Instant Pot Sour Cream and Raisin Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a classic dessert, adored for its creamy texture and rich flavor. But what if you could create a unique twist that combines the tangy richness of sour cream with the sweet, chewy delight of raisins?

Enter the Sour Cream and Raisin Cheesecake, a delectable treat made easy with the help of an Instant Pot. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from crafting the shortbread crust to achieving the perfect filling. Whether you’re a cheesecake novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients and Tools

Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 13 classic shortbread cookies
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• For the Filling:
• 16 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese (2 packs)
• 16 ounces sour cream (1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup regular raisins
• 1.5 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 egg yolks (keep whites separate for meringue later)

Tools

• Springform pan (preferably a 6×3 Fat Daddio, available on Amazon)
• Instant Pot (6-quart duo)
• Microwave
• Mixing bowl
• Drinking glass (for tamping down crust)
• Spray Pam
• Parchment paper
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Guide

Making the Crust

1. Prepare the Cookies:

• Take about 13 classic shortbread cookies.
• Smash them up by hand until they resemble the texture of damp sand. The brittleness of the cookies makes this step quick and easy.

1. Mix with Butter:

• Pour in 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
• Mix thoroughly. This should create a crumbly mixture that holds together when pressed.

1. Prepare the Pan:

• Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper.
• Lightly spray it with Pam to prevent sticking.
• Dump the shortbread mixture into the pan.
• Use a drinking glass to evenly tamp the crust down, especially around the edges.

1. Chill the Crust:

• Place the pan in the freezer for a few minutes to let the crust set.

Crafting the Filling

1. Soften the Cream Cheese:

• Open the packs of Philadelphia cream cheese and place them in the microwave for one minute to soften.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 16 ounces of sour cream.
• Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
• Mix in 1 cup of regular raisins and 1.5 cups of sugar.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 3 egg yolks. Keep the egg whites separate for later use.

1. Whip the Mixture:

• Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Assembling and Cooking

1. Fill the Pan:

• Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the cheesecake batter over it.
• Smooth the top with a spatula. You might have a tiny bit extra batter—just set it aside.

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:

• Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Place the cheesecake on the trivet and lower it into the Instant Pot.

1. Pressure Cook:

• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 28 minutes. Ensure the “Keep Warm” function is off.

1. Natural Release:

• After the cook time ends, allow for a natural pressure release. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

1. Check the Seal:

• Open the Instant Pot and carefully lift out the cheesecake.

Final Touches

1. Blot Excess Water:

• Use a paper towel to gently blot off any excess water on the top of the cheesecake.

1. Chill:

• Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator.
• For the best results, let it chill overnight. However, if you’re in a hurry, a minimum of 4 hours will suffice for a good set.

Taste Test

After the cheesecake has been chilled and set, it’s time for the moment of truth: the taste test. The combination of rich, tangy sour cream and sweet, chewy raisins creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Conclusion

The Sour Cream and Raisin Cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the buttery shortbread crust to the flavorful filling. Using an Instant Pot makes the process straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve professional results.