Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

This Instant Pot pumpkin cheesecake is the best of both worlds: cheesecake and pumpkin pie! Plus, it's easy and foolproof in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

By
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco Morante
Coco began developing recipes for Simply Recipes in 2016 and is the author of five cookbooks. She is an industry expert on Instant Pot cooking.
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Updated January 24, 2023
Coco Morante
Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake slice topped with whipped cream and nuts

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Pumpkin cheesecake is such a good mash-up of favorites. I love cheesecake and pumpkin pie, but I love this combination even more.

The tangy cream cheese cuts the sweetness of the pumpkin, brown sugar, and warming spices, and the graham cracker and pecan crust has just enough salt to make all of the flavors pop.

A pecan-speckled crust, not-too-sweet pumpkin filling, and boozy whipped cream topping made this cheesecake the favorite dessert at my family’s Thanksgiving dinner last year. I’ll be making it every year now in my Instant Pot while the rest of the kitchen is in serious holiday mode.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream and nuts

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Why Make Cheesecake in the Instant Pot?

Made in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, cheesecakes never dry out, crack, or come out underdone in the middle. I love the consistency of cooking them this way, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to oven-baked versions.

Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot lower it into the pot

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

What Equipment Do You Need?

For a 6-quart electric pressure cooker, you’ll need a 7-inch pan, as anything larger won’t fit in the pot. This makes a cute little cheesecake, yielding eight wedges that really are plenty of dessert after a big holiday meal.

My favorite pan for making cheesecakes has a removable bottom, and it’s tall enough that I can cover the cheesecake with foil to prevent any condensation from dripping down onto it. A springform pan works too, though you’ll have to leave it uncovered, then dab off a bit more moisture once the cheesecake is cooked. Use whichever kind of pan you prefer.

One other special piece of equipment I like to use for my pressure cooker cheesecakes is a long-handled silicone steam rack. The OXO® brand one is my favorite (they call it a Silicone Pressure Cooker Lifter). Its handles are long enough to fold up and over the pan, and they snap together for easy lowering and lifting. It also performs the function of a steam rack, since it’s tall enough that the cheesecake pan sits above the water while it’s in the pot.

If you don’t have one of these nifty tools, you can fashion a makeshift sling out of aluminum foil instead. Simply fold an 18-inch piece of foil lengthwise a couple times into a long, sturdy strip. Center it underneath the cheesecake pan, then lift up the ends and use it to transfer the cheesecake in and out of the pot. (See step-by-step photos with this Pressure Cooker Cheesecake recipe.)

You’ll also want to have the wire metal steam rack inside the pot so that the cheesecake sits above the water.

Instant Pot pumpkin cheesecake topped with whipped cream and nuts

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

Make the Cheesecake a Day Ahead

When you make this cheesecake, be sure to prepare it a day ahead so it has at least 12 hours to firm up and chill in the fridge. You’ll be rewarded with a silky smooth texture, and the spices will have a chance to meld with the pumpkin filling. It’s worth the wait!

How To Freeze Cheesecake

Believe it or not, cheesecake freezes beautifully!

I prefer to transfer the cheesecake to a cake board then wrap it in plastic and foil. You can also freeze cheesecake by the slice, which is nice when you have only a piece or two leftover. Wait to add the garnish until you thaw it.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake slice on a plate topped with whipped cream and nuts

Simply Recipes / Coco Morante

How To Top Your Cheesecake

The topping for this cheesecake is super simple. Rather than do a complicated glaze or ganache, I make up a little batch of whipped cream which only takes a couple of minutes to come together.

You can whip your cream in a stand mixer, with an electric hand mixer, or with a whisk (and a lot of elbow grease!). A splash of bourbon and a little bit of powdered sugar make it boozy and just sweet enough. Feel free to add a little more sugar if you like your whipped cream on the sweeter side.

More Cheesecake Recipes to Enjoy

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Chilling 12 hrs
Total Time 13 hrs 15 mins
Servings 8 servings

For Stovetop Pressure Cookers: Make the crust and filling, then assemble the cheesecake as directed below, placing it on a steam rack. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the pressure cooker, lower the cheesecake inside the pot, place the lid on in its sealed position, and cook at high pressure for 27 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally completely before opening the pot, then refrigerate and serve as directed.

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 1/4 cup pecans or pecan pieces

  • 8 graham cracker sheets

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or turbinado sugar

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the filling

  • 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or turbinado sugar

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

  • 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature

For the whipped cream

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon bourbon

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

To garnish

Special Equipment

  • 1 (7-inch) springform pan or (7x3-inch) push pan
  • Food processor

Method

  1. Prepare the pan:

    Line the base of a 7-inch round springform pan or 7-inch by 3-inch push-pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot line the pan
    Coco Morante
  2. Toast the pecans:

    Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for 4 to 5 minutes until they become fragrant; watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, toast the pecans in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted and fragrant.

    Allow the nuts to cool.

  3. Process and prepare the crust:

    In a food processor, process the cooled pecans and graham crackers to fine crumbs. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Using 1-second pulses, process until the mixture resembles damp sand.

    Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer on the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Use the bottom of a drinking glass to firmly press the crumbs into the bottom.

    Place the pan in the freezer to allow the crust to firm up a bit while you make the filling.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot press the crumbs into a crust in the pan
    Coco Morante
  4. Make the filling:

    In the now-empty food processor, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Process the mixture for about five 1-second pulses, just until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

    One at a time, add the eggs and the egg yolk, processing for two 1-second pulses after each addition until just barely combined. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in any large streaks of egg yolk. It’s fine if a few small streaks remain. (Do not over-process the filling, or the batter may overflow the pan as it cooks and you will end up with an overly fluffy cheesecake, which may crack as it cools.)

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake make the filling
    Coco Morante
  5. Pour the filling into the prepared crust:

    Remove the crust from the freezer and pour in the filling. Tap the pan firmly against the countertop a few times to remove any air bubbles from the filling. Place the pan on a long-handled silicone steam rack.

    If you are using a tall push pan, you can cover it with aluminum foil to keep any condensation off of the cheesecake. If using a springform, do not cover.

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake pour the filling into the pan
    Coco Morante
  6. Pressure cook the cheesecake:

    Pour 1 1/2 cups water into the Instant Pot. Holding the handles of the steam rack, lower it into the pot.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Pressure Cooker add the water
    Coco Morante
    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot bring the handles together
    Coco Morante
    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot lower it into the pot
    Coco Morante

    Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to “Sealing.” Select the Cake, Pressure Cook, or Manual setting and set the cooking time for 32 minutes at high pressure. (The pot will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking program begins.)

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot Pressure Cook the Cheesecake
    Coco Morante
  7. Release the pressure and cool:

    When the cooking program ends, leave the pot on its default “Keep Warm” setting for 20 minutes, letting the pressure release naturally.

    After 20 minutes, open the pot, taking care not to drip condensation from the lid onto the cheesecake. Wearing heat-resistant mitts, grab the handles of the steam rack, lift it out of the pot, and transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack.

    If you have not covered the pan with foil, use a paper towel to dab up any moisture that may have settled on the top. If the pan is covered, remove the foil, taking care not to get burned from the steam.

    The cake will be puffed up and jiggle a bit in the center when it comes out of the pot, but it will settle and set up as it cools.

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake wait 20 minutes
    Coco Morante
  8. Cool and refrigerate the cheesecake:

    Let the cheesecake cool on the rack for about 1 hour, then cover (or re-cover) and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.

    Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake cool the cheesecake
    Coco Morante
  9. Prepare the whipped cream:

    The day you plan to serve the cheesecake, make the whipped cream. In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine the heavy cream, bourbon, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the mixture vigorously (about 2 minutes on high) until fluffy and just stiff enough to hold its shape. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up 12 hours.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Pressure Cooker make the whipped cream
    Coco Morante
  10. Serve the cheesecake:

    If using a springform pan, run a knife around the side of the pan, then unclasp the collar on the pan and lift it off to unmold it. Use the parchment border to tug the cheesecake off the base of the pan and onto a plate.

    If you’re using a push pan, run a knife around the side of the pan, place a drinking glass under the pan, then gently slide the outside ring of the pan downwards.

    Transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve each piece topped with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Pressure Cooker place the pan on a glass
    Coco Morante
    Pumpkin Cheesecake in the Instant Pot unmold the cheesecake
    Coco Morante
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
449 Calories
36g Fat
26g Carbs
7g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 449
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g 46%
Saturated Fat 19g 96%
Cholesterol 159mg 53%
Sodium 249mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 7g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 97mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 186mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.