The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking with its versatility and time-saving features. Beyond soups and stews, this kitchen marvel excels at creating delicious desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
With the Instant Pot, you can make everything from creamy cheesecakes and moist banana bread to traditional Indian sweets like Kalakand and Kaju Katli. Whether you’re in the mood for puddings, cakes, or fruit-based treats, this multi-functional appliance makes dessert preparation easier and often faster than conventional methods.
You’ll be amazed at how many delightful sweet creations are possible with just this one kitchen tool.
1. New York-Style Instant Pot Cheesecake
The Instant Pot creates a perfectly creamy New York-style cheesecake that rivals traditional oven methods. This popular dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a velvety smooth cream cheese mixture.
You’ll need to pressure cook the cheesecake for about an hour, resulting in a dessert that’s either silky smooth or rich and dense, depending on your preference. The moist environment of the Instant Pot prevents the common problem of cracked tops.
The results are consistently excellent, with many recipes winning high praise from home bakers. You’ll need a special cheesecake pan that fits in your Instant Pot for best results.
2. Instant Pot Banana Bread
Banana bread made in your Instant Pot comes out incredibly moist thanks to the steaming method used during pressure cooking. This treat is perfect for using up those overripe bananas on your counter.
You can make this dessert with simple ingredients like mashed bananas, flour, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Some recipes even use cake mix as a shortcut for an easy 4-ingredient version.
For added variety, try mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, or blueberries. There are also gluten-free options available that use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, which reduces the carb content.
The “pot in pot” method works best for this recipe, creating mini loaves that cook evenly and maintain their moisture.
3. Pressure Cooker Applesauce
Homemade applesauce in your Instant Pot is incredibly simple to make and ready in just minutes. You can choose to peel the apples or leave the skin on for added nutrition.
The process is straightforward – just add your sliced apples, a splash of lemon juice, cinnamon, and a little water to your pressure cooker. Some recipes suggest adding honey for sweetness.
Once you’ve added all ingredients, your Instant Pot does all the work. After cooking, you can blend the applesauce to your preferred consistency.
This versatile treat works as both a healthy snack and as an ingredient in other desserts like applesauce cake. It also freezes well for future use.
4. Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche is a creamy Hispanic rice pudding dessert that’s perfect for your Instant Pot. This sweet treat combines rice, milk, and cinnamon for a rich, comforting flavor.
You can make this dessert in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients like long-grain white rice, milk, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Some recipes also include vanilla extract for extra flavor.
The Instant Pot makes the cooking process fast and easy. You’ll get consistent results every time without having to stand over a stove stirring constantly.
Serve your Arroz con Leche warm or cold with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a simple but satisfying dessert.
5. Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie made in the Instant Pot offers a delicious twist on the traditional holiday favorite. You can make it crustless for a keto-friendly option that’s quick and easy.
The Instant Pot creates a custard-like texture that’s perfect for pumpkin pie. Common ingredients include pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut milk, and your choice of sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
If you struggle with pie crusts, try a pumpkin pie crisp instead. It combines the familiar pumpkin pie flavor with a crumbly streusel topping.
This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re craving a taste of fall without the fuss of traditional baking.
6. Instant Pot Monkey Bread
Instant Pot Monkey Bread is a quick dessert that gives you gooey, pull-apart sweetness in less time than traditional baking. This treat features bite-sized pieces of biscuit dough coated in cinnamon and sugar.
You only need about five ingredients to make this dessert. The recipe typically uses refrigerated biscuit dough that you cut into small pieces before coating with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
The monkey bread cooks in a bundt pan that fits inside your Instant Pot. Many recipes recommend using a silicone sling to easily remove the pan after cooking.
The finished dessert is often topped with a simple vanilla icing. It works well as both a breakfast treat or a dessert option.
7. Instant Pot Magic Apple Cake
This warm, spiced treat brings the taste of fall to your table without needing an oven. The Magic Apple Cake gets its name from how effortlessly it comes together right in your Instant Pot.
The cake features a moist texture with chopped apples and cinnamon throughout. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for dessert or even breakfast.
To make it, you’ll combine cake mix with butter, eggs, and some liquid. The recipe calls for both brown and granulated sugar, giving it a rich flavor profile.
When finished, break the apples in half using a wooden spoon to release their juicy goodness throughout the cake.
8. Instant Pot Confetti Birthday Cake
The Instant Pot Confetti Birthday Cake brings fun and color to any celebration. This vibrant dessert is packed with sprinkles and vanilla flavor that will please both kids and adults.
To make this festive cake, you’ll need to pressure cook it on high for about 40 minutes. The result is a moist, colorful treat that doesn’t require heating up your oven.
You can serve this cake as is or dress it up with frosting and additional sprinkles. It serves about 8 people, making it perfect for small gatherings or family celebrations.
This cake takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes total, with 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time.
9. Instant Pot Rice Pudding
Rice pudding made in the Instant Pot is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare. The pressure cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich treat with minimal effort.
You’ll need rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt as your base ingredients. Some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk for extra creaminess, while others use regular milk.
The process is straightforward – combine the ingredients, set the pressure cooker, and let it work its magic. You can customize your rice pudding with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices.
Both white and brown rice work well, with brown rice offering a healthier alternative. Serve warm or chilled for a satisfying dessert.
10. Instant Pot Chocolate Turtle Lava Cakes
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cake filled with rich, melted chocolate. Instant Pot Chocolate Turtle Lava Cakes take this experience to the next level.
These decadent treats are drenched in caramel and topped with pecans. The outside is a perfectly cooked cake while the center stays molten and fudgy.
To make these cakes, you’ll need basic ingredients like chocolate chips, butter, eggs, flour, and cocoa powder. The Instant Pot creates the perfect environment for these little cakes to cook evenly while maintaining their gooey centers.
Serve them warm for the full lava effect. These desserts are perfect for special occasions or when you need a chocolate fix.
11. Instant Pot Flan
Flan in the Instant Pot turns out rich, creamy, and silky smooth every time. This traditional dessert is easier to make in a pressure cooker than using the oven method.
To make Instant Pot flan, first prepare your caramel sauce and pour it into ramekins. Mix your custard ingredients and pour over the caramel.
Cover the ramekins with foil, add water to the Instant Pot, and place them on the steamer rack. Pressure cook for about 9 minutes for perfect results.
The pressure cooking method prevents air bubbles and graininess, giving you velvety smooth flan consistently. Your guests will be impressed with this heavenly dessert.
12. Instant Pot Chocoflan
This amazing dessert combines a rich chocolate cake on the bottom with creamy flan on top. Also known as “Impossible Flan,” Chocoflan creates a magical effect where the layers switch places during cooking.
Making Chocoflan in your Instant Pot is surprisingly easy. You’ll need eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla for the flan layer. The chocolate cake layer uses your favorite cake mix or from-scratch recipe.
The pressure cooking environment of the Instant Pot gives this dessert a perfectly moist texture. When you flip it over after cooking, the caramel sauce on the bottom becomes a beautiful topping that drips down the sides.
13. Instant Pot Lemon Bundt Cake
The Instant Pot Lemon Bundt Cake is a delicious dessert you can make in half the time of traditional baking. This fluffy, moist cake features a bright lemon flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
It’s topped with a creamy lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. The cake keeps well for several days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
You can enjoy this versatile cake as a dessert or even with your morning coffee for breakfast. Many pressure cooker enthusiasts consider this one of their favorite Instant Pot dessert recipes due to its simplicity and amazing results.
14. Instant Pot Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is a rich, caramel-like sauce that’s surprisingly easy to make in your Instant Pot. The process transforms a simple can of condensed milk into a sweet, creamy treat with almost no effort.
To make it, place an unopened can of condensed milk on the trivet in your Instant Pot with cold water. Set the timer for 35 minutes at high pressure for the perfect silky smooth consistency.
This homemade version is ready in less than an hour and tastes much better than store-bought. You can use it to dip fruits like apples or pears, drizzle over ice cream, or incorporate into other desserts.
15. Instant Pot Coconut Cake
Instant Pot Coconut Cake is a delightful dessert that’s quick and easy to make. This mini bundt cake starts with a boxed cake mix but transforms into a flavorful coconut treat.
The cake is infused with coconut flavors and topped with a creamy coconut glaze that takes it to the next level. You can make this perfect dessert for tea with friends or family gatherings.
Some versions even include a tres leches twist. These soak the fluffy coconut cake with a creamy trio of milks before adding whipped cream and toasted coconut on top.
This dessert uses few ingredients and the Instant Pot makes the process simple. Your coconut-loving guests will be impressed with this moist, flavorful cake.
16. Instant Pot Strawberries and Cream
Strawberries and cream made in your Instant Pot creates a moist, delicious cake topped with a creamy glaze. This dessert stands out with its bright, fresh strawberry flavor.
You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe. If using frozen berries, add a small amount of water to help create steam in the pot.
The pressure cooking environment helps the strawberry flavors infuse throughout the cake, making it extra moist. The result is a tender dessert with a beautiful pink hue.
This dessert works well for spring gatherings or whenever you want a light, fruity treat without heating up your kitchen.
17. Instant Pot Brownies
Instant Pot brownies offer the perfect balance between cake and fudge textures. They’re moist, chewy, and super fudgy on the inside.
Making these brownies is simple. You can use a brownie mix with eggs, water, and oil, or make them from scratch. Either way, they turn out delicious.
To prepare them, mix your ingredients in a bowl. Spray silicone egg bite molds or a small baking dish with oil.
Pour in the batter and cook in your Instant Pot.
These brownies require no white or brown sugar when made from scratch, making them a healthier option. They’re always a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers.
18. Instant Pot Crème Brûlée
Instant Pot Crème Brûlée is a simple yet elegant dessert you can easily make at home. This creamy vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust requires just 6 ingredients.
The pressure cooking method simplifies the process significantly. Just place your filled ramekins in the Instant Pot with water and cook for about 14 minutes.
The result is a silky, rich custard that rivals restaurant quality. You’ll get that perfect contrast between the smooth, creamy base and the crisp, caramelized top layer.
This dessert can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. Some recipes even offer healthier versions with reduced sugar content.
19. Instant Pot Lava Cake
Instant Pot Lava Cake is a decadent dessert with a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes with each bite. It’s surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients like chocolate chips, butter, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla.
You can create this rich treat in your pressure cooker without heating up your kitchen. The steam from the Instant Pot helps create that perfect molten center that makes lava cakes so special.
For a twist, try a turtle version with caramel and pecans. Or make it healthier with gluten-free options. Serve your lava cake with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
20. Instant Pot Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake
This decadent dessert lives up to its bold name with rich, gooey chocolate that melts in your mouth. The Instant Pot creates the perfect environment for this lava cake to develop its signature oozing chocolate center.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this impressive treat. The pressure cooking method ensures a moist texture that regular baking sometimes misses.
When you cut into this cake, warm chocolate flows out, creating a dessert experience that’s truly special. It’s perfect for date nights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
21. Instant Pot Coconut Cheesecake
Coconut cheesecake is a delicious Instant Pot dessert that has even won awards. This creamy treat combines the richness of cream cheese with tropical coconut flavors.
The recipe typically includes cream cheese, coconut cream, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, and coconut extract. Some versions feature a chocolate crust for an added dimension of flavor.
You can make variations like a mango swirl coconut cheesecake for a fruity twist. The Instant Pot creates the perfect environment for cheesecake, ensuring it cooks evenly without cracking.
For serving, consider adding a caramel coconut topping and chocolate drizzle to transform it into a Samoa-inspired dessert. The result is a smooth, flavorful cheesecake that will impress your guests.
Understanding Instant Pot Functions
The Instant Pot offers various cooking functions that can help you create delicious desserts with ease. Knowing when to use pressure cooking versus slow cooking and understanding special settings like yogurt mode can elevate your dessert-making skills.
Pressure Cooking vs Slow Cooking
Pressure cooking uses high pressure and steam to cook foods quickly, making it perfect for desserts that need thorough and even heating.
When making cheesecakes in your Instant Pot, pressure cooking ensures a smooth, creamy texture without cracks.
For rice puddings and custards, pressure cooking cuts down preparation time from hours to minutes while maintaining rich flavors. The sealed environment prevents moisture loss, creating perfectly moist desserts.
Slow cooking, on the other hand, works better for desserts that benefit from gentle, long cooking. Use this function for fruit compotes, bread puddings, or when you want flavors to develop gradually.
You can switch between these functions depending on your recipe and time constraints. Most dessert recipes will specify which function works best.
Using the Yogurt Setting
The Yogurt setting on your Instant Pot serves more purposes than just making yogurt. For desserts, it provides precise low-temperature control that’s perfect for delicate items.
You can use this setting to make creamy cheesecakes with exceptional texture. The consistent, low heat helps prevent the harsh temperature fluctuations that cause cracks or uneven cooking.
This setting also works wonderfully for custards, panna cotta, and chocolate mousse. The gentle heat ensures these delicate desserts set properly without curdling.
When making actual yogurt-based desserts, this function maintains the ideal temperature for fermentation. You’ll achieve consistent results every time, whether you’re making frozen yogurt bases or yogurt cheesecakes.
Remember to use the “Less” yogurt setting for more delicate desserts that require minimal heat.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Desserts
Creating delicious desserts in your Instant Pot requires attention to detail and proper technique. These tips will help you achieve consistent results and avoid common mistakes that can ruin your sweet treats.
Ingredient Preparation
Start with room temperature ingredients whenever possible, especially for cheesecakes and custards. Cold ingredients can create lumps and uneven textures in your desserts.
Measure ingredients precisely using kitchen scales for dry goods like flour and sugar.
Always properly grease your baking pans or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. For cheesecakes, wrap the bottom of springform pans with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage.
Use the right size pan for your Instant Pot model. A 7-inch springform pan typically fits well in 6-quart models. Leave at least 1-inch clearance around pans for proper steam circulation.
For fruits in desserts, cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Pat dry wet ingredients like canned fruits to avoid excess moisture affecting your recipe.
Optimal Cooking Times
Cooking times vary based on your Instant Pot model and the specific dessert. Start with the recommended time in your recipe, then adjust in future attempts based on results.
For custards and cheesecakes, slightly undercook rather than overcook. They will continue firming up during cooling. Most cheesecakes need 25-35 minutes at high pressure.
Dense desserts like bread pudding require longer cooking times (30-40 minutes) than lighter desserts like flans (8-10 minutes). Use the “cake” setting if your Instant Pot has it for more specialized control.
Test for doneness by gently jiggling the pan. The center should be slightly wobbly but not liquid. For cakes, insert a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Account for altitude adjustments. Add 5% more cooking time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation.
Natural vs Quick Pressure Release
The pressure release method significantly impacts your dessert’s texture.
Natural pressure release (NPR) works best for delicate desserts like cheesecakes, custards, and flans. This gentle method prevents rapid temperature changes that cause collapsing or cracking.
On the other hand, quick release works better for bread-like desserts such as banana bread or corn pudding. These sturdier desserts can handle the faster pressure change without damage.
For many desserts, a modified approach works well: use 10 minutes of natural release followed by a quick release of remaining pressure. This balanced method provides good results for cakes and less delicate puddings.
Always open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns.
After pressure release, allow desserts to cool in the pot for 10-15 minutes before removing. This final rest period helps set the dessert’s structure and makes it easier to remove cleanly.
