The Authentic Woolworth Cheesecake

Did you ever sit at the counter at Woolworth and tuck into a tasty slice of their icebox cheesecake. Although you can’t do this any more, you can still recreate Woolworth cheesecake in the comfort of your own kitchen and it tastes just like the original.

The secret to making this mouthwatering dessert is lemon Jell-O. It gives the filling the perfect texture and holds the cheesecake together perfectly.

Along with that, you need crushed graham crackers, sugar and butter for the crust, along with cream cheese, lemon juice, more sugar, and some heavy whipping cream or evaporated milk. This is a simple cheesecake which is subtly flavored with lemon and vanilla. You can save some of the graham cracker crumbs to sprinkle on top and also add whatever else you like.

So, if you have fond memories of eating this tasty Woolworth icebox cheesecake in the store, try this copycat version.

Why You’ll Love the Recipe:

If you have fond memories of Woolworth cheesecake, you’re going to love the delicate lemon flavor of this one. And if you never tried it, then you’re in store for a treat!

How to Serve It:

Add your preferred toppings or enjoy it plain. You might like chopped fruit or a caramel syrup drizzle.

Ingredients:

• Instant lemon Jell-O mix
• Crushed graham crackers
• Water
• Heavy whipping cream
• Lemon juice
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• White sugar

How to make Woolworth Cheesecake:

Stir the Jell-O powder into the boiling water until it dissolves.

Refrigerate until slightly thickened.

Combine ¾ of the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter.

Press the mixture into the base of a 13×9-inch baking dish.

Beat the cream until fluffy in one bowl and the cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice in another.

Combine both mixtures with the thickened Jell-O.

Spoon this filling over the crust.

Sprinkle the rest of the crumbs on top.

Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Woolworth cheesecake was always delicious, especially if you ate your slice at the counter. This copycat recipe tastes just like the original Woolworth version. It’s delicate, creamy and subtly flavored with lemon.

Woolworth Cheesecake

If you have fond memories of Woolworth cheesecake, you’re going to love the delicate lemon flavor of this one. And if you never tried it, then you’re in store for a treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 3- ounce box instant lemon Jell-O mix
• 3 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 melted stick of unsalted butter
• 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese
• 1 cup white sugar

Instructions

 

• Stir the Jell-O powder into the boiling water until it dissolves.
• Refrigerate until slightly thickened.
• Combine ¾ of the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter.
• Press the mixture into the base of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
• Beat the cream until fluffy in one bowl and the cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice in another.
• Combine both mixtures with the thickened Jell-O.
• Spoon this filling over the crust.
• Sprinkle the rest of the crumbs on top.
• Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Yes, and it needs to chill for at least a couple of hours before serving anyway.

Storage Instructions:

Keep the cheesecake covered and refrigerated and eat within 3 days.

Variations and Substitutions:

If you don’t want to make the crust yourself, you can buy a readymade one and use that. Either heavy cream or evaporated milk works well in this cheesecake.