Woolworth Cheesecake Bliss: A Refreshing No-Bake Delight
Transport yourself to the era of classic desserts with this heavenly Woolworth Cheesecake recipe, embodying a light and airy texture complemented by a subtle hint of lemon. Crafted with the simplicity of Jell-O, whipped cream, cream cheese, and a graham cracker crust, this cheesecake promises an exquisite creamy experience. Join us on a journey to recreate this nostalgic treat, a cherished no-bake cheesecake that will effortlessly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Choosing the Right Pan:
The Woolworth Cheesecake has made its mark in a 9×13 pan, creating an impressive height in traditional presentations. However, in our exploration, we’ve discovered that using an 8×8 pan results in a thicker layer of cheesecake, elevating the indulgence. While the choice of pan size is yours, opting for the 8×8 pan adds an extra layer of decadence to this timeless dessert.
Customization and Tips:
Crust Options:
- Feel free to use a store-bought crust or skip it entirely if you prefer a crustless version.
Toppings:
- Enhance the experience with creative toppings such as crushed nuts or extra lemon zest.
Cookie Crust Variation:
- Switch things up by using vanilla sandwich cookie crumbs or even Oreo cookies for the crust.
Pro Tips:
- Line the bottom of your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and perfect slices.
- Ensure a firm crust by firmly packing it down during preparation.
- Allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for several hours before serving to maintain its shape.
Preventing Soggy Crust: While there isn’t a foolproof method, storing the cheesecake in the fridge with a lid on should help preserve the crispiness of the crust for a day or so. The absence of fruit juice or excess liquid in the cheesecake contributes to maintaining the crust’s texture.
Storage Tips:
To keep your Woolworth Cheesecake fresh and creamy, store it in the fridge with a secure lid. This ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and the texture retains its rich creaminess.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. lemon gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3 cups graham crackers, crushed (reserve ¼ for topping)
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, dissolve lemon gelatin in boiling water. Allow it to cool until slightly thickened.
- Crush graham crackers in a food processor or by hand, reserving a portion for the topping.
- Melt butter and mix it with the graham cracker crumbs.
- Press the graham cracker mixture onto the bottom of a 8×8 baking dish to form the crust.
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the thickened gelatin to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream.
- Spread the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Chill the cheesecake for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Embark on a journey of sweet nostalgia with each delectable bite of this Woolworth Cheesecake, a delightful no-bake creation that encapsulates the charm of timeless desserts.