No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-bake cheesecake is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. The graham cracker crust is the perfect balance of sweet and buttery, while the lemony filling is light, creamy, and refreshing. The use of Jell-O adds a subtle tang and helps the filling set beautifully without the need for any baking. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a chilling time of only 4 hours, you’ll be able to whip up this classic dessert in no time!

Ingredients

• 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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:
   Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch dish, creating an even base for the cheesecake.
2. Prepare the Jell-O:
   In a small bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O in boiling water, stirring until completely clear. Let the mixture cool to room temperature—but be careful not to let it set.
3. Whip the evaporated milk:
   Pour the well-chilled evaporated milk into a cold bowl. Whip on high speed until soft peaks form. This will give the cheesecake a light and airy texture.
4. Mix the cream cheese filling:
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and silky.
5. Combine the mixtures:
   Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low speed to combine evenly.
6. Fold in the whipped milk:
   Gently fold the whipped evaporated milk into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped milk to maintain the cheesecake’s fluffy texture.
7. Assemble the cheesecake:
   Pour the creamy filling over the prepared graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Chill and set:
   Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until it sets firmly.
9. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh berries or lemon zest just before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)

Storage/Reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s not recommended for freezing due to texture changes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of Jell-O, like lime for a key lime version, or raspberry for a colorful twist. The process remains the same.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Make sure to adjust the butter if needed.

3. Can I use a different sweetener for the crust or filling?

You can substitute granulated sugar with an alternative sweetener of your choice, such as honey or stevia, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

4. How can I make this more lemony?

If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice and zest, or add a little more lemon extract to the filling.

5. How do I ensure the filling sets properly?

Make sure the Jell-O mixture is cooled to room temperature before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Also, ensure the evaporated milk is well-chilled before whipping.

6. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! It needs at least 4 hours to set in the fridge, so you can prepare it the night before or in the morning for a dinner party.

7. Can I use a different type of crust?

While graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use other types of cookies or biscuits, such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I add fruit to the filling?

Yes, you can fold fresh fruit like berries or mashed bananas into the filling for extra flavor and texture.

9. Can I skip the whipped evaporated milk?

If you’d like a denser texture, you can skip the whipped evaporated milk and increase the amount of cream cheese. However, this will result in a richer, less airy filling.

10. Can I freeze this cheesecake?

It’s not recommended to freeze this cheesecake as it may affect the texture of the filling, particularly the whipped evaporated milk.

Conclusion

No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the creamy texture of the filling with the sweet and buttery crust. Its light, lemony flavor makes it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. Simple to prepare and delicious to eat, this cheesecake is bound to become a favorite treat!

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