No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake: A Vintage Delight Without the Oven
Travel back in time with a classic dessert that’s as delicious today as it was decades ago. No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake is a delightful, no-fuss dessert that captures the essence of a bygone era. With its creamy filling and graham cracker crust, this cheesecake is a nostalgic treat that requires no baking. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave a sweet, simple indulgence without the heat of the oven. Let’s dive into the recipe and rediscover the charm of this vintage dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 (21-ounce) can fruit pie filling (cherry, blueberry, or your favorite)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter and sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to help press it down evenly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: 3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined and the filling is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cheesecake: 7. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and set. Overnight refrigeration is even better for optimal texture.
Add the Topping: 9. Once the cheesecake is set, spoon your choice of fruit pie filling (cherry, blueberry, or your favorite) over the top of the cheesecake filling.
- Spread the pie filling evenly to cover the entire surface.
Slice and Serve: 11. Slice the No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the cheesecake chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.
Cook’s Notes:
- Feel free to customize the topping with your preferred fruit pie filling. Popular choices include cherry, blueberry, strawberry, or peach.
- For a more decadent twist, you can drizzle chocolate sauce or caramel sauce over the cheesecake before serving.
- To save time, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs or a pre-made graham cracker crust.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake is a dessert that transcends time, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a timeless favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or when you’re simply craving a sweet, creamy treat. Whip up a batch, top it with your favorite fruit, and savor the delightful flavors of this vintage dessert that’s sure to please both young and old alike!
