Mary'S Cheese Cake
Mary's Cheesecake offers a luscious, creamy texture with a tangy lemon flavor complemented by fruit topping options like cherry or blueberry. Its rich, smooth layers make it perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert that appeals to both fruit lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chill the evaporated milk in the freezer until it just starts to crystallize.
- Add boiling water to the lemon Jell-O and Knox unflavored gelatin, then refrigerate until the edges of the Jell-O are thick.
- Whip the cream cheese and sugar together and set aside.
- Melt the butter and add it to the graham cracker crumbs, then press into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Whip the chilled evaporated milk until it becomes thick like whipping cream.
- Fold the whipped milk into the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the dissolved gelatin mixture to the combined filling.
- Using low speed, blend the entire mixture until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust.
- Top with cherry or blueberry pie filling or sprinkle with additional graham cracker crumbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the evaporated milk is very cold before whipping; it will whip better. If you can't find lemon Jell-O, try using a different flavor like orange for a unique twist. To simplify, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making your own. This cheesecake is a great way to use leftover pie filling from other desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesecake chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a great dessert for potlucks or gatherings, complementing dishes like a savory Quick Easy Appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wish to freeze, slice the cheesecake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Cheese Cake contains roughly 343 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute the lemon Jell-O with any other gelatin flavor you prefer, such as raspberry or strawberry. Just keep in mind that the color and flavor profile of the cheesecake will change, so choose a flavor that complements your pie filling choice.
What if I don't have graham cracker crumbs?
If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreo cookies for a chocolate twist. Just mix them with melted butter as you would with graham crackers for the crust.
How can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
To make this cheesecake gluten-free, simply replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or alternative gluten-free cookie crumbs. Check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the pie filling.
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).