14 February 2019

Cherry Swirl Cheesecake - Instant Pot

Cherry Swirl Cheesecake - Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) / www.delightfulrepast.com

I decided a Cherry Swirl Cheesecake would be my first Instant Pot pressure cooker cheesecake. Four years ago I got on a kick developing slow cooker cheesecake recipes, such as my Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

A cheesecake takes 3 hours in the slow cooker. Not bad. But it takes just about 40 minutes in the Instant Pot, including coming up to pressure and pressure release.

Not a big deal for those of us who work at home; but for someone who wants to fit in making a homemade cheesecake before or after work, that speed makes all the difference. 

Cherry cheesecake was the first cheesecake I tasted when I was a young girl. I liked the flavor, but it was sickeningly sweet and full of red dye. But this is organic and natural all the way. 

I had some cherry puree left over because I forgot to put half the filling in the pan, spoon on half the puree, add the remaining filling and spoon on the remaining puree. So I just used what should have gone into the middle as sauce.  


Cherry Swirl Cheesecake - Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) / www.delightfulrepast.com


Cheesecake doesn't have to be a big production. It's just about foolproof in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Just bring a few simple ingredients to room temperature, mix them up, assemble, pop it in and forget about it. 

The main thing is to make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a perfectly smooth and silky cheesecake. I brought everything out of the refrigerator an hour ahead.


You might be celebrating something else today, but
I'm celebrating my Ninth Blogiversary of Delightful Repast!

The 7-inch diameter makes for the perfect size servings of something so rich as cheesecake. The more typical 9- to 10-inch size pans make either huge servings or very skinny, long wedges that aren't very attractive. 

If you don’t already have a 7-inch springform pan, you might try Fat Daddio’s 7-inch removeable bottom pan instead. And I just might get one anyway because I love my Fat Daddio’s cake pans.

Are you a cheesecake fan? Mr Delightful loves cheesecake, so I figure even if I never make anything but cheesecakes in the Instant Pot it will be worth it!


Cherry Swirl Cheesecake - Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) / www.delightfulrepast.com
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Cherry Swirl Cheesecake


(Makes one 7-inch/18 cm cheesecake, 8 servings)

The Crust

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature (for pan)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (6 whole crackers, 3.25 ounces/92 grams)
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons (1.5 ounces/43 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

The Swirl

3/4 cup or so (5 ounces/142 grams) frozen whole pitted sweet cherries, thawed and drained
2 teaspoons non-GMO cornstarch

The Filling

2 8-ounce packages (454 grams total) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/99 grams) sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (4 ounces/113 grams) sour cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 Butter bottom and sides of a 7-inch springform pan with the softened butter. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the buttered bottom of the pan, then butter the top of the paper as well. Combine crumbs, sugar and melted butter until the mixture comes together. If you used a food processor to make the crumbs, you can mix the crust in it as well. If you used the rolling pin/plastic bag method to make the crumbs, you can mix the crust with a fork in a small bowl. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom and one inch up the sides of the springform pan. Place in freezer while proceeding with the recipe.

Note: I use the Progressive International 3-Inch-Deep 7-Inch Nonstick Springform Pan, which I didn't find on Amazon except in this Set of 3 Springform Pans.

2 Using a 20-inch length of aluminum foil, make a “sling” by folding it in thirds lengthwise. This will help you get the hot pan out of the pot. Save it to reuse.

3 In food processor or blender, puree cherries; measure 1/2 cup. Stir in the cornstarch; let stand.

4 With electric mixer on medium speed, mix cream cheese and sugar until perfectly smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl and beaters/paddle. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well on low for 20 seconds after each addition. On low speed, mix in sour cream and vanilla extract just until well combined, about 20 seconds. 

5 Pour half the cheesecake filling into prepared pan. Drop teaspoonfuls of the cherry puree on top of the filling in the pan, using not more than half the puree. Pour the remaining filling in the pan, and drop teaspoonfuls of remaining puree on top. Using a thin, pointed knife, gently cut through the batter several times in a figure-8 motion to make swirls, being careful to not disturb the crust. 

6 Place rack (with its handles down) in bottom of the Instant Pot cooking pot, and add 1 cup of water to the pot. Carefully set the cheesecake, centered on its foil sling, on the rack. 

Cherry Swirl Cheesecake - Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker) - this photo shows foil sling used to lift hot pan out of the pot / www.delightfulrepast.com


7 Put the lid in place and turn the steam valve to Sealing. Attach the condensation cup to the back of the unit. Plug in the Instant Pot. Press the Pressure Cook key. Leave the indicator on High Pressure and change the cooking time to 25 minutes.

Note: It took just a few minutes to reach working pressure. This varies with the amount and temperature of the ingredients in the pot. 

8 When the beep sounds, turn it off by pressing Cancel. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release by turning the steam valve to Venting.

9 When the float valve drops down, carefully remove the lid. With a paper towel, gently blot any moisture that collected on top of the cheesecake. Using the foil sling, carefully lift out the cheesecake. An instant-read thermometer* inserted in the center should register 150F/66C.

* I have the ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk-4.

10 Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake. Release the spring and remove the sides of the pan. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours before serving.

Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon .com and affiliated sites. We are a ThermoWorks affiliate, earning a small commission at no cost to you on purchases made through our links. This helps cover some of the costs of running the blog. Thank you for your support. 

Jean

59 comments:

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

“…practically foolproof.” And I’m the fool who can do it! Oh, yeah. Doesn’t matter where the red glurp goes -- middle, bottom or top (though on Valentine’s Day it probably should be drizzled in the shape of a heart). I’ve been scarfing through Walmart cheesecakes at the rate of about two a week for several months now without any raspberry swirls, as a concession to health – bwahaha! But your authentic, genuine, real McCoy version puts them to shame. 5 cleavers!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Wow! Always an honor to get the 5 Cleavers Award! No need to forego the red gloop "as a concession to health" with this one--just fruit, no sugar. Mr Delightful declared this the best cheesecake he's ever had.

Jeanie said...

I must consider an instant pot one day! As always, your recipes look terrific and -- well, good enough to eat! (Which, I know, is the point!) Happy Valentine's Day!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jeanie. Of course, you can make this in your slow cooker, too. Just follow the slow cooker directions on the slow cooker recipe I linked.

Lutheranliar said...

Yum! And happy Valentine’s Day!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Lutheranliar. Hope that was the truth! :D

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Looks amazing, Jean! We haven't made anything other than my mom's cheesecake recipe for the past 40+ years, but this looks like one I might just have to try!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Ooh lucky me! I do have a 7"springform pan and would love to try this recipe, Jean! Thanks for sharing your IP version. I'm having fun with mine. Happy 9th blogging anniversary and Happy ❤️ Day!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Debbie! My husband is the real cheesecake lover in the family, and he loves this one. Hope you will, too. But, hey, 40+ years is a pretty good record!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Kitty, thank you. Can't believe it's been that long! If you make this in your IP, do let me know how it turns out for you.

April J Harris said...

If this doesn't convince me to get an Instant Pot, nothing will, Jean! What a beautiful cheesecake! Happy Ninth Blogiversary my friend!

Vee said...

Oh I do love cheesecake and this sounds so delicious. Happy Blogiversary! Here’s to another wonderful nine years. 😊

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, April! Yes, even if it did nothing but cheesecake, it could be worth it, depending on how much you love cheesecake!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Vee! Yes, another 9 years - 2028 - doesn't that sound positively futuristic?!

Louca por porcelana said...

Wow!It looks wonderful...Mouthwatering!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Maristella!

Margie said...

Yes, I'm a cheesecake fan! YUM! Happy 9th Blogiversary, Jean. Thanks for the visit.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Margie! Cheesecake goes so well with tea, doesn't it.

Angie's Recipes said...

Perfect swirls and texture..this turned out amazing, Jean.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Angie. Texture is everything with cheesecake!

Mia Coman said...

She looks really artistic but also appetizing, dear Jean!
I can imagine the perfect taste!
I love you warmly, Mia

handmade by amalia said...

You had me at cheesecake.
Amalia
xo

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Wow! That is a fabulous looking cheesecake. Hubby never used to like cheesecake but I swayed him with chocolate and chocolate chip cheesecakes. So, now he will eat any kind. {Sometimes I need to be sneaky when it comes to food he doesn't like.} I love cheesecake myself. He doesn't know it but I have swayed him with many different kinds of food by doing this. He would never eat squash or Hummus or even pizza at one time. But I worked on him over the years and now he eats pretty much anything I make. I am so thankful for that because I love food and I like trying different kinds of dishes. As always, you make one want to get in the kitchen and cook up something delicious. Thank you, Jean!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mia, thank you so much!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Amalia, cheesecake IS a wonderful thing, isn't it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sandi! This comment really had me smiling because I've had to "introduce" Mr Delightful to some foods very carefully--including one that you mentioned, hummus. He still won't eat hummus the way other people do, but I can spread it on a sandwich, pita or bread, and he likes it.

NanaDiana said...

OH MY GOODNESS! That looks WAY too good. I don't dare make it for fear I would eat the whole thing myself. Happy weekend- Diana

Zaa said...

This cake looks amazing and I love all the swirls ... Fabulous for Valentines Day ... Thanks for sharing...Hugs

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Diana! But I have the solution for that problem--I always cut it into 8 slices and freeze half of them so they're not sitting there saying "Eat me" every time I open the refrigerator!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Zaa, thank you. I've always been very fond of swirls!

Cocoa and Lavender said...

I feel like a troglodyte... I don’t have an instant pot and I probably won’t be getting one. (It’s a space issue!) Your cheesecake looks amazing, though...

And happy anniversary! When I saw that, I realized it is also my ninth anniversary this week, too!

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I've not made cheesecake in my Instant Pot Yet, but the two recipe I've tasted have both been really good. This looks delicious Jean. I need to get that cheesecake mold ordered. Thanks for the recipe.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

That's right! Happy 9th Blogiversary to you, too, David! I really didn't think I'd get an Instant Pot either, and at this point I could live quite happily without it. But I can see where it could come into nearly daily use for some people.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Lea Ann. I think you're going to love making cheesecake in the Instant Pot! The slow cooker does a good job with the filling, but I think the crust comes out better in the Instant Pot.

ellen b. said...

Congratulations on 9 years of blogging! Beautiful swirly cheesecake!

Antiques And Teacups said...

I have an Instant Pot... and use it all the time. Not a cheesecake fan, but...your looks delicious!
Ruth

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Ellen, thank you so much!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Ruth. I'm still trying to figure out what all to try in it!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jean,
Boy!! Does that look yummy!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Suzy said...

I've never tried cheesecake in a slow cooker but yours sure looks yummy!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Debbie. I've got to make another one for Mr D soon!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Suzy, thanks. I think the Instant Pot (or a slow cooker) makes better cheesecakes than the oven.

sam said...

The cheesecake looks really pretty with the swirls X #trimphanttales

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sam!

Phil in the Kitchen said...

That lovely cheesecake has made me feel suitably hungry and more than a bit envious. I haven't made a cheesecake for quite a few years because it turned out that I was the only one eating them. It seems that just about everyone I know doesn't like them for one reason or another. Congrats on the 9 years. Believe me, I truly respect your determination, energy and resilience. Here's to the next 9 or more years.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Phil, thank you so much. I would love to still be blogging in 9 years! If you like any food that no one around you wants to eat, just portion it out and freeze it. That's what I do. Then just pull out a frozen slice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and have a party of one!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Love cheesecake. Love its flavor, its texture, everything about it. And this looks superb. Instant pot cheesecake? Would never have thought of it! Well, one reason being I don't have an instant pot. :-) But this sounds like a good reason to get one! Thanks.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, John! Yes, the Instant Pot doesn't just make the cheesecake faster, it makes it better. Easier than fiddling with oven temperatures, water baths and hoping the cheesecake doesn't crack.

Lowcarb team member said...

Looks a great recipe.
Happy ninth Blogiversary :)

All the best Jan

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jan. Can't believe it's been nine years!

Miz Helen said...

Congratulations!
Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week and will be pinned to our Features Board. Thanks so much for sharing with us and hope you are having a great week!
Miz Helen

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Miz Helen, thank you so much! I really appreciate your sharing it!

Bree said...

delicious...my mouth is watering

Jaki said...

Oh my goodness this looks divine! I'm on a low carb diet at the moment and am positively salivating! What a treat! Thanks so much for joining in with #TriumphantTales - make sure you come back next week for our special announcement!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jaki. I can't wait to make it again! See you next week.

Mrs.AOK said...

This looks absolutely delicious!!! My mouth is completely watering over where. Thank you for sharing your recipe with us at #MMBH. And yes, I’m a total cheesecake fan, but it’s not a friend to me. :(

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, MrsAOK. I just eat a small serving of any dessert and am fortunate that nothing I like seems to bother me.

alid said...

This looks really good. Something that I may make in the future.
#TriumphantTales

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Ali. I hope you will!