Description
This No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake is a creamy, light, and fluffy dessert featuring a delicious graham cracker crust combined with a zesty lemon cream cheese filling. Perfect for an easy, no-bake treat that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
For the graham cracker crust
- 3 cups graham crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 oz package lemon Jell-O
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Dissolve the Jell-O: In a small bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O in the boiling water completely. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to cool.
- Prepare the crust: Mix together the melted butter and crushed graham crackers in a bowl or food processor until combined.
- Form the crust base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the graham cracker mixture to the pan and spread evenly. Press down firmly with your palm or the back of a measuring cup to form a compact crust. Set aside.
- Whip the heavy cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the chilled heavy cream in a mixing bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. Set aside.
- Mix cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Jell-O mixture: Slowly add the cooled lemon Jell-O mixture to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously for about one minute to incorporate.
- Combine with whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream by beating on low speed until combined and smooth without deflating the mixture.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour and spread the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the pan.
- Garnish & chill: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of crushed graham cracker crust over the top of the cheesecake for garnish. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, slice into pieces and serve chilled for a refreshing, no-bake dessert.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Chilling the Jell-O mixture before incorporating it helps achieve a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Pressing the crust firmly helps it hold together when sliced.
- Refrigeration time is essential to allow the cheesecake to set properly.
- You can garnish with fresh lemon slices or whipped cream for added presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
