If you grew up visiting Woolworth’s lunch counters, you’re probably familiar with the iconic Woolworth cheesecake. This creamy, tangy dessert was a favorite for many, and it’s now back in the spotlight with this no-bake version. The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any baking, making it the perfect treat for a hot summer day or any time you’re craving a taste of nostalgia. Let’s dive in and create this delightful cheesecake!

Ingredients:

• Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Filling:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 package (3 ounces) lemon-flavored gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan, spreading it evenly to form a crust. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling:
• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
• Add sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well blended.
• In a separate bowl, dissolve the lemon-flavored gelatin in the boiling water. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
• Add the cold water to the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually pour the gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until smooth.
3. Combine the Filling:
• In a separate bowl, whip the evaporated milk until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the whipped evaporated milk into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Cheesecake:
• Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until set.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the refrigerator.
• Serve chilled and enjoy this nostalgic no-bake Woolworth cheesecake with your favorite toppings such as whipped cream or fresh berries.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of flavor, add lemon zest to the filling mixture.
• Experiment with different toppings such as fruit compotes, chocolate sauce, or caramel drizzle.
• To create a firmer texture, you can use a bit more gelatin if desired.

This no-bake Woolworth cheesecake is sure to bring back fond memories of the iconic dessert from Woolworth’s lunch counters. Enjoy making this easy and delicious treat, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family! Let us know how your cheesecake turned out in the comments below.