Catherine'S Cheese Cake

Prep: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Catherine's Cheese Cake is a light and creamy dessert with a tangy lemon flavor, complemented by a sweet graham cracker crust. Its smooth texture and refreshing taste make it perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful treat for cheese and fruit lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 ready-made graham cracker crust or 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 1 stick melted oleo
  • 1 small package lemon Jell-O
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Press the graham cracker crust or the mixture of graham cracker crumbs and melted oleo into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  2. Prepare the lemon Jell-O with 1 cup of boiling water and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Mix the cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
  4. Blend the cream cheese mixture with the prepared Jell-O and refrigerate until it is slightly thickened.
  5. Whip the Milnot (evaporated milk) until it holds peaks.
  6. Fold the whipped Milnot into the Jell-O mixture.
  7. Pour the mixture over the prepared crust and refrigerate until set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, crushed cookies or even a store-bought crust will work well. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. This cheesecake is similar to a Light Cheesecake, providing a refreshing taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or a drizzle of fruit sauce for added sweetness. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, consider serving it alongside a slice of Sinful Caramel Pie to satisfy dessert lovers.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the cheesecake as it may alter its consistency. If you need to reheat any portions, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Catherine'S Cheese Cake contains roughly 163 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).

163 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 11.7g 15% DV
Carbs 12g 4% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 191.4mg 8% DV
Potassium 78.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 27mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 90.6mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 4.5mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 30.9mg 2% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 flavored gelatin other than lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lemon Jell-O with other flavors like strawberry or raspberry to create a different taste profile. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor of the cheesecake will change based on the gelatin used.

What if I can't find Milnot?

If Milnot (evaporated milk) is unavailable, you can use regular evaporated milk or heavy cream as a substitute. Whip the cream until it holds peaks, similar to how you would prepare the Milnot for the recipe.

How long does this cheesecake need to set?

The cheesecake should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set. This ensures it has the right texture and makes for easier slicing when ready to serve.

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).

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