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What if we told you you could make perfect cheesecake from scratch even if you have no experience, and that it’s easy? That’s our Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe: it’s super quick, uses simple ingredients, and comes out beautifully every time!
Is cheesecake better in the Instant Pot or oven?
If you’re a cheesecake lover, but haven’t tried making it in the Instant Pot yet, then you’re probably wondering what the difference is and if it’s better than making it in the oven.
The main differences are that it saves on time and oven space, but there are some differences between the texture of oven baked and pressure cooker cheesecake, too!
Cheesecake made in the Instant Pot is lighter in color and texture, with a slightly softer crust. It cooks for much less time than in the oven, and you don’t have to worry about it cracking!
That said, we do love dense, creamy baked cheesecake, too. Our decadent Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce is the perfect choice for baking cheesecake in your oven. Give it a try for the holidays!
This is one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes and we are so excited to share it with you. And, that raspberry topping for cheesecake? Delicious.
How do you make Instant Pot cheesecake?
This may look like an intimidating dessert, but we promise, it’s easy.
All you need is a 6 qt. Instant Pot or larger, a 7-inch Instant Pot cheesecake pan (springform pan), parchment paper, and aluminum foil.
The steps are so straightforward, even a beginner can make Instant Pot Cheesecake. If you’ve never made cheesecake before or haven’t had any luck making it, this is the recipe for you!
Do I need to use a springform pan?
You can use a regular cake pan to make homemade cheesecake, but springform pans work best as you can easily remove them from the cake after it sets!
To use a regular cake pan, line the inside of the pan with parchment paper to make it easy to lift the cake out of the pan once it’s done chilling.
How do you cut cheesecake smoothly?
Keeping that beautiful presentation for your Instant Pot raspberry cheesecake means cutting it cleanly.
For smooth cuts, keep the knife clean in between slices. I wipe the blade off with a hot damp cloth in between slices to keep it clean.
Make sure to use hot water!
What is the best knife to cut cheesecake?
Use a sharp knife with a thin blade or a knife with a hollow edge to cleanly cut cheesecake. Wipe the blade in between slices, and you’re good to go.
How long should cheesecake cool before going in the fridge?
Let this pressure cooker cheesecake cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours before refrigerating. This is an important step and should not be skipped.
Cheesecake Toppings
For cheesecake toppings, raspberry is our favorite with this Instant Pot recipe!
We’ll show you how to make the most delicious raspberry jam to use. But, if you want to mix things up, here are a few of our favorite choices:
Can you freeze cheesecake?
Yes! You can freeze Instant Pot cheesecake whole or as slices.
- Let it cool completely so it can set properly. First let it cool for 1-2 hours at room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for at least 6 to 8 hours or overnight to set.
- To freeze in slices, cut and wrap each slice with plastic wrap. To freeze whole, place the cake on a dish, then wrap tightly with plastic.
- Finally, wrap everything again with aluminum foil and label with the freezing date. Freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to enjoy, let it thaw for up to 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
How long is cheesecake good for?
Properly stored in your refrigerator, this recipe will last up to 5 days. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in a container.
Recipe Tips
- You can use cookies instead of graham crackers! 🍪 Try using petit beurre cookies or another plain sugar cookie. Crush for 1⅓ cups of crumbs and use in place of the crackers.
- You can only use up to 7-inch pan for this cheesecake. A larger pan will not fit in the Instant Pot.
- Heating the jam: If you would prefer to, you can heat the jam in a saucepan over medium heat instead of the microwave. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Let your eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing your cheesecake filling. It takes an hour for them all to come to room temperature.
Instant Pot Dessert Recipes
- Instant Pot Apple Crisp Recipe
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips
- Instant Pot Banana Bread Recipe
Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot French Onion Soup
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating below to let us know what you think! We love to hear from you!
Amazing Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe
Equipment
- 7-inch springform pan
- Handheld electric mixer
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1⅓ cup graham cracker crumbs from about 9 crackers
- ⅓ cup melted butter 5 tablespoons
For the filling
- 16 oz. cream cheese 2 packages
- ¾ cup sour cream + 2 tablespoons
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp. all purpose flour or cornstarch
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh raspberries about 9 oz.
- 2 Tbsp. raspberry jam
- 2-3 Tbsp. water optional, to dissolve the jam
Instructions
- Line a 7-inch springform pan with a circle of parchment paper. Gently grease the sides of the pan.Wrap the bottom of the pan tightly in aluminum foil. This is necessary because the cheesecake will cook in a water bath in the pot, and you don't want any to get into the pan.Cut a long sheet of aluminum foil (about 15 inches) and fold it three times lengthwise. Place the pan in the middle of the folded sheet. This acts as an improvised sling, which helps lower and lift the pan out of the pot.Finally, place the trivet inside the inner pot of the instant pot. Pour 1½ cups water on top.
How to Make Cheesecake Crust
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Whisk until combined, then pour into your prepared pan.
- Press the mixture to the bottom and the sides of the pan.
How to Make Cheesecake Filling
- Add cream cheese and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer set to high speed, beat until smooth.Then, add sour cream, vanilla extract, and flour. Beat for a few more seconds until mixed through.
- Finally, add eggs and beat at low speed until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake filling into the crust and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Place a piece of paper towel on top of the pan. This absorbs any condensation while it cooks, and stops it from dripping onto the cheesecake.
- Cover the paper towel with another sheet of aluminum foil, wrapping it tightly around the top of the pan.
- Use the sling to place the springform pan inside the Instant Pot. Fold the sides of the sling inside and then close the pot.
- Make sure the valve is set to seal. Press the manual button and set the time for 35 minutes on high pressure. It will take 20 minutes for the pressure to build, and then it will begin the 35 minute countdown. Once it finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes. If any pressure remains after 20 minutes, release it manually.
- Remove the pan using the sling. Place it on the counter on a kitchen towel or paper towels (it will be wet).Carefully unwrap the foil and remove the paper towel. Let it cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This is important – do not skip letting it cool.
- Finally, cover the pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. When it's set, top with raspberry cheesecake topping, and enjoy!
Raspberry sauce for cheesecake
- Heat the raspberry jam in the microwave for a few minutes until it thins out into a sauce. Add water if necessary thin it out.Arrange the fresh raspberries on top of the cheesecake. Spoon the jam over the fruit.
Notes
- Cookies instead of crackers: Graham crackers can be substituted with petit beurre cookies or any other plain sugar cookies. You will need about 1 ⅓ cup or 4.5 oz cookie crumbs
- 7-inch spring form pan or smaller only: You can only use up to 7 inch spring form pan for this cheesecake. A larger pan will not fit in the instant pot.
- Heating the jam: If you don’t have access to a microwave or if you would prefer to, you can heat the jam in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Let your eggs, sour cream, and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing your cheesecake filling. It takes an hour for them all to come to room temperature.
Ginny says
What does “Pour 1½ water on top” mean? Is that cups of water?
Em Beitel says
Hi Ginny! Thank you for your question. It does look like we forgot “cups”. Yes, it’s 1½ cups water! Please enjoy!
karen says
how do you get the cheesecake out of the springform pan bottom and onto a cake plate???
By the way Ive made this cheesecake twice and it is fantastic!
Em Beitel says
Hi Karen! You can easily remove a cheesecake from a springform pan by chilling it overnight so it’s firm. Remove the band from the springform pan, then carefully run a knife or metal spatula under the bottom of the cheesecake. This will loosen it up. You can then very gently slide the cake onto a platter. We’re so glad you enjoy it – thank you for your comment!
Kelly says
I’ve made this a few times and it’s delicious! But the last couple of times it doesn’t seem to have been fully cooked. What am I doing wrong?
Em Beitel says
Hi Kelly! It’s difficult to say. Are there any steps you might have done differently without realizing at the time (I have done this)? Depending on the doneness you could leave it in for a bit longer either when releasing the pressure or when cooking it – I would say don’t go past 40 minute cook time, but you could add another couple of minute. How underdone was it?
Thank you!