[Foodie Friday Recipe] Instant Pot® Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

This Apple Cinnamon cheesecake can be made in your Instant Pot for an easy & special holiday dessert – plus it’s gluten-free and doesn’t contain any refined sugars or artificial ingredients!

There’s something truly magical about the flavors of apple and cinnamon during the holidays—the way they instantly make your kitchen feel cozy, nostalgic, and full of anticipation!

Whether you’re planning a festive dinner party, a quiet family gathering, or simply craving a seasonal treat on a chilly evening, this Instant Pot® Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season. Rich, creamy, and infused with comforting spices, it delivers all the decadence of a classic baked cheesecake in a fraction of the time—no oven required!

Topped with warm maple-glazed apples and crunchy pecans, it’s an irresistible holiday showstopper that feels both indulgent and effortless. If you’re looking for a dessert that impresses without the stress, this one is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.

Tip: Use a designated seal exclusively for baking with your Instant Pot®. Savory dishes will infuse the seal with strong flavors that can affect more delicate recipes like this one.

Note: Batter ingredients must be room temperature for this recipe to work. Allow 2 hours or more to achieve the correct temperature.

Here is the springform pan and seals used for this recipe: https://amzn.to/4iGvsQZ

Special equipment needed:

• 7” springform pan (for 6-quart Instant Pot®)
• 6-Quart Instant Pot®
• Non-stick cooking spray

Instant Pot® Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes
Sauté time: 5 minutes
Active cook time: 30 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: up to 10 minutes
Time to chill: 4 hours to overnight
Serves: 4-6

Crust Ingredients:

1 c. almond flour
1 t. real vanilla extract
3 T. powdered monk fruit sweetener
3 T. unsalted butter, melted

Batter Ingredients:

2 8-oz. blocks cream cheese, room temperature
1 t. real vanilla extract
¼ c. powdered monk fruit sweetener
1 t. ground cinnamon
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ c. heavy cream, room temperature
1¼ c. water

Apple Cinnamon Topping:

2 T. unsalted butter
1 large McIntosh apple, cored and cut into equal-sized wedges
1 t. ground cinnamon
½ t. allspice
3 T. maple syrup
½ c. water
Pinch salt
¼ c. pecans, chopped

Directions:

1. Coat the inside of the springform pan with the non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the crust by combining all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan and spread into a uniform layer covering the entire bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer for at least one hour.
3. To prepare the batter, beat the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl, one at a time, for 10-15 seconds per ingredient: Cream cheese, vanilla extract, monk fruit sweetener, heavy cream, and the eggs, one at a time. (Do not overwork to avoid incorporating extra air into the batter).

Tip: Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl with a plastic spatula before adding each new ingredient to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into the batter.

4. Remove the springform pan from the freezer and pour the batter on top of the chilled crust. Smooth into a uniform layer and gently tap the pan on the counter several times to release any air bubbles in the batter.
5. Pour the water into the Instant Pot® cooking container and place the springform pan onto the trivet that comes with the Instant Pot®. Carefully place the trivet and pan into the Instant Pot® with the handles positioned upwards for easy removal.
6. Add the lid and lock into place. Select the “Manual” button and make sure it is set to “High.” Adjust cook time to 30 minutes.
7. When cook time is complete, allow pressure to release naturally until the pin drops (up to 10 minutes). If it takes longer than 10 minutes, do a quick release for any remaining steam. Carefully remove the lid and lift the cheesecake out by the trivet handles with potholders. Set on the counter to cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours to overnight.
8. Before serving, prepare the topping by selecting the “Sauté” function on the medium setting. Add the butter and stir to cover the bottom of the pot while it melts.
9. Add the apple wedges, ground cinnamon, allspice, maple syrup, water, and salt to the unit. Stir until the apples are thoroughly coated in the cinnamon-maple mixture. Sauté until the apples are crisp-tender, but not mushy, and the sauce has thickened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Turn the unit off and transfer the apple mixture into a bowl to cool slightly.
10. Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and carefully release the springform pan. Arrange the warm apple slices on top of the cheesecake and drizzle with the cinnamon-maple sauce. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top and serve immediately.