Winona'S Cheese Cake

Prep: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy, tangy cheese cake with a hint of pineapple, combining lemon jello and whipped evaporated milk for a light, refreshing dessert perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large can evaporated milk
  • 1 (3 oz.) package lemon jello
  • 1 large graham cracker crust
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 small can crushed pineapple (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chill the evaporated milk until cold.
  2. Mix lemon jello with 1 cup boiling water and let it cool.
  3. Cream 1 cup of sugar with the cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Once the jello is cooled, mix it with the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Whip the chilled evaporated milk until it thickens.
  6. Combine all ingredients together and pour into a large graham cracker crust.
  7. Drain the crushed pineapple and add it on top, if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure the evaporated milk is thoroughly chilled before whipping; this helps it achieve the right consistency. For a lighter texture, consider using low-fat cream cheese. If you prefer a twist, substitute the lemon jello with lime jello for a different flavor profile. This cheesecake pairs beautifully with the richness of American recipes like The Night Before Breakfast Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled, garnished with extra crushed pineapple or fresh fruit for added color and flavor. This cheesecake is delightful on its own but can also be paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Arctic Mousse.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Winona'S Cheese Cake contains roughly 289 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

289 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.9g 10% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 34.7g 13% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 16.4g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 281.2mg 12% DV
Potassium 158.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 28.7mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 144mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 145.5mg 11% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit 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 a different type of crust?

Absolutely! While a graham cracker crust is traditional, you can experiment with other options like a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor or a nut-based crust for added crunch. Just ensure the crust is baked and cooled before adding the filling.

Is it necessary to use the crushed pineapple?

The crushed pineapple is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness and moisture to the cheesecake. If you're looking to reduce sugar or prefer a more classic flavor, feel free to omit it. Alternatively, fresh fruit can be used as a topping.

How can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to keep it covered to maintain freshness. Adding the pineapple topping right before serving will help keep it from becoming too soggy.

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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