This Instant Pot New York Cheesecake is a creamy, decadent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Featuring a classic graham cracker crust and topped with fresh strawberries, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving a rich and indulgent treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Topping:

• 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 2 cups halved strawberries

Directions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
   Add 1 ½ cups of water to a 6-quart Instant Pot® and place the metal trivet inside. Lightly oil a 7-inch springform pan or coat it with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Crust:
   In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, and cinnamon. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1 ½ inches up the sides of the springform pan. Place in the freezer to set.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining ½ cup sugar and cornstarch, and mix until combined.
   Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and almond extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Assemble and Cook:
   Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared pan. Carefully place the pan on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
   Select the manual setting, adjust the pressure to high, and set the timer for 28 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20-30 minutes.
5. Cool and Chill:
   Remove the cheesecake from the Instant Pot and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Run a paring knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Prepare the Topping:
   In a medium bowl, mix strawberry jam with 1 tablespoon water. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Toss the strawberries in the jam mixture until evenly coated.
7. Serve:
   Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, top with the strawberry mixture, and serve immediately.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)

• Calories: 423 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg
• Sodium: 264 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 23 g

This rich and creamy New York Cheesecake will surely be the star of your dessert table!

The Magic of Cheesecake in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot has become a favorite tool for home cooks due to its versatility and efficiency, and it shines in cheesecake preparation. Here’s why it works so well:

• Even Cooking: The Instant Pot’s consistent steam and pressure ensure that the cheesecake cooks evenly without the risk of hot spots, which can cause cracks or uneven textures in traditional oven baking.
• Moist Environment: Cheesecakes require a humid environment to prevent drying out. The sealed chamber of the Instant Pot naturally creates the perfect level of moisture for a silky texture.
• Foolproof Results: The precise temperature control eliminates much of the guesswork, making it easier for even novice bakers to achieve professional-looking results.

Components of the Perfect New York Cheesecake

The Graham Cracker Crust

The graham cracker crust is a classic foundation for New York cheesecake. With its buttery, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced flavor, it complements the creamy filling beautifully. The addition of a touch of cinnamon enhances the depth of flavor, creating a warm and aromatic base.

The Creamy Cheesecake Filling

The filling is the heart of the cheesecake, characterized by its dense yet velvety texture. Made with rich cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs, the filling achieves its signature consistency through a balance of fat and protein. Lemon zest and almond extract add subtle brightness and complexity, elevating the overall flavor profile.

The Fresh Strawberry Topping

The strawberry topping adds a vibrant, sweet finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake. Tossing fresh strawberries in warmed strawberry jam creates a glossy, flavorful topping that enhances the presentation and taste. This finishing touch not only looks stunning but also provides a refreshing complement to the richness of the filling.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Instant Pot New York Cheesecake recipe simplifies what is often considered a challenging dessert to master. It combines classic flavors with modern convenience, offering:

• Time Efficiency: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking and cooling time compared to traditional methods.
• Consistent Results: The pressure-cooking process minimizes common cheesecake issues like cracking, uneven baking, or overcooking.
• Customizable Toppings: While the strawberry topping is a delicious classic, this cheesecake serves as a blank canvas for various toppings like chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, or fresh fruit medleys.

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and heavy cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and prevents lumps.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate excess air, leading to a less dense texture and potential cracks.
• Prepare the Pan Properly: Lightly grease the springform pan to prevent sticking, and press the crust firmly to create a solid base.
• Wrap the Pan with Foil: While not always necessary, wrapping the bottom of the springform pan with foil can provide extra protection against water leakage during cooking.
• Let It Cool Gradually: Cooling the cheesecake in the Instant Pot and then on a wire rack prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.

Variations and Customizations

This Instant Pot New York Cheesecake is versatile and adaptable to various preferences:

• Flavor Variations:
  • Add a swirl of raspberry or chocolate ganache before cooking for a marbled effect.
  • Mix in crushed Oreos or chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a citrusy variation.
• Different Toppings:
  • Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
  • Drizzle caramel or salted caramel sauce for a decadent option.
  • Top with toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
• Crust Alternatives:
  • Use crushed chocolate cookies for a richer base.
  • Try a nut-based crust with ground almonds or pecans for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot New York Cheesecake is best served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. Here are some ways to serve and pair it:

• Simple Elegance: Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Special Occasions: Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or dessert wine like Moscato for a celebratory treat.
• Casual Gathering: Serve alongside coffee or espresso for a satisfying end to a meal.

Storing and Freezing

This cheesecake stores beautifully, making it a great option for preparing in advance:

• Refrigeration: Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Cheesecake freezes well without the topping. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion: A Modern Twist on a Classic Dessert

This Instant Pot New York Cheesecake delivers all the indulgence of the classic dessert with the convenience of modern cooking methods. Its rich, creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and vibrant strawberry topping make it a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.