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This Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake is the creamiest cheesecake ever! The IP envelops the cheesecake in steam for a luscious result!

I was shocked by my first taste of this instant pot dessert. Cooked under pressure, in a humid environment, I was certain the crust would be wet and unappealing. But much to my delight, the crust was perfect, and the cheesecake was ultra-smooth and creamy!

Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake on a white plate.
Table of Contents hide
1 Why You Must Make
2 Ingredient Notes:
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 You May Also Like:
5 Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe

Why You Must Make

Being without a kitchen (and dishwasher!) has pushed me to think outside the box. AND to take my Instant Pot (affiliate link) out of its box. I dusted off my smallest springform pan and got to work on this Vanilla Instant Pot Cheesecake.

  • A cheesecake cooked in a pressure cooker results in the silkiest cheesecake my family and I have ever tasted!
  • It’s only 6 inches in diameter, which is the perfect size to alleviate your cravings without feeling like you’ve overindulged. Your coronary arteries may be breathing a sigh of relief.
  • If your oven is busy or you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, using an Instant Pot is a great solution.
  • The texture of this instant pot cheesecake was noticeably denser and silkier than any Cheesecake (link to all my cheesecake recipes) of late, that’s come from my kitchen. And I’ve made a LOT of delicious cheesecakes!!!

Ingredient Notes:

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs (affiliate link) – Either boxed crumbs or make your own with whole graham crackers ground into crumbs with a food processor.
  • Butter – Melted, salted is fine.
  • Sugar – Regular granulated sugar.
  • Cream Cheese (affiliate link)- Philadelphia cream cheese is the best brand available; have it at room temperature for easier incorporation and smoother batter.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste (affiliate link) – vanilla bean paste adds little specks of vanilla seeds, but it’s more expensive. An equal amount of Real Vanilla Extract is a viable substitute.
  • Eggs  – At room temperature for easier incorporation. If you don’t get them out an hour or two before you want to start making the cheesecake, you can set them in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water to help them warm up quickly.
  • Heavy Cream – Adds to the richness and moistness of the cheesecake. It’s 36-40% butterfat.
Slice of Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake slice on a dessert plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides shortening the cooking time, an Instant Pot also steams the cheesecake, resulting in a super moist, creamy dessert. The texture of this pressure cooker cheesecake was noticeably denser and silkier than any cheesecake of late that’s come from my kitchen. And I’ve made a LOT of delicious cheesecakes!!!

Why is an Instant Pot Cheesecake so creamy?

An instant pot surrounds the cheesecake with moisture or steam as it cooks. In the small confined space of a pressure cooker, none of the steam can escape so the cheesecake stays super moist.

How do you Prevent a Cheesecake Crust from Getting Soggy?

Springform pans are known to leak on occasion, so wrapping the bottom in a layer of aluminum foil provides another safeguard to prevent water from leaking into the crust.

What Size of Springform Pan do you Need?

It depends on the size of your Instant Pot. I used a 6-inch springform pan as it fit into my pressure cooker. That’s what this recipe is based upon. If you use a bigger or smaller springform pan, the cooking time will need to be adjusted.

What’s the Best Way to Slice a Cheesecake?

Use a hot knife. Run your knife under hot water for a minute, dry it, then slice. Wipe it clean and reheat and dry as necessary.

How Do You Know When an Instant Pot Cheesecake is Done?

Only the very center should jiggle when you nudge the pan. If a larger area of the cheesecake moves, then it needs to be cooked longer, up to 3 more minutes.

You can also check the internal temperature with an Instant Read thermometer. If the reading is 140-150 degrees, the cheesecake is done.

Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake on a white serving plate garnished with strawberries.

You May Also Like:

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Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake on a white plate
The Recipe:

Vanilla Bean Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Yield 6 servings

A small creamy cheesecake that may be the best you've ever tasted!

4.8 Stars (61 Reviews)

Ingredients

Crust:

  • ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 ½ tablespoons butter, melted (1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake:

  • 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons cream

Instructions

  1. Spray a 6-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray. Wrap the pan in a layer of aluminum foil and set it aside.
  2. If you don't own a silicone IP sling (see link above), make a homemade version with foil (link to complete instructions above).
  3. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a small bowl. Press onto the bottom of the prepared pan and about an inch up the sides.
  4. Beat the cream cheese with your mixer fit with a paddle attachment until smooth, then add sugar and vanilla bean paste and mix until combined.
  5. Beat in eggs, one at a time until incorporated, then mix in the cream.
  6. Scrape the cheesecake filling into the springform pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
  7. Add one cup of water to your Instant Pot, then place the trivet in the bottom. Place your sling over the trivet, then set the cheesecake on the sling.
  8. Seal your pressure cooker and set it on high pressure for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to reduce naturally.
  9. Carefully remove cheesecake from the instant pot to a cooling rack. Use a paper towel to gently dab any moisture that has accumulated on the surface.
  10. When cooled to room temperature, place in the refrigerator and chill overnight for the best results.

Notes

Timing will vary if you use a different size pan.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 331Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 274mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 6g

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© Liz Berg
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts