Best Ever No-Bake Cheesecakes (via GayR, from Woman's World)
Basic No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake
1 envelope (.25 oz.) unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups thawed frozen whipped topping
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
In small microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin over whole milk; let stand until softened, 5 minutes. Microwave on High in 10-second intervals, stirring, until dissolved.
Coat 8" springform pan with cooking spray. Combine crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press into bottom of pan. On medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Gradually beat in gelatin mixture until blended. Fold in topping; stir in zest. Spread in pan. Cover; refrigerate at least 8 hours. Run knife around edge of cheesecake; remove side of pan.
Makes 12 servings.
STRAWBERRY-COCONUT CHEESECAKE
Prepare basic recipe, replacing sugar in crust with 3/4 cup sweetened, flaked coconut. Spread 1/4 cup strawberry jam over crust. Soften gelatin in 3 Tablespoons strawberry syrup, omitting whole milk. Before folding in whipped topping, beat in 1 Tablespoon strawberry extract and 1 drop red food coloring. Omit zest. Spread in pan; refrigerate. Just before serving, garnish edge with additional whipped topping. Arrange 12 strawberries (halved) and 1 whole strawberry on top.
KEY LIME CHEESECAKE
Prepare basic recipe, replacing whole milk with 1/4 cup bottled Key lime juice. Before folding in whipped topping, beat in additional 1/4 cup Key lime juice and 6 drops green liquid food coloring. Stir in 1 Tablespoon grated lime zest along with lemon zest. Spread in pan; refrigerate. Just before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and lime slices.
S'MORES CHEESECAKE
Prepare basic recipe, replacing graham cracker crumbs with chocolate graham cracker crumbs. Melt 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; cool. Beat melted chips into cream cheese and milk mixture before adding gelatin mixture. After folding in whipped topping, omit zest and stir in 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup chocolate graham cracker pieces (1/2" each) and 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips. Spread in pan; gently press 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup chocolate and/or plain graham cracker pieces into top. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate. Just before serving, drizzle with 3 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips (melted).
Woman's World (Instant Gourmet) 5/24/10
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