You guys know I am a huge fan of the Instant Pot, and I am also mildly obsessed with cheesecake so making a cheesecake in the Instant Pot was a revolutionary moment! This Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake is perfect for almost any occasion, but especially Thanksgiving and the holiday season. It’s easy to make, has a traditional graham cracker crust, and is a totally hands off, stress free dessert! If you like this Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake you should also check out my Mini Cheesecake Bites, Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies, and Lemon Cheesecake Bars for more desserts you’ll love! Here is what ingredients you’ll need to make this easy instant pot cheesecake:
For the crust:
Graham Crackers (you can also use ginger snap cookies!) Melted butter, unsalted Sea salt Brown sugar
For the cheesecake:
Cream Cheese, softened Pumpkin (100% canned pumpkin puree 15 oz. can, not pumpkin pie filling!) Eggs Sugar (brown & white) All Purpose Flour Vanilla Extract Sour Cream or Heavy Cream Corn starch Cinnamon Nutmeg Pumpkin Pie Spice All spice Ginger
Instant Pot (of course) I have and use the 6 quart Duo. Spring Form Pan – I highly recommend using the Fat Daddio’s 7×3 inch round cheesecake pan. Parchment paper Non stick baking spray
How to make pumpkin cheesecake in the Instant Pot
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Let’s make the crust!
Pulse the graham crackers:Make the graham cracker crust first. In a food processor, finely pulse 10-12 full sheets of graham crackers. (This is about 1 1/2 cups). If you don’t have a food processor, place in a ziplock bag and roll with a rolling pin until mixture is crumbly. Add in flavor: Then add in 4 Tbsp. melted butter, pinch of sea salt and 3 Tbsp. brown sugar. (The sugar is optional but I like the flavor it gives the crust). Line your pan for smoother sides: Pop the bottom piece out from your spring form pan and wrap it with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray (such as PAM or Bak-Klene). Form the crust: Pour the graham cracker crust mixture into your prepared spring form pan and pack the mixture down in an even layer. You can use a mason jar, flat bottomed small measuring cup or ramekin to get it nice & smooth. Place this in your freezer while you make the cheesecake filling.
Let’s make the filling!
Mix everything in 1 bowl. Seriously! In one large bowl, mix together the 16 oz. softened cream cheese (2, 8 oz. packages), entire 15 oz. can of pumpkin, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream, 2 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated white sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. Allspice, 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 2 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice. Pull pan out of the freezer. Pour cream cheese batter into the cheesecake pan. Pour 1 cup water into your Instant Pot. (I use a 6 quart duo pot) Place the cheesecake pan on top of your Instant Pot trivet and lower the cheesecake in your pot. Place the lid on, be sure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on HIGH pressure for 40 minutes. Once cook time is up, NATURALLY RELEASE the pressure for another 40 minutes. Switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam (shouldn’t be any though). Remove lid and carefully take the cheese cake out of the Instant Pot (take it out with the trivet so you remove it the same way you lowered it in). Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, I recommend 8+ so it really sets up nicely. Enjoy with whipped cream! For reference, I have and use the 6 quart Duo Instant pot (older version). Buy a Spring Form Pan specifically for your Instant Pot – I highly recommend using the Fat Daddio’s 7×3 inch round cheesecake pan. Let it cook on high pressure for 40 minutes and natural release for another 40 minutes. Let cool in the fridge for 8+ hours before enjoying. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake is…Actually easier to make than regular cheesecake because you don’t have to mess with a water bath because the Instant Pot creates a water bath for you! For more delicious desserts be sure to check out my dessert page and I also have more Instant Pot recipes from oatmeal to soups as well!
