Classic Cheesecake
By :Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough
If social media is to be believed (does Facebook lie?), a cheesecake is one of the first things people make in their Instant Pots. We’ve seen a lot of techniques over the years — and written a lot of pressure-cooker cheesecake recipes, too — and we can tell you we heartily don’t get why people tend to overcomplicate what can be a fairly simple process for a rich, mousse-like (not New York–style) cheesecake.

First, don’t cover the cheesecake. True, it can get a drop or two of moisture on top. You can blot these off with a paper towel when you open the lid. A cover on the pan gets in the way as the batter rises. You end up with a top that’s partly fused to the foil, often a mess.

Second, never use the quick-release method — which instantly brings any liquid left in the cheesecake to a near boil even after the cake has mostly set, resulting in bumps and cracks. Instead, use a natural release for a better texture, set, and look.

Finally, cook the cheesecake only on HIGH pressure, not MAX, which is too aggressive for a successful cheesecake.
Votes: 23
Rating: 4.78
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Course Dessert
Cuisine Modern
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Dessert, Kid-Friendly
Duration 30-60 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook
Main Ingredient Cream Cheese, Graham Crackers, Sugar
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
6-8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tbsp butter melted and cooled, plus additional butter for greasing the pan
  • 1 lb regular cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup regular sour cream
  • 2 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp table salt (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Modern
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Dessert, Kid-Friendly
Duration 30-60 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook
Main Ingredient Cream Cheese, Graham Crackers, Sugar
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings
6-8 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tbsp butter melted and cooled, plus additional butter for greasing the pan
  • 1 lb regular cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup regular sour cream
  • 2 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp table salt (optional)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Votes: 23
Rating: 4.78
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Instructions
  1. Generously butter the inside of a 7-inch round springform pan. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter in a medium bowl, then pour this mixture into the prepared pan. Press this mixture evenly across the bottom and about halfway up the sides of the pan to make a crust.
  2. Put the cream cheese and sugar in a food processor, cover, and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the eggs one at a time, processing each until smooth. Open the machine, scrape down the inside, and add the sour cream. Cover and process until smooth.
  3. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt (if using). Process again until smooth — and again, stop the machine and scrape down the inside. Add the flour and process for 1 minute. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust in the pan (it will rise above the crust on the sides). Do not cover the pan.
  4. Pour 1 1/2 cups water into a 6-or 8-quart cooker. Set a heat- and pressure-safe trivet in the cooker. Make an aluminum foil sling, set the filled springform pan on it, and use it to lower the pan into the pot. Fold down the ends of the sling so that they do not touch the batter in the pan. Lock the lid onto the pot.
  5. Press Pressure cook (Manual) on High pressure for 25 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off.
  6. When the machine has finished cooking, turn it off and let its pressure return to normal naturally, about 20 minutes. Unlatch the lid and open the cooker. Use the sling to transfer the hot springform pan to a wire rack. Cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour. Cover and continue refrigerating for at least 1 more hour or up to 2 days.
  7. To serve, uncover and run a thin knife between the pan and the cake. Unlatch the sides of the pan and open it to remove the cake inside. If desired, use a long, thin knife to slice the cake off the pan’s base and use a large metal spatula to transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
Recipe Notes

Beyond
• Unfortunately, these ratios and this pan won’t work in a 3-quart cooker.

• Top the slices with strawberry or raspberry jam, warmed for a few seconds on high in the microwave and then whisked until smooth.

• Or top with slightly warmed chocolate sauce.

• Or make a cherry sauce: Mix one 16-ounce bag frozen sweet or sour cherries (do not thaw), 1/2 cup granulated white sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Whisk 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this slurry into the bubbling cherry mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1 minute. Immediately remove from the heat and continue stirring until the bubbling stops. Cool for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving with the cheesecake.

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38 replies
  2. Cupofchar
    Cupofchar says:

    I made this cheesecake tonight. It was awful. In fact the worst cheesecake I have ever tasted. I used the recipe to the letter. I would not make this again.

  5. Devilduck88
    Devilduck88 says:

    Made this for xmas its yummy. Not super sweet. It turned out perfect. I did leave out the salt cuz i used salted butter.

  10. Nancy331
    Nancy331 says:

    This was the best cheesecake ever. Follow the directions and you will never buy the store bought bakery one again.
    I did put it in the over for 10 minites to crisp up the crust.

  11. Crinnaj
    Crinnaj says:

    A little bit too much lemon taste but my family loved the lemon. Classic, creamy cheesecake! So good. Will make again.

  13. Leigh Myers
    Leigh Myers says:

    This recipe is not written very well in step #3 it say “Do not cover the pan.” then in step #7 it says “To serve, uncover ” Being that I did not cover my pan or use the foil sling since I have a trivet with handles there was water on the top of my cheesecake. Not sure how it taste or how it will turn out since it is in the fridge for the next few hours. Will update later.

  15. JnetRoe
    JnetRoe says:

    Great cheesecake! I made a caramel sauce to go over the top.
    1/2 cup sugar
    3 Tbsp butter
    1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

    Add sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until sugar is fully melted. Remove from heat and add butter. Whisk until incorporated. Slowly add heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated. Let cool.
    Drizzle cooled caramel sauce over top of cheesecake and serve.

  17. JamiNH
    JamiNH says:

    I have not made this yet, I do not have a springform pan. Can I use a 7” Instant Pot brand bake pan?

  18. Paulette44
    Paulette44 says:

    I made this yesterday. Very good. The only thing is there was water on the top. The next time I will cover it.

  19. chestube1999
    chestube1999 says:

    Follow directions exactly. Came out great
    Used 7 inch spring form pan that I srayed with Pam
    Came off cake easily after I cooled to room temp.

  20. Kaci
    Kaci says:

    I love cheesecake, but I’ve never made one in my life. I’m also new to the Instant Pot world, having received one for Christmas. Imagine my delight yesterday when, on a whim, I tried this cheesecake recipe AND IT TURNED OUT PERFECTLY! I’ll definitely make this again. And again, and again.

  24. Kirsty Grant
    Kirsty Grant says:

    I have had great success with this recipe. I bake gluten free so I create a GF crust and sub cornstarch for the flour in the batter. I have used this basic recipe and adapted for a number of different flavours-all successful. I line my springform pan with parchment paper, and cover the pan with a piece of foil lined with parchment paper (this stops moisture buildup on the top of the cake. I place the springform pan inside a silicone pan on top of a trivet. Always delicious

  25. Rebecca L Green
    Rebecca L Green says:

    First time ever making a cheesecake it was so easy and delicious so rich and creamy.
    I used a hand mixer and there were hardly any air bubbles

  27. Dlcasan
    Dlcasan says:

    The recipe may be too much filling for a 7 in pan from instant pot. Cant put the whole mixture in. When I open the lid, it came out it has a pool of water which I had to blot off. Also the top is cracked. It’s in the fridge now. Hope it will taste good.

  28. Drealynn
    Drealynn says:

    Awesome recipe. Brought it to a friends bday party and the cheesecake was eaten within five mins. It was delicious. Love the lemon zesty flavor.

  29. Sheryl Coleman
    Sheryl Coleman says:

    I’ve tried a few instant pot cheesecake recipes and like yours the best. Clear, precise instructions. Cannot imagine how it doesn’t turn out perfectly for everyone, unless the cook goes rogue.

  30. Wendy Osborn
    Wendy Osborn says:

    I had a ton of water on top of mine when I opened up the IP. I would cover it next time – there is no risk of any covering touching the cheesecake.

  31. Larkspurlmm
    Larkspurlmm says:

    My first IP cheesecake! Super easy and no water on top, no cracking. Followed it to a T – did not cover.

    Will make again!

  32. Greta
    Greta says:

    When you say “regular” cream cheese, do you mean Philadelphia or another kind with gum in it? Or do you mean cream cheese made with nothing but milk and cream?

  33. Roveriii
    Roveriii says:

    Great flavor and texture. Froze and thawed it. It kept the flavor and texture just fine. Made it for my sister in law and wrapped individual slices in platic wrap and foil. Needed to taste test and almost couldnt stop.

  36. SusanAMiles
    SusanAMiles says:

    Loved using the food processor and IP to make this tangy, creamy, delicious cheesecake. Highly recommend!

  37. Corinne
    Corinne says:

    This cheesecake recipe is awesome! I’m also new to instant pot, and this was my first dessert in my IP Max. I’m a huge cheesecake lover but never made one at home. WOW! This was perfect! It held its shape through transfer from pan to plate and even slicing. No cracks. It was rich and creamy, yet light – enhanced by the lemony accent. My whole family enjoyed it. I’ll be making this again and again. THANK YOU!

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