Here’s a nostalgic and easy-to-make dessert that brings back retro diner vibes — the No-Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake! 🧁✨ Light, fluffy, and slightly tangy with a graham cracker crust, this chilled treat is perfect for gatherings or anytime you want a no-fuss dessert.
🍰 No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake
🍽️ Servings: 12
🕒 Chill Time: 2–4 hours
🧊 No Bake | Light & Airy | Vintage Dessert
📝 Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
Filling:
- 1 (3 oz) package lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, well chilled (or whipped until thick)
🔥 Directions:
- Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch dish, saving a bit for topping. Chill while making the filling. - Dissolve the Jell-O:
In a small bowl, dissolve lemon Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Set aside to cool (but don’t let it set). - Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. - Whip the Milk:
In a chilled bowl, whip the evaporated milk until light and fluffy (it should double in volume). - Combine:
Stir cooled Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped evaporated milk until fully combined. - Assemble:
Pour filling over the crust, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining graham crumbs. - Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until fully set.
✅ Tips & Notes:
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit of fresh lemon zest to the filling.
- Use chilled heavy cream as an alternative to evaporated milk.
- Slice with a warm knife for clean servings.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days — perfect for make-ahead!
❄️ Can You Freeze No-Bake Woolworth Cheesecake?
Yes, you can!
Freezing is a great option if you want to make it ahead or save leftovers.
🧊 To Freeze:
- Chill First:
Let the cheesecake set fully in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight). - Wrap It Well:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn.
- If slicing first, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label & Date:
Freeze for up to 2 months.
🧁 To Thaw:
- Transfer the whole dish or individual slices to the refrigerator and thaw overnight.
- Do not thaw at room temperature — it may become too soft or separate.
🧊 How to Store No-Bake Icebox Cheesecake
- Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. A tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap works best to keep it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Avoid sogginess: If using a graham cracker crust, store uncovered for the first hour to help keep the crust from getting too soft.
🍰 No Bake Classic Woolworth Cheesecake
Servings
12
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
2
minutesIngredients
Crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup melted butter
Filling:
1 (3 oz) package lemon Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, well chilled (or whipped until thick)
Directions
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch dish, saving a bit for topping. Chill while making the filling.
- Dissolve the Jell-O: In a small bowl, dissolve lemon Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Set aside to cool (but don’t let it set).
- Creamy Base: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Whip the Milk: In a chilled bowl, whip the evaporated milk until light and fluffy (it should double in volume).
- Combine: Stir cooled Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture, then gently fold in the whipped evaporated milk until fully combined.
- Assemble: Pour filling over the crust, smooth the top, and sprinkle with remaining graham crumbs.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until fully set.
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