My mom developed this recipe years ago because she loves cheesecake but couldn't afford the ingredients. Cheesecake can be an expensive treat, but this hits the spot without sweetened condensed milk and only one package of cream cheese (if you want). I didn't even know there was such a thing as baked cheesecake until I was about 12 or 13! I have tried other no bake cheesecakes but they are always too light and fluffy for my taste. My feeling is that cheesecake should be dense and creamy. This recipe holds a special place in my heart.Crust:
1 package graham crackers-crushed
1/3 cup butter, melted
Mix crumbs and butter together to make the crust. Press into a pie tin.
Mix the following ingredients in order in blender mixing between additions:
1/3 cup hot tap water (scant)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter, softened or melted
1 2/3 cup instant milk powder
(The above equals 1 can sweetened condensed milk)
then add 12 or 8 oz cream cheese, softened (12 is better, but 8 is cheaper)
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pour mixture into crust and refrigerate at least one hour or until set. Top with fruit if desired. Enjoy!
