Light and refreshing icebox dessert made famous by Woolworth’s lunch counter back in the 1960’s.
Who doesn’t remember the delicious ice box cake available at Woolworths for a dime? It was a special occasion favorite in my family, and I have fond memories of waiting impatiently for my own slice of this frozen dessert. It’s so delicious, you won’t believe it doesn’t require baking–it is the easiest cheesecake you’ll ever make.
Here is my super easy, no bake, classic icebox cake recipe. It’s the same one that Granny used when I was little girl on our farm.. My favourite part? The bottom layer is a thin layer of crisp graham cracker with a touch of coarse brown sugar sprinkled on top! How delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 (3 ounce) package lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, light
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons lemon juice ( less if you don’t want to much lemon)
- 1 can Carnation Evaporated milk, well chilled
- Graham crackers, crushed
Directions to Prepare Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake :
Follow these simple steps to prepare the famous Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake:
- Dissolve the lemon Jell-O in boiling water and allow it to cool until slightly thickened.
- Using a mixer, beat the light cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the thickened Jell-O and continue beating until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the well-chilled Carnation Evaporated milk until fluffy. Add the cream cheese/Jell-O mixture and beat well with the mixer.
- Line the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with crushed Graham crackers.
- Spread the filling evenly over the Graham cracker crust and top it with more crushed Graham crackers.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until firm.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O instead of lemon?
Absolutely! The lemon Jell-O provides a tangy flavor to the cheesecake, but you can experiment with other flavors like strawberry or orange to create a variation that suits your taste preferences.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?
Yes, you can use regular cream cheese instead of the light version if you prefer. However, using light cream cheese can make the cheesecake slightly lighter and healthier.
How long does the Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake need to chill?
The cheesecake needs to be chilled in the refrigerator until it becomes firm. This typically takes around 4-6 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended for the best results.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?
While Graham crackers are traditionally used for the crust, you can experiment with other types of cookies or crackers to add a unique twist to the recipe. Try using chocolate wafers or vanilla cookies for a different flavor profile.
Can I garnish the cheesecake with fruits or whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can enhance the presentation and taste of the Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake by garnishing it with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of indulgence.
The Famous Woolworth Ice Box Cheesecake (No-bake)
Ingredients
- 1 3 ounce package lemon Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 ounces cream cheese light
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons lemon juice less if you don’t want to much lemon
- 1 can Carnation Evaporated milk well chilled
- Graham crackers crushed
Instructions
- Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Cool until slightly thickened.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice with mixer until smooth. Add thickened Jell-O and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the Carnation milk until fluffy. Add cream cheese/Jell-O mixture and beat well with mixer.
- Line bottom of 9 x 13-pan with crushed Graham crackers.
- Spread filling over and top with more crushed Graham crackers. Chill.
