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Woolworth Cheesecake served with whipped cream and lemon garnish

The Ultimate Woolworth Cheesecake Recipe: A Nostalgic Classic to Try Today

The Woolworth Cheesecake is a nostalgic, no-bake dessert that originated in the 1950s at the Woolworth lunch counters. This light and creamy cheesecake features a graham cracker crust and a lemony, mousse-like filling that is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and requiring no baking, this cheesecake has remained a beloved classic for generations.

  • Total Time: 2 hours (or overnight for best results)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

  • 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

  • 1 package (3 ounces) lemon Jell-O
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 tablespoons lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gelatin: Dissolve the lemon Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then set aside to cool slightly, until it thickens.
  2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Stir until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside. Reserve some crumbs to sprinkle on top.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  4. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Combine the Components: Gently fold the cooled lemon gelatin into the cream cheese mixture until evenly mixed. Carefully fold in the whipped cream, maintaining the airy texture.
  6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top.
  7. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to set properly.

Notes

  • For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
  • You can substitute the lemon Jell-O with other flavors like lime, orange, or berry for a creative twist.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
  • Author: Emily Marano
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (no baking required)
  • Category: dessert

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per Serving
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Woolworth cheesecake, classic no-bake cheesecake, retro cheesecake, nostalgic cheesecake recipe