Old-Fashioned Cheese Cake

Prep: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Old-Fashioned Cheese Cake offers a creamy, tangy flavor with a crisp graham cracker crust, infused with lemon jello and vanilla. Its smooth texture and balanced sweetness make it a delightful dessert for family gatherings or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy classic, no-bake treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. lemon jello
  • 3/4 c. hot water
  • 1/4 lb. graham cracker crumbs
  • 16 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 large can chilled Carnation evaporated milk
  • 1/2 c. melted butter

Instructions

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into a greased 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch pan to form the crust.
  2. Mix lemon jello and hot water and let stand at room temperature until dissolved.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with a fork until soft, then mix in the prepared jello.
  4. Whip evaporated milk until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped evaporated milk into the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Pour the combined mixture over the crust.
  7. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a flavored jello instead of lemon, or substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers. If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. This cheesecake is a delightful addition to any gathering, much like Ethel's Gooseberry Cobbler.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesecake chilled, garnished with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for a brunch or a special occasion. For a festive twist, consider serving it alongside the Special Party Dip for a variety of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cheesecake can be sliced and frozen for longer storage; just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashioned Cheese Cake contains roughly 235 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).

235 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 15.7g 20% DV
Carbs 14.4g 5% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 10.1mg
Potassium 127.8mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 46.1mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.8mcg
Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 53.8mg 4% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% 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 make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap after it sets in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a convenient option for entertaining.

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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