The iconic dessert that brings back fond memories with every heavenly bite – Woolworth’s Famous Lemon Cheesecake! It’s the nostalgic treat you remember from the beloved five-and-dime store, but now recreated to perfection in your own kitchen. This light, fluffy, and incredibly creamy no-bake cheesecake features a tangy lemon flavor atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Every spoonful is perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, with that unmistakable airy texture that truly melts in your mouth! It’s the ideal dessert for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a refreshing and delicious cheesecake. Best of all? It’s surprisingly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and no baking required!
About This Recipe
When I think about iconic American desserts that have stood the test of time, the Woolworth Cheesecake immediately comes to mind. Growing up, a trip to Woolworth’s lunch counter wasn’t complete without a slice of their famous lemon cheesecake – it was a simple pleasure that made any day special.
This isn’t just any ordinary cheesecake. While traditional versions are dense and rich, the Woolworth variety is uniquely light and airy – almost like a lemon mousse meeting a cheesecake. What makes it so special is the whipped Carnation milk that creates an incredibly fluffy texture you simply can’t get with other recipes.
When developing this recreation, I wanted to stay true to the original that captured so many hearts across America. After several attempts to perfect the balance of sweetness and tanginess, I believe this version honors the beloved classic while being accessible for home bakers.
The best part? This no-bake wonder requires minimal ingredients and comes together without ever turning on your oven – making it perfect for hot summer days when you’re craving something sweet but cool.
Reasons You Will Love This Woolworth Cheesecake
- Authentically nostalgic – Tastes just like the beloved original from the Woolworth lunch counter
- No baking required – Perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen
- Incredibly light texture – The whipped Carnation milk creates a uniquely fluffy consistency unlike traditional cheesecakes
- Sweet-tart balance – The perfect combination of creamy sweetness with bright lemon flavor
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples that are easy to find in any grocery store
- Make-ahead friendly – Actually improves after chilling overnight, making it perfect for entertaining
- Crowd-pleaser – Appeals to both cheesecake lovers and those who prefer lighter desserts
- Versatile base recipe – Can be adapted with different flavors once you master the technique
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Refrigerator space for chilling
Ingredients
For The Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup extra graham cracker crumbs for topping
For The Filling:
- 1 (3 ounce) package lemon Jell-O gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 (12 ounce) can Carnation evaporated milk, well chilled overnight
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – The foundation of our classic crust that adds the perfect sweet, honey-kissed crunch to complement the creamy filling. You can buy pre-crushed graham crackers or make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor.
- Lemon Jell-O – This is key for both flavor and structure! The gelatin helps the cheesecake set properly while infusing that signature lemon taste. In a pinch, you could try unflavored gelatin with additional lemon juice and zest, but the lemon Jell-O really gives that authentic Woolworth flavor.
- Cream Cheese – Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened to room temperature to prevent lumps in your filling.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances the tanginess of the lemon and cream cheese. I don’t recommend reducing the amount as it’s crucial for the proper sweetness balance.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh is always best! The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and adds that signature tang. If you want extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest too.
- Carnation Evaporated Milk – This is the secret ingredient that makes Woolworth cheesecake special! It must be very well chilled (I recommend refrigerating it overnight) to whip properly. Do not substitute with sweetened condensed milk or regular milk.
How To Make Perfect Woolworth Cheesecake
Prepare the Crust
- Sprinkle 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan, gently pressing down to form a level base. Set aside while preparing the filling.
Create the Filling
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved with no granules remaining, about 2 minutes.
- Set the Jell-O mixture aside to cool until slightly thickened but not set, about 20-30 minutes. It should have the consistency of liquid honey.
- While the Jell-O cools, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Slowly add the slightly thickened Jell-O to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until well incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate cold mixing bowl (I like to chill mine in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand), pour the well-chilled Carnation evaporated milk. Beat on high speed until fluffy and doubled in volume with soft peaks, about 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold the whipped Carnation milk into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, working in a figure-eight motion to maintain as much air as possible in the mixture.
Assemble and Chill
- Pour the completed filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly to the edges with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Tips for the Perfect Woolworth Cheesecake
- Temperature matters: Your cream cheese must be at room temperature, while your evaporated milk needs to be ice cold. These contrasting temperatures are crucial for the right texture.
- Pre-chill your mixing bowl and beaters: For the fluffiest whipped evaporated milk, place your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping.
- Watch the Jell-O cooling time: If it sets too much, it won’t blend smoothly; if it’s too warm, it won’t help the cheesecake set properly.
- Be gentle when folding: Maintain the airiness by folding the whipped milk carefully into the cream cheese mixture rather than stirring vigorously.
- Overnight chilling: While 4 hours will technically set your cheesecake, the flavor and texture improve significantly with overnight refrigeration.
- Clean slicing: For picture-perfect squares, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O? Absolutely! While lemon is the classic Woolworth flavor, strawberry, lime, or orange Jell-O work beautifully for different variations. Each will give you a different color and flavor profile while maintaining that signature fluffy texture.
Why is my filling not setting properly? The most common reason is that the evaporated milk wasn’t cold enough or wasn’t whipped to soft peaks. Another possibility is that the Jell-O might have been too warm when added to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to follow the cooling and chilling times precisely.
Can I make this in a round springform pan instead? Yes! While the original Woolworth version was served in squares from a rectangular pan, you can certainly use an 8-inch or 9-inch springform pan for a more traditional cheesecake presentation. The graham cracker crust will need to come up the sides slightly in this case.
Here’s the fifth and final part:
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Woolworth Cheesecake, don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Berry Topped: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top just before serving for a colorful and fresh twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Substitute chocolate Jell-O for the lemon, use chocolate graham crackers for the crust, and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
- Key Lime: Replace the lemon Jell-O with lime and use key lime juice instead of lemon juice for a tropical version.
- Layered Delight: Make two different colored batches (like strawberry and lemon) and layer them for a striking presentation.
- Individual Servings: Prepare in small glass cups or mason jars for portion-controlled entertaining.
- Citrus Medley: Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a splash of orange juice along with the lemon for a complex citrus flavor.
How To Store
This Woolworth Cheesecake stores beautifully in the refrigerator, actually improving in texture and flavor after the first day. Simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer leftover pieces to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, though the crust may soften slightly over time.
You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months! To freeze, cut the set cheesecake into squares and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Woolworth Cheesecake, I’m transported back to those special moments sitting at the lunch counter, enjoying this heavenly dessert. There’s something magical about recreating a recipe that holds so many memories for so many people.
What I love most about sharing this recipe is seeing how it brings joy to a new generation who never experienced the original Woolworth’s. The looks of surprise and delight when people taste that uniquely light, lemony filling never gets old. It’s proof that some classics truly stand the test of time.
Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving a taste of nostalgia, I hope this Woolworth Cheesecake recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy no-baking!
