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    Home » Real Food » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

    By Kristen Chidsey | 43 Comments | Published October 17, 2020 | Updated October 18, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    If you are looking for the recipe to impress, this Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake is it! Made with a gingersnap crust and creamy pumpkin filling, this Instant Pot Cheesecake makes a perfect holiday dessert.

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake makes a show-stopping dessert! Made with a gingersnap crust and a creamy, spiced pumpkin cream cheese batter, this Pumpkin Cheesecake turns out perfectly thanks to the moist heat of the Instant Pot!

    Slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake on plate with fork.

    The flavors of pumpkin pie and classic cheesecake are blended together to create on epically delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake.

    But instead of being baked in the oven, this pumpkin cheesecake is made in the Instant Pot, which makes this recipe easier to prepare AND produces a creamier texture than when baked in the oven. The moist heat that the Instant Pot uses to cook "bakes" the pumpkin cheesecake in a steamy environment that keeps the filling super creamy and light.

    Made with a gingersnap crust and a pumpkin spice creamy filling, this Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake is truly one of the best fall desserts.

    Notes on Ingredients & Equipment

    • For the Crust: This crust is made with gingersnap cookies, pecans, and butter. The gingersnap and pecans pair perfectly with the pumpkin flavor. However, if you don't care for gingersnaps, use graham crackers in their place. You can also omit pecans for a NUT free Pumpkin Cheesecake.
    • Cream Cheese: Feel free to use reduced-fat cream cheese, but never use fat-free cream cheese when making cheesecake or the batter will not be creamy or rich.
    • Pumpkin Puree: This pumpkin cheesecake calls for 100% Pumpkin Puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling.
    • Spices: Instead of using premade Pumpkin Pie Spice which can overwhelm the flavor of this cheesecake, this recipe uses only cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. Do not use dried nutmeg, simply omit if you do not have whole nutmeg.
    • 7-inch Springform Pan: To make a cheesecake in an electric pressure cooker, you will need a 7-inch pan that fits inside the inner pot. While a springfrom pan is traditional for making cheesecake, you can also use a cake pan if you don't have a sprinform pan available.

    Step-by-Step Directions

    Step One: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature

    It is best to have all your ingredients at room temperature BEFORE preparing the batters for the cake and cheesecake. This step is crucial to a SMOOTH cheesecake. Therefore it is best to remove the cream cheese and eggs from the refrigerator 3-4 hours before preparing the cheesecake.

    Step: Two Prepare Crust

    • In the food processor, pulse the gingersnap cookies and pecans until they are broken down into crumbs.
    • Add in the melted and butter and pulse until the crumbs are wet and resemble wet sand.
    • Press the crust down into a
    • Place crust in the freezer while assembling cheesecake filling or bake the cheesecake crust at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, for a crunchier crust. 
    Side by side pictures of crust for pumpkin cheesecake.

    Step Three: Prepare Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling

    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese filling until soft and fluffy.
    • Add in the pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices and beat again until creamy and smooth.
    • Finally add in the eggs, and mix until JUST combined.
    • Pour the filling into the crust and gently tap down cheesecake on the counter to remove air bubbles.
    • Cover the cheesecake with a piece of foil to prevent condensation from forming on it during pressure cooking.

    Step Four: Pressure Cook

    • Place 1 and ½ cups cold water in the bottom of Instant Pot.
    • Add trivet to the inner pot of Instant Pot and place the cheesecake onto the trivet.
    • Seal the pressure cooker and set to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.
    • Once the cook time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally for AT LEAST 15 minutes.

    Step Five: Cool

    • Once cook time has elapsed, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes and then remove the cheesecake from the inner pot.
    • Let the cheesecake rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before removing the foil.
    • Run a knife around the edges of the springform pan and carefully loosen the outer ring.
    Pressure Cooked Pumpkin Cheesecake in Springform pan.
    • Cover the cheesecake with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent moisture from forming on cheesecake, and then wrap in foil or plastic wrap.
    • Refrigerate until fully chilled--at least 4 hours, but is best after 8-12 hours of being refrigerated.
    • Serve with homemade whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
    Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake next to pressure cooker.

    Storage

    Like all cheesecakes, this pumpkin cheesecake tastes best if made at least 8 hours in advance, making it a great recipe to prepare the day before intending to serve.

    Once prepared and cooled, wrap the pumpkin cheesecake in plastic wrap and then foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can remove the cheesecake carefully from the springform pan and wrap in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Place the wrapped cheesecake in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Allow the frozen cheesecake to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

    Note on Recipe Change

    The video shows that eggs are added to the batter along with the cream cheese. A few readers were having issues with the cheesecake bubbling up slightly when pressure cooked. The issue appears to be caused by pressure cooker models that run a bit hotter, and this issue can be avoided by adding the eggs last to the cheesecake batter and not overmixing.

    More Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipes

    • Instant Pot Cheesecake
    • Instant Pot Chocolate Cheesecake
    • Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake

    If you tried this recipe for Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake, I would love for you to leave a review below.

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

    The pressure cooker is the perfect vessel to create a creamy, rich Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake made with a Gingersnap and Pecan crust.
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Pressure Release: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 244kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    Cheesecake Crust

    • ¾ cup gingersnap cookie crumbs about 10 gingersnaps
    • ¼ cup pecans
    • 2 tablespoons butter melted

    Pumpkin Cheesecake

    • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
    • ½ cup pumpkin puree
    • 2 eggs room temperature
    • ⅔ cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon fresh nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    Gingersnap Crust

    • Process gingersnaps and pecans in food processor into crumbs. Add in melted butter and combine until the crumbs have been moistened with the butter. 
    • Press gingersnap crust into a 7 by 3-inch springform pan and then place the crust into the freezer while preparing the cheesecake filling.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake

    • Beat the cream cheese for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, and spices and beat until creamy and smooth. Add the eggs and beat on low speed until JUST combined. Pour the batter into the prepared crust and cover the pan tightly with foil.
    • Place the trivet into the Pressure Cooker. Pour 1.5 cups cold water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
    • Place the pumpkin cheesecake on the trivet in the Instant Pot. 
    • Seal the pressure cooker and set to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. (Hit manual button/pressure cook button and adjust until time reads 45 minutes.) 
    • Once cook time has elapsed, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Release remaining pressure and remove cheesecake from Instant Pot. 
    • Allow pumpkin cheesecake to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing the foil. Use a butter knife to loosen sides from pan and then cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours before serving. 

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)
    • 7 inch springform pan
    • Food Processor

    Notes

    Prep in Advance: Like all cheesecakes, this pumpkin cheesecake tastes best if made at least 8 hours in advance.
    Storage: Pumpkin cheesecake will keep in the fridge for 4 days or can be frozen for up to 30 days. 
    Pumpkin: This pumpkin cheesecake calls for 100% Pumpkin Puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. If using homemade pumpkin puree, be sure to drain over a fine-mesh strainer for 4 hours and measure out ½ cup of the strained puree to use in this recipe.
    Crust: If you don't care for gingersnaps, use graham crackers in their place. You can also omit pecans for a nut-free cheesecake. 
    Pan: A 7-inch pan is a perfect size to fit inside a 6 or 8-quart pressure cooker. For cheesecake, I like to use a springform pan, but if you don’t have one, a 7-inch stainless steel cake pan will work.
    Water: It is really important to use cold water at the bottom of the pan, warm water will change the results. 
    Foil: If you DO NOT cover with foil, only cook this cheesecake for 35 minutes at high pressure--and be very careful removing the lid from the pressure cooker to not drip condensation down onto cheesecake. 
    Note on Video: The video shows that eggs are added to the batter along with the cream cheese. A few readers were having issues with the cheesecake bubbling up slightly when pressure cooked. The issue appears to be caused by pressure cooker models that run a bit hotter, and this issue can be avoided completely by adding the eggs last to the cheesecake batter and not overmixing.
    See Instant Pot High Altitude Conversion if cooking 2500+ feet above sea level.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3785IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kayla

      November 18, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      This looks delicious! I would like to make it for Thanksgiving. Would an 8 inch springform pan work the same? Or would I need to change the cook time?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 18, 2021 at 5:45 pm

        Hi Kayla! The timing and amounts of ingredients would be different for an 8-inch springform pan and it would not fit into an Instant Pot. Are you wanting to bake it?

        Reply
        • Kayla

          November 24, 2021 at 2:11 pm

          I have a pressure cooker and have been using instapot recipes for it. So far it’s worked out fine, but maybe not this time? The pressure cooker can fit that size springform pan. If you recommend, I could totally bake it instead!

          Reply
    2. Louise Hale

      November 17, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      Anyone try this egg free? I'm allergic to eggs. Possibly sub with cornstarch?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 18, 2021 at 11:11 am

        I have not tried that myself with this recipe, but would love to know if others have given it a try.

        Reply
    3. Brandy

      November 06, 2021 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      Made this the other day. It came out great! So easy and delicious. I know my family will love it on Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    4. Taryn

      November 06, 2021 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      Very flavorful. We really enjoyed this.

      Reply
    5. Kp

      September 27, 2021 at 10:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made this yesterday and could hardly wait to try it tonight. It is sooooooo delicious and easy. Your additional tips really helped, too. I only had graham crackers, but they were fantastic. I can’t wait to try it with ginger snaps. Thanks for sharing your great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 28, 2021 at 6:54 am

        Thank you so much Kp for sharing! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed so much!

        Reply
      • Kelly

        October 22, 2021 at 5:13 pm

        5 stars
        Great recipe and a huge success. Could not believe an IP cheesecake could taste this good. Added a few drops of bourbon to the crust...a personal touch😉.

        Reply
    6. Connie

      January 04, 2021 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy to make and very delicious!

      Reply
    7. Georgine Jeziorowski

      October 27, 2020 at 8:32 pm

      I am a little concerned about the cooking time: top of recipe says cook time 40minutes pressure time 15 mins ? in the actual recipe it says cook 45 minutes. I am confused?????????
      Please reply.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 28, 2020 at 6:57 am

        I will triple check for mistakes Georgine. But I think what you are seeing is that you need to cook for 45 minutes on high pressure. But then I also state to let pressure release AFTER cook time for at least 15 minutes. So set cook time for 45 minutes. After that time is up, leave the instant pot alone for 15 minutes before trying to force a release of pressure. I hope that helps to clarify and that you enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    8. Gina

      October 26, 2020 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      Seriously amazing recipe! thank you!

      Reply
    9. Heather

      November 30, 2019 at 2:18 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely divine!! And easy, too!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 30, 2019 at 7:28 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed Heather! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

        Reply
    10. Asil

      November 27, 2019 at 5:14 pm

      I don't have a spring form the right size to fit in my instant pot- can I bake in the oven?? How long?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 27, 2019 at 5:35 pm

        Hi Asil! I am sure this can be baked in the oven, but I have not tried this recipe in the oven--nor do I know the size of pan you are using (which would influence the bake time greatly). However, if you do bake in the oven, please let everyone know so they can try it out too. And Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply
        • Asil

          November 27, 2019 at 6:40 pm

          Thanks! I think I'll do a water bath in oven and see what happens:) I'll let you know if it works.

          Reply
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