No-Bake Lemon Jello Cheesecake

I'm all about a no-oven summer, at least as much as I can help it.  I can't totally avoid it, I still need baked rolls, bread and cookies.  But I do try to plan more meals and treats that require no-oven in the summer time. Are you that way too? 

This no-bake cheesecake fits my no-oven requirements perfectly! My friend, Leticia, shared this recipe with me back when we were in high school. We made it at least a half a dozen times during our senior year - somehow it didn't end up in my own recipe collection and I had to get it from her recently.  We served it to our friends and the missionaries from our church, who came for dinner, and it was a hit!  I can't believe I've gone 12+ years without this yummy stuff!

Now some may argue that this isn't cheesecake -  and it's not your typical baked cheesecake. Since there is jello in it (along with your more typical cheesecake ingredients, sugar, cream cheese, graham cracker crust, etc) - it's got a nice firm but spongy texture. It's light and lemony and I like to make sure the crust is extra thick - I'm a sucker buttery, sugary graham cracker goodness!  Mmm, I'll take another slice right about now! 

Serve it plain and simple or garnish it with a small quartered lemon slices or a lemon zest curl if you want to get it a little fancy! Or I've seen recipes for candied lemons too. That would also work well.  

Keep cool out there this summer and enjoy some cheesecake!

No-Bake Lemon Jello Cheesecake

Printable Version {CLICK HERE}

Ingredients:

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For the Crust:

1 ½ sleeves graham crackers, crushed to crumbs (about 2 ½ cups of crumbs)

¼ cup white sugar

½ cup butter, melted

For the Cheesecake:

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk (or substitute 4 ounces milk and 8 ounces heavy cream)

1 small box of lemon jello

1 envelope Knox unflavored gelatin

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature

½-1 lemons, zested

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Lemon slice quarter or lemon zest curls for garnish, optional

Directions:

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Pour the canned evaporated milk (or substitute listed in ingredient list) into a small bowl (glass or stainless steel) - and place it in the freezer until the milk starts to freeze to the edges of the bowl (for me this is about 30-45 minutes). While this is freezing - In a small mixing bowl mix lemon jello packet with the envelope of Knox unflavored gelatin until combined - then add one cup of very hot water and stir until dissolved. Place the lemon jello mixture into the fridge and chill until it’s sticky on top (it should stick to your finger if you touch the top - if it’s still runny it’s not ready) but don’t let it firm up too much.  This usually takes about the same amount of time as the freezing the milk.  

While you’re waiting for the milk and jello to be ready start on the crust. In a gallon size zip top bag place 1 ½ sleeves of graham crackers and zip closed.  Roll with a rolling pin until the crackers are crushed as evenly as possible (or blend in a blender until you have crumbs).  Pour the crumbs into a mixing bowl and add the sugar. Stir until combined. Add melted butter and stir until evenly combined. Press the crumb mixture into a 9x13 glass or metal pan using your hand or the bottom of a glass cup until the mixture is firmly packed down

Mix the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and vanilla until smooth with a hand mixer (or in a blender).  In a clean bowl with clean beaters - whip the frosty milk until fluffy (it won’t be quite as fluffy as cream - but it gets very frothy).  Add the chilled and sticky lemon jello mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat/blend til smooth. In a large bowl fold in the whipped milk into the cream cheese/jello mixture until combined and pour over the graham cracker crust. Smooth evenly across the curst.  Chill covered for at least 2 hours, preferable 4+.  Serve chilled. Cut into square and serve. Garnish with lemon slice quarters or a lemon zest curl if desired.

Source:

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Originally shared on Eighteen25. Adapted this recipe from one my friend, Leticia F. gave me.

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