Description
This no-bake lemon cheesecake combines the tangy zest of lemon with the creamy richness of a classic cheesecake, all without turning on the oven. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings, requiring just simple mixing and chilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 (3-oz) package lemon Jello (or 0.30-oz sugar-free lemon Jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk, chilled
Crust
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 12 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Jello Mixture: Dissolve the lemon Jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water and stir until completely dissolved. Add ¼ cup lemon juice to enhance the tartness. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature to avoid curdling later.
- Cream the Cheese Base: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cooled Jello mixture to the cream cheese mixture, blending well.
- Whip the Evaporated Milk: Whip the chilled evaporated milk until light and fluffy. Gently fold this whipped milk into the Jello and cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy filling.
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar in a bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ baking dish to form the base. Pour the prepared lemon cheesecake filling over the crust, smoothing the top evenly.
- Chill: Place the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator and chill overnight (at least 6-8 hours) to set fully before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use sugar-free lemon Jello and reduce sugar in the cream cheese mixture.
- Ensure the evaporated milk is well chilled before whipping for best results.
- The crust can be pressed into individual serving cups for personal-sized portions.
- If pressed for time, chilling for at least 4 hours can suffice, but overnight is recommended for the best texture.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices or whipped cream before serving for added presentation.
