chilled before whipping.
- Cool Jell-O slightly before mixing to prevent curdling.
- Fold gently to maintain the light, airy texture.
- Chill overnight for best flavor and structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg