Description
A nostalgic, no-bake dessert with a light, lemony flavor and creamy, mousse-like texture, set over a vanilla wafer or graham cracker crust—perfect for summer or retro-themed gatherings.
Ingredients
1 (3 oz) package lemon gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, well chilled
1 (11 oz) box of vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers, crushed (for crust and topping)
Instructions
- Dissolve the lemon gelatin in boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Stir the cooled gelatin and lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled evaporated milk until fluffy and stiff peaks form (about 5–10 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped evaporated milk into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Press about two-thirds of the crushed cookies into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed cookies on top of the filling.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
Swap lemon gelatin for strawberry or raspberry for a fruity variation.
Use pecan sandies instead of graham crackers for a nuttier flavor.
Top with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flair.
Try a lime version using lime juice and lime gelatin for a tropical twist.
Use cupcake liners in a muffin tin to make individual servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg