Lou'S Famous Cheesecake
Creamy and tangy cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, featuring classic vanilla and lemon flavors, perfect for special occasions or everyday desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the lemon jello by dissolving it in 1/2 cup hot water and 1/2 cup cold water. Place in refrigerator to cool.
- Combine Philadelphia cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually pour in very cold milk while mixing continuously until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the cooled lemon jello.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust.
- Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a prepared pan.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake until set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, as this helps achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a fruitier flavor, consider adding fresh lemon zest or a layer of fruit on top. You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesecake as a delightful dessert after dinner or at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Patsy'S Christmas Morning Casserole for a well-rounded holiday meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lou'S Famous Cheesecake contains roughly 827 calories, with 8g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium.
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 cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is essential for the texture and flavor of this cheesecake, you can try mascarpone for a creamier texture. However, the cheesecake may not set as firmly, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Ensure that your other ingredients, like the jello, are also gluten-free, which is typically the case with most brands.
What should I do if my cheesecake cracks?
Cracks can occur if the cheesecake is baked at too high a temperature or if it's overmixed. To prevent this, mix just until smooth and bake in a water bath for even cooking. If cracks do appear, cover them with a layer of whipped cream or fruit topping for a beautiful finish.
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).