What Desserts Can You Make in an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is known for its versatility and speed when cooking savory meals, but it’s also a fantastic tool for making desserts. The pressure cooking function allows desserts to be prepared in less time, and it can create smooth textures and rich flavors. From decadent cakes to creamy puddings, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking to expand your dessert repertoire using this kitchen gadget, here’s a list of delicious treats you can make in your Instant Pot.

1. Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a classic dessert, but making it can often be time-consuming. With an Instant Pot, it’s much quicker and just as delicious. The pressure cooker keeps the cheesecake moist and prevents cracking.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 3 packs (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter to form the crust. Press it into the bottom of a springform pan.
2. Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and flour.
4. Pour the batter over the crust and smooth the top.
5. Add water to the Instant Pot liner and place the trivet inside. Put the springform pan on top of the trivet.
6. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure.
7. Let the cheesecake cool, then chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.

2. Chocolate Lava Cake

Instant Pot chocolate lava cakes are perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings. The center stays gooey, creating that irresistible “lava” effect.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together in the microwave or over a double boiler.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in the melted chocolate and mix in flour and salt.
4. Grease ramekins and pour the batter into each one, leaving room at the top for rising.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Place the ramekins on the trivet.
6. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

3. Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a comforting dessert that’s rich, creamy, and easy to make in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking helps the rice absorb the milk and sugar, resulting in a soft and velvety texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice (short-grain or Arborio works best)
• 4 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, milk, sugar, and salt in the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
3. Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and top with cinnamon before serving.

4. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a classic baked good, and the Instant Pot helps you make it faster while keeping it moist and tender.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, salt) in one bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter into the pan.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the loaf pan on the trivet.
6. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
7. Let the banana bread cool before serving.

5. Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert made from bread, milk, sugar, and eggs. The Instant Pot’s steam and pressure functions work perfectly to create a soft, custard-like texture.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Add the cubed bread to the mixture and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in raisins if desired.
4. Pour the bread mixture into a greased pan that fits inside your Instant Pot.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place the pan on the trivet, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then serve with caramel or whipped cream.

6. Custard

A silky smooth custard is a great dessert that you can make in the Instant Pot without much effort. The pressure cooker creates the perfect texture without the need for a double boiler.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 large egg yolks

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until combined and smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream until just warm, but not boiling.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the custard mixture into ramekins and cover each with foil.
6. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the ramekins on a trivet.
7. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.
8. Let the custard cool before serving.

7. Steamed Pudding

Steamed pudding is a British classic, often made with treacle or sticky toffee sauce. The Instant Pot makes this dessert moist and dense.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup chopped dates (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add the wet ingredients (milk, melted butter, egg) to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped dates if using.
4. Grease a pudding mold and pour the batter into the mold.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot, place the pudding mold on the trivet, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.
7. Serve with custard or a drizzle of sticky toffee sauce.

8. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a simple and comforting dessert, and the Instant Pot makes it even easier. The apples cook to tender perfection, and the topping becomes crisp and golden.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced apples
• ¾ cup oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Cut the cold butter into the oat mixture until it resembles crumbs.
4. Layer the apples in the bottom of the Instant Pot and top with the oat mixture.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Quick release the pressure and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

9. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is a fall favorite, and the Instant Pot speeds up the process of creating a rich, creamy pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• 1 prepared pie crust

Instructions:

1. Mix the pumpkin, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
3. Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
4. Set the pie on the trivet and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally, and cool before slicing.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is a great tool for making a wide variety of desserts with minimal effort. From cheesecakes to pies and puddings, the Instant Pot ensures your desserts are made quickly and with a perfect texture. With so many options, you can satisfy any sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. So, grab your Instant Pot and start experimenting with these delightful dessert recipes!

Related topics:

• What Desserts Can You Make with Zucchini?
• What Can You Replace Crisco With?
• What Dessert Can You Make with Fresh Strawberries?