Discover how to make creamy, smooth Instant Pot Cheesecake quickly with this easy recipe—perfect for a delicious homemade dessert that gets rich flavor and a silky texture without hours in the oven. Whether you’re a cheesecake newbie or a seasoned dessert lover, this recipe turns your Instant Pot into a simple, foolproof way to enjoy a classic treat any time you want.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Convenient: Enjoy a luscious cheesecake ready in less than an hour with minimal prep time.
- Consistently Creamy Texture: The Instant Pot’s gentle steam cooking ensures a perfectly smooth and velvety cheesecake every time.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to make an impressive dessert.
- Easy Cleanup: Using the Instant Pot means fewer dishes and less mess than traditional baking.
- Customizable Flavors: This Instant Pot Cheesecake base is incredibly versatile for adding your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these essential ingredients before you begin—each one plays a vital role in creating the creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and rich flavor that make this Instant Pot Cheesecake so special.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives the cheesecake its classic creamy and tangy base; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sour Cream: Adds smoothness and slight acidity to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
- Eggs: Bind the cheesecake together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Graham Cracker Crust or Digestive Biscuits: Creates a sweet and crunchy foundation, essential for that traditional cheesecake feel.
- Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and adds a tasty buttery finish.
Variations for Instant Pot Cheesecake
This Instant Pot Cheesecake recipe is a fantastic canvas to get creative. Whether you want to suit dietary needs or play with flavors, it’s super easy to adapt and make the cheesecake your own.
- Berry Swirl: Add pureed strawberries or blueberries to the batter before cooking for a fresh fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Mix in melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips to create a decadent chocolate cheesecake.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use almond flour and melted butter instead of traditional graham crackers for a gluten-free option.
- Low-Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to lower calories.
- Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond, lemon, or espresso extracts in place of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
How to Make Instant Pot Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. This crust forms the perfect sturdy base that holds up well during Instant Pot cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream and vanilla extract, resulting in a silky smooth batter free of lumps.
Step 3: Pour Filling onto Crust
Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking and a beautiful finish.
Step 4: Prepare the Instant Pot
Add one cup of water to the Instant Pot, then place a trivet inside. Carefully lower the springform pan onto the trivet using foil sling or a heatproof dish towel for easy removal after cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Cheesecake
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before carefully removing the lid and cheesecake.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set fully and develop the perfect creamy texture before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients gently to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
- Use a Springform Pan: It’s much easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging its delicate edges.
- Line the Pan with Parchment: This helps release the cheesecake cleanly and protects the crust.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow gradual depressurization to prevent the cheesecake from collapsing.
- Water Amount Matters: Always add enough water to create steam—typically one cup is perfect for most Instant Pot models.
How to Serve Instant Pot Cheesecake
Garnishes
Top your Instant Pot Cheesecake with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream to add visual appeal and bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair the cheesecake with a cup of rich espresso or a lightly brewed herbal tea for a delightful balance that complements the creamy dessert without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual mini cheesecakes in small ramekins or mason jars for a fun twist, or add colorful edible flowers and mint leaves around the plate to impress guests with a stylish presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cheesecake refrigerated in an airtight container or cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap; it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Instant Pot Cheesecake freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
For a warm treat, thaw frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight, then serve at room temperature or gently warm slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I make Instant Pot Cheesecake without a springform pan?
While a springform pan is highly recommended for easy removal, you can use any heat-safe dish that fits your Instant Pot, but unmolding might be more challenging.
Why does my cheesecake crack after Instant Pot cooking?
Cracks often occur due to overmixing or rapid temperature changes; using natural pressure release and gentle mixing can help maintain a smooth surface.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream adds tanginess and helps achieve a creamy texture, but you can substitute Greek yogurt or omit it slightly, keeping in mind the texture might change.
Can I double this Instant Pot Cheesecake recipe?
It’s best to stick to the recommended quantities so the cheesecake cooks evenly. If you want to make more, consider cooking in batches or using a larger Instant Pot if available.
How long does Instant Pot Cheesecake need to chill?
Chilling the cheesecake for at least 4 hours is important to let it fully set and develop flavor; overnight chilling is ideal for the best result.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Cheesecake is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence, bringing homemade dessert magic to your table with less effort and fantastic results. Whether it’s a casual family treat or a show-stopping finale for a dinner party, this recipe makes cheesecake approachable and enjoyable for everyone. Give it a try, and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this timeless dessert!
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Instant Pot Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free crust option)
Description
This Instant Pot Cheesecake recipe delivers a creamy, smooth, and velvety dessert in under an hour. Using simple pantry ingredients and the gentle steam cooking of an Instant Pot, you can enjoy a rich and classic cheesecake without the long bake time. Perfect for beginners or cheesecake fans, this method ensures a consistently luscious texture and an easy cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a sturdy base that will hold up during Instant Pot cooking.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and mix well. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing gently until the batter is silky smooth and lump free.
- Pour Filling onto Crust: Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a beautiful finish.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour one cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet inside and carefully lower the springform pan on top using a foil sling or heatproof dish towel for easy removal after cooking.
- Cook the Cheesecake: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. After the cooking cycle ends, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before carefully opening the lid and removing the cheesecake.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set fully and develop a perfect creamy texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks; combine ingredients gently.
- A springform pan is recommended for easy removal without damaging edges.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to help release the cheesecake cleanly and protect the crust.
- Use natural pressure release to avoid the cheesecake collapsing.
- Always add enough water (typically one cup) to create sufficient steam for Instant Pot cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg