- Categories:1950s, Vintage advertisements, Vintage dessert recipes
- By The Click Americana Team
- Added or last updatedJune 27, 2023
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When it comes to 1950s desserts, it’s time to shine a light on a retro classic: the no-bake lemon cheesecake! With only four ingredients, it’s a nostalgic sweet treat that offers delectable simplicity at its finest, and serves as a nod to a bygone era of uncomplicated cooking.
This recipe — originally developed and published by Jell-O in 1959 — is all about creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The tangy zing of lemon, the rich creaminess of whole milk, and the crunch of a graham cracker crust all combine to create a delightfully refreshing dessert.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the kitchen, this foolproof recipe is a charming trip down memory lane, one that ends with a deliciously zesty cheesecake on your table. Now, let’s get whisking!
How to make this Jello pudding no-bake lemon cheesecake recipe
The beauty of this no-bake lemon cheesecake is in its simplicity — only two steps and four ingredients and no need to heat up the house.
While it’s the perfect recipe for an easy summer weekday dessert, it’s so delicious that it holds up as a special occasion treat as well — guests will think you worked much harder than you did!
Ingredients for no-bake lemon pie
Clockwise from left: milk, prepared graham cracker crust, cream cheese, lemon instant pudding
Step 1: Prepare the cheesecake filling
Note: This recipe calls for a pre-made graham cracker crumb crust, and either a homemade version or store-bought will work.
To start, you’ll need to get your cream cheese to a softened state. No, it’s not going to tell you its deepest secrets, but it should be easy to stir.
Blend this softened cream cheese with a half cup of the milk — consider this the first step in creating the smooth, creamy filling that makes this cheesecake a real winner.
Next up, it’s time to introduce the remaining milk and the Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding to the mix. It might seem like an unusual pairing, but trust the process.
Use an egg beater to blend these ingredients, but remember, you’re not trying to set a world record here. A slow, deliberate beating for about a minute is all it takes to get it well mixed. Overbeating isn’t going to do you any favors, so keep it gentle.
Step 2: Pour filling, garnish and chill
Once your mixture is looking deliciously creamy, you’re ready for the next step. Pour your mix into the graham cracker crust – the crumbly, sweet base that’s going to hold all your lemony cheesecake goodness.
And speaking of graham crackers, why not sprinkle a few extra crumbs on top for good measure? It adds a little texture and makes it look like you’ve gone that extra mile.
ALSO TRY: Easy classic pudding lemonade cake recipe from the 70s
Now for the hardest part — waiting. Pop your masterpiece into the fridge and chill for about an hour. Sure, it feels like a lifetime, but it’s worth it for that beautiful, set cheesecake.
There is no step 3: Just serve it up!
And there you have it — a no-bake lemon cheesecake that serves eight people, perfect for those impromptu gatherings or just because you deserve a treat. And remember, you can thank Jell-O Instant Pudding for making it so easy! Enjoy, and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
Inspiration: The original 1950s “Busy-Day” lemon cheesecake pie
Easy to make the “busy-day” way. No cooking! Serve to 8 delighted people — a real party dessert that you can make so easily.
The tang of cheese — the crunchiness of graham cracker crust — the tart-sweet smoothness of Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding!
PS: It takes the special qualities of Jell-O Instant Pudding to make this luscious cheesecake. Cooked pudding will not give satisfactory results with this recipe.
Jello pudding no-bake lemon cheesecake
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 package (3-3/4-ounces) Jell-O Lemon INSTANT pudding mix
- 1 8-inch graham cracker crust
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese, blend with 1/2 cup milk.
- Add remaining milk and the instant pudding mix. Beat slowly with egg beater just until well mixed, about 1 minute. (Do not overbeat.)
- Pour at once into graham cracker crust. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs lightly over top. Chill about an hour.
Notes
Try this same no-bake cheesecake recipe with other pudding flavors!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 186Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 196mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 4g
Click Americana offers approximate nutrition information as a general reference only, and we make no warranties regarding its accuracy. Please make any necessary calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe, and consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you have dietary concerns.
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- Categories: 1950s, Vintage advertisements, Vintage dessert recipes
- Tags: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, cheesecake, desserts, graham crackers, lemon, lemons, packaged mixes, pudding, pudding mix, puddings, recipes, vintage dessert recipes, Vintage pie recipes
- Source: Family Circle
- Original publication date: March 1959
- Added or last updatedJune 27, 2023
- Comments: 5 Comments
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Comments on this story
5 Responses
Family favorite for years! Also works well with some other flavors. Try vanilla with half milk and half eggnog. Sprinkle nutmeg on top.
Reply
My mother has been making this cheesecake for literally decades, and it is always my brother’s birthday cake because he loves it so much. It is delicious!
Reply
I am so glad to find this recipe. It is one of the first “real recipes I made at 12 o13 years of age. So easy to make thanks for bringing it back.
Reply
This is the one I have been looking for! All the others make it more complicated than it should be. Love the vintage ad too :) Thanx!
Reply
Has anybody added real lemon juice to this? How Much and when?
Reply
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