1. Why is it called Woolworth Cheesecake?

It was originally served at Woolworth department store lunch counters in the mid-1900s.

2. Does it taste like baked cheesecake?

No — it’s lighter and airier, like a lemon mousse with a graham crust.

3. Can I use whipped cream instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly denser.

4. How long does it need to chill?

At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best texture and flavor.

Woolworth Cheesecake – 7 Secrets for That Signature

Woolworth Cheesecake: Light, Creamy, and Nostalgic No-Bake Dessert

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A vintage no-bake classic from the 1950s, Woolworth Cheesecake is light, fluffy, and delicately lemony — the perfect nostalgic dessert that melts in your mouth.

Author: Imma
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 (3 oz) box lemon Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, chilled overnight
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter

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Instructions

Dissolve lemon Jell-O in boiling water and let cool until slightly thickened but not set.
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip evaporated milk until fluffy and doubled in volume.
Fold the whipped milk gently into the cream cheese mixture.
Stir in the cooled, thickened Jell-O until fully combined.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust.
Pour the filling evenly over the crust, smoothing the top.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set and chilled.
Slice into squares and serve cold with a sprinkle of graham crumbs or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the evaporated milk overnight before whipping. Allow the Jell-O to cool until it’s syrupy before folding into the filling — this ensures the airy texture. Use a glass dish for that nostalgic diner-style look. Store covered in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Try strawberry or raspberry Jell-O for fruity twists!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 290
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Find it online: https://www.cozyfamilyrecipes.com/woolworth-cheesecake/