Aunt Hattie'S Cheesecake
A creamy lemon-flavored cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a tangy sweetness and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and melted margarine; press into a 9 x 13-inch pan, reserving some for topping.
- Dissolve lemon gelatin in boiling water; let cool until partly set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in chilled condensed milk and lemon juice until combined.
- Add the cooled gelatin and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
- Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Spread remaining graham cracker mixture on top as a garnish before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real butter in place of margarine. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute designed for baking. Make sure to beat the cream cheese until it's very smooth to avoid lumps in your cheesecake mixture. This dessert pairs beautifully with Blackberry Cheese Pie for a delightful dessert table.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesecake makes an excellent dessert for gatherings and can be served with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a more festive touch, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cheesecake before serving. It also makes a delightful pairing with a cup of coffee or tea. Browse more American recipes for additional dessert ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cheesecake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you want to enjoy it later, just cut a slice and take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Hattie'S Cheesecake contains roughly 2553 calories, with 44g protein, 384g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (130% of the Daily Value), protein (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of gelatin?
Yes, you can use any flavor of gelatin you prefer, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor of the cheesecake. For a fruitier taste, try using strawberry or raspberry gelatin. Just ensure that the gelatin is unflavored if you want to maintain the lemon flavor profile.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill overnight enhances the flavors and helps it set more firmly, resulting in a creamier texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both will give a creamy texture, but Greek yogurt will add a slight tanginess, while mascarpone will keep it rich and smooth. Adjust the sweetness to taste when using yogurt.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).