The Authentic Woolworth Cheesecake

 This classic, no-bake dessert captures the nostalgic flavor and light, creamy texture of the beloved Woolworth lunch counter cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a bright, fluffy lemon filling, it's a refreshing treat that requires no oven.

Makes: 12-15 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes + 4 hours chilling
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 3 cups (about 240g) finely crushed graham crackers (from ~20 full sheets)

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)

For the Filling:

• 1 (3 oz) box instant lemon Jell-O mix

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 (8 oz) package full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 (12 fl oz) can evaporated milk, VERY cold (or 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jell-O:

• In a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, stir the instant lemon Jell-O mix with 1 cup of boiling water until completely dissolved. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, until it has the consistency of thick syrup or unbeaten egg whites. Do not let it set fully.

2. Make the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter (and sugar, if using) until the mixture resembles wet sand.

• Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside. Reserve ¼ cup of the crumb mixture for garnish.

3. Whip the Milk/Cream:

• Pour the VERY cold evaporated milk (or heavy cream) into a large, chilled mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. It should look like whipped cream. Set aside.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice together on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine the Filling:

• With the mixer on low, slowly pour the thickened (but not set) Jell-O into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until just combined.

• Using a spatula, gently fold in the whipped evaporated milk/cream in two additions. Fold until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

6. Assemble and Chill:

• Pour the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

• Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top.

• Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely set.

7. Serve:

• Cut into squares and serve chilled straight from the dish.

Baker's Notes

• Chill Everything: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the evaporated milk or cream.

• Jell-O Consistency: This is the most crucial step. The Jell-O must be syrupy and slightly thickened—if it sets completely, it will form lumps in the filling. If it happens, gently warm the mixture until liquid again and re-chill.

• Evaporated Milk vs. Cream: Traditional recipes use evaporated milk for its unique, light texture. Heavy whipping cream will yield a richer, denser result.

• Make Ahead: This cake stores beautifully, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this slice of sweet, creamy nostalgia