Instant Pot Cheesecake

Step 1

Start by generously greasing the inside of your springform pan with either butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

Stir the crushed graham crackers and melted butter together in a mixing bowl, then pour the mixture into the greased pan.

Step 3

Use your fingers to press the mixture into an even layer of crust that covers the bottom of the pan and rises about halfway up the sides.

Step 4

Next, put the cream cheese and sugar into your food processor and process until smooth (about 1 minute).

Step 5

Add the eggs one at a time, processing each until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the processor and add the sour cream, then process gain until smooth.

Step 6

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt, then process again. And finally, add the flour (either standard or gluten-free) and process for 1 minute to ensure a silky smooth texture. Pour the finished into your prepared crust.

Step 7

Set a trivet into the bottom of your Instant Pot, then pour in about 1 1/2 cups of water. Fold a long piece of aluminum foil into a narrow sling, and use it to lower your prepared cheesecake pan into the pot. (Another option is to use a silicone pressure cooker sling, which acts as both a sling and a trivet in one!)

Step 8

Put the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Pressure Cook” and set for High pressure for 25 minutes, with the “Keep Warm” setting turned off.

Step 9

When the timer goes off, make sure the Instant Pot is turned off. Use Natural Release by allowing the pot to depressurize to on its own, which typically takes around 20 minutes. (Patience is a virtue when it comes to this cheesecake, so hands off!) ;-)

Step 10

After the lid unlocks, use the sling to carefully remove the finished cheesecake from the pot. Place it on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes, then place it in your fridge to chill for 1 hour. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or tin foil, and chill for at least 1 more hour (or up to 2 days).

Step 11

To serve, uncover the pan and run a thin knife or spatula between the pan and the cheesecake. Unlatch the sides of pan and remove it from the base. Then slice and serve, or use a large spatula to transfer the cheesecake to a cake plate.