No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake: A Vintage Delight

Prepare to take a delicious trip down memory lane with this classic No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake recipe. This vintage dessert hails from the Woolworth’s lunch counter era and offers a creamy, delightful taste of nostalgia. Let’s dive into this simple and scrumptious dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Topping (Optional):

• Canned fruit cocktail or cherry pie filling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.

2. Press into Pan:

• Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch or similar-sized square pan to form the crust. You can also use an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker crust.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined.

4. Whip the Cream:

• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer.

5. Combine Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream:

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be gentle to maintain the light and fluffy texture.

6. Layer and Chill:

• Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
• If you’re using canned fruit cocktail or cherry pie filling as a topping, spread it evenly over the cheesecake layer.

7. Chill:

• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the cheesecake has set. Overnight chilling is even better for flavor development.

8. Serve:

• Slice your No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake into squares or rectangles.
• If you used a fruit topping, the cheesecake will have a delightful fruity layer on top.

Tips:

• Customize your cheesecake by using your favorite pie filling or fresh fruit as a topping. Blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry toppings work wonderfully.
• For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling before pouring it over the crust.
• To make it truly vintage, serve in a classic glass dessert dish or an old-fashioned lunch counter-style glass.
• This recipe is great for potlucks and gatherings. Double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Enjoy the Nostalgia!

Indulge in a slice of the past with this No-Bake Woolworth Icebox Cheesecake. Its creamy texture, buttery graham cracker crust, and delightful fruit topping (if you choose) will transport you back to a time when simple, no-fuss desserts were a cherished part of every meal. Enjoy this classic treat with family and friends!