Description
Woolworth Cheesecake blends nostalgic flavors from midcentury American kitchens with creamy, light textures. Bakers can easily create this classic dessert using simple ingredients and minimal preparation steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) lemon-flavored gelatin
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter and sugar, creating a uniform base. Press firmly into a 9×13 inch pan to construct an even, compact crust.
- Whip cream cheese until silky and uniform, eliminating any lumps. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract, blending until completely smooth.
- Dissolve lemon-flavored gelatin in boiling water, then introduce cold water. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature, preventing potential curdling.
- Slowly integrate the cooled gelatin into the cream cheese mixture, stirring consistently to ensure complete incorporation and smooth texture.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until peaks stand tall and rigid. Gently fold whipped cream into the gelatin-cream cheese blend, maintaining airy consistency.
- Transfer the luxurious filling over the prepared graham cracker foundation, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the dessert sets completely and develops a firm, creamy texture. Serve chilled for optimal flavor and consistency.
Notes
- Perfectly soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing without overbeating.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for the richest, most luxurious texture and traditional Woolworth cheesecake flavor.
- Chill the cheesecake for a minimum of 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow gelatin to set completely and develop deeper flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to maintain the classic crust’s texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg