Instant Pot White Chocolate Cheesecake with a fresh burst of tart lemon has me feelin' all the happy spring time feels! And guess what, this cheesecake has a magic trick included too! Read on!
For years I've always been in charge of bringing the dessert. Since going sugar free, I've left the treat making up to others. But upon hearing my daughter explain to my son that I wasn't a real chef because I didn't know how to make desserts . . . I decided it was time for this former dessert queen to make an appearance.
HELLO White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake and GOODBYE to any outrageous claims about mama not being a real chef.
This dessert has disappointed NO ONE! In a world that favors chocolate 5 to 1 (I made that up), this lemon cheesecake knocked it out of the park again and again to everyone I tested it on. Rave reviews every. single. time.
Even my nauseous pregnant sister told me it was incredible going down and up . . . too much info?
I made this cake 7 times in 2 weeks to make sure it would be consistent. Cuz guess what? This cake is magic, and I had to make sure it could perform it's trick consistently each time.
What's the trick? I call it the Magical Switcheroo trick:
- A lemon bar filling gets poured over top of the cheesecake layer
- As it cooks, half of the lemon mixture stays on top and the other half sinks to the bottom of the cheesecake and forms a strong punch of sweet tart lemon on top of the crust
- Just like magic you now essentially have a lemon bar and cheesecake all in one!
That's the magic trick ya'll and the taste is gonna blow your mind!
This IS NOT the typical lemon cheesecake, it's special and unique in so many fabulous ways!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS LEMON CHEESECAKE
- Sweet white chocolate cheesecake surrounded on bottom and top with a layer of sweet-tart-bright lemon flavor.
- Creamy Lemon Yogurt Sauce on top for yet another texture. It started as a way to cover up some cracks, then stayed because it was TO DIE FOR!
- Vanilla Cookie Crust – such a perfect match with the other flavors!
- Pretty. Everyone knows the best desserts should be pretty, and this dessert is PRETTY!
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT WHITE CHOCOLATE LEMON CHEESECAKE IN A FOOD PROCESSOR
You can, of course, make cheesecake with a hand mixer, but I find the food processor to be an easy way to cut the ingredients together quickly without incorporating a lot of air into the batter (which causes it to overflow while it's cooking). Here's a quick view of the food processor tackling the job:
- Press crust into the springform pan, place in freezer. Melt the white chocolate and set aside to cool
- In the food processor, mix sugar and cream cheese until completely smooth
- Add yogurt, flour, and vanilla extract and pulse to mix
- Add eggs and pulse 3 – 4 times to just barely mix the egg
- Take the lid off the food processor, add white chocolate and stir in by hand
- Pour batter over the crust, place in the freezer while you make the lemon juice layer
- Using a tinfoil sling or this silicone sling, put the cheesecake on top of a trivet inside the pot, pour the lemon mixture gently over top, starting at the edges then moving towards the middle. Note: I like to add the lemon mixture when the pan is inside the pot to eliminate the risk of spilling when transferring the pan. Cook the cheesecake
- Once cooked, let it cool on a rack for at least an hour, then cover and place in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours)
- Cover the top with Lemon Yogurt Sauce and serve!
TIPS FOR MAKING THIS WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
ROOM TEMPERATURE INGREDIENTS
Always, always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth batter
SPRINGFORM PAN SIZE
You'll need a springform pan that is a true 7 – 8 inches. I used my 7 inch Nordic Ware pan (which actually only measures to be 6 inches on the inside of the pan) for 5 of the tries and it overflowed slightly on 2 of them. I may have over-beaten the batter, but to be safe, I'm going to suggest you use one that measures a true 7-8 inches like this push pan (it fits in a six-quart pot). Other options include:
- Line the outer ring with parchment that extends a couple inches from the top of the pan. I haven't tried this yet, but I believe it will work well for preventing overflow
- Use this 7 inch pan with the taller ring. I love this pan for breakfast cakes as well
- Pour some of the batter into a ramekin or small mason jar to make a mini cheesecake for another day
CHILL THE BATTER
In the directions below, I write to pour the cheesecake mixture into the crust and place it back in the freezer while you make the lemon mixture. This is an important step because it firms the batter enough to allow half of the lemon mixture to stay on top and the other half to sink to the bottom
COVER IMPERFECTIONS WITH A TOPPING
Sometimes the cheesecake layer peeks above the lemon layer on top. Don't stress! Add Lemon Yogurt Sauce or even some whipped cream, problem solved!
Chill cheesecake overnight
While you can definitely eat cheesecake after a 4 – 6 hour chill, you will always get the best texture with a solid overnight refrigeration
HOW TO KNOW WHEN CHEESECAKE IS DONE
- Very gently shake the pan. The sides should be firm and there will be about a 2-inch diameter in the center that slightly jiggles. If there is liquid or a larger diameter of the center jiggles, return to the pressure cooker for another 5 – 10 minutes
- King Arthur Flour's tip is to check the temperature 1-inch from the edge of the pan. It should be at least 175°F
- Gently touch the top with your fingertip, it should feel firm and not leave wet batter on your finger (this trick doesn't' work as well with this lemon cheesecake since the top layer isn't cheesecake)
And there you have it! All my best tips and tricks to ensure THE BEST LEMON CHEESECAKE OF YOUR ENTIRE LIFE!
I dare say you will not disappoint a single soul with this cheesecake. I received comments such as:
- “I don't even like cheesecake and this is my new favorite dessert”
- “I would take this over chocolate any day!”
- “The only thing wrong with this cake is that there isn't more of it”
- “I want this for my birthday every year”.
- Then, of course, there are the nonverbal signs such as eyes rolling back in heads, big smiles and head bobs (love that sign), and the classic – race to the last slice – sign.
It really is that good.
Enjoy this dreamy White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake and let me know just how many smiles and head bobs you get with this beauty.
MORE INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER CHEESECAKES
- German Chocolate Cheesecake
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
- Peppermint Cheesecake
- Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Funfetti Cheesecake
RECOMMENDED TOOLS TO BUY AND MAKE INSTANT POT WHITE CHOCOLATE LEMON CHEESECAKE
PrintInstant Pot White Chocolate Lemon Cheesecake
Sweet White Chocolate and Tart Lemon come together to make the best Lemon Cheesecake ever!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 4 ounces white chocolate
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup 2% greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, room temperature
For the Lemon Layer
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- zest of 2 lemons
- 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- 3/4 cup 2% greek yogurt
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (add 1–2 more tablespoons if you want it sweeter)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons of milk if needed to thin the sauce
Instructions
- Spray a 7 or 8 inch spring form pan with nonstick cooking spray (A pan smaller than a true 7 inches may overflow while cooking, see note on pans below).
- Stir cookie crumbs and melted butter together, press evenly across the bottom of the pan. Place in the freezer to set while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
- Chop white chocolate into small pieces. Microwave in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds and stir. Heat for another 30 seconds if needed. Stir until the chocolate is smooth. This can also be done on the stove top in a saucepan. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth (see note below for food processor directions).
- Blend in yogurt, flour, and vanilla.
- Mix in eggs one at a time just until blended; don’t over mix.
- Pour in melted white chocolate and lightly mix until fully incorporated.
- Remove the pan from the freezer and fill with the cheesecake mixture. Return pan to the freezer while you prepare the lemon layer.
- To make the lemon layer, add eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a small bowl, whisk until smooth. Add flour and whisk to incorporate. Set aside.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the pressure cooker pot and place trivet inside. Using a tinfoil or silicone sling, carefully lower the prepared pan onto the trivet.
- Pour the lemon mixture carefully over the cheesecake mixture, pouring from the edges of the pan and moving towards the middle.
- Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position. Cook at high pressure for 40 minutes.
- While cheesecake is cooking, prepare the Lemon Yogurt Sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and place in the refrigerator until after the cheesecake is completely chilled.
- When pressure cooking is complete, unplug the pressure cooker.
- Use a 15 minute natural release and then release any remaining pressure.
- Remove cheesecake and check to see if the middle is set. The edges should be set and the 2-3 inches in the center just slightly wobbly when you move the pan. If it is undercooked, return to the pressure cooker and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Use the corner of a paper towel to soak up any water on top of the cheesecake.
- Place the springform pan on a wire rack to cool. When cheesecake is cooled, refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Note: I like to take the ring off of the pan before I place it in the refrigerator because I feel like it prevents the crust from being too soft, but some people think this might allow the cheesecake to crack as it chills. You decide!
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with Lemon Yogurt Sauce, garnish with pretty lemon slices, and serve!
Notes
I love making cheesecake batter in my food processor. Use it in place of the hand mixer. When you add the eggs, do 3-4 quick pulses. Add the melted white chocolate and finish stirring in with a spatula
You'll need a springform pan that is a true 7 – 8 inches. I used my 7 inch Nordic Ware pan (which actually only measures to be 6 inches on the inside of the pan) for 5 of the tries and it overflowed slightly on 2 of them. Here are some options to ensure your success:
- If your pan doesn't measure 7 – 8 inches across, line the outer ring with parchment that extends a couple inches from the top of the pan
- Use a pan that measures a true 7-8 inches like this push pan (it fits in a six-quart pot)
- Use this 7 inch pan with the taller ring
- Pour some of the batter into a ramekin or small mason jar to make a mini cheesecake for another day
Keywords: instant pot cheesecake, pressure cooker dessert, lemon dessert
I let the cream cheese/eggs sit out overnight. My kitchen is probably around 60deg. When I added the melted chocolate it immediately turned solid again. What did I do wrong? It’s cooking now so I have no idea what I’ll end up with.
★★★★★
can you make this crustless?
Donna, if your pan is 100% leakproof, I think that would work great. Let me know if you try it!
I don’t have a pressure cooker am I able to just bake this in the oven?
Leanne, I’m sure you could. I don’t know how long to cook it though since I’ve never tested it that way.
I made this for my daughter’s birthday cake. I have made a few of your instant pot cheesecakes. We have liked them all, but this one was our favorite so far! They always turn out great, are easy to make in the IP, and the small size is perfect – then you don’t have leftovers tempting you for days!
★★★★★
Claire, Of all the cheesecakes on the site, this is definitely the one my family requests. The tart/sweet flavors are so nice. I’m so glad you liked it!
Pam, hi! I would like to make this on mini spring form pans any suggestions?
Hi Pam, I’ve done it with these directions and it worked great! Just split it between 4 pans https://tidbits-marci.com/instant-pot-mini-cheesecakes/
I just made this for Easter with the family last weekend, and it was a hit! I used a 6 qt pot and a 7″ pan, and placed a three-inch-wide strip of parchment paper around the sides, and am glad I did as it definitely rose above the sides at least a half inch and would have overflowed otherwise. I did have to put it back on for 5 more mins to help the top layer set a bit more, as well, but all of those accommodations were expected due to the helpful recipe notes, so it worked out great! I actually made it two days in advance and transported it in a cooler on a two-hour drive, and it survived and thrived.
★★★★★
Lisa, I love this tip! Did the parchment paper go to the bottom of the pan? This cake is even better a day or two later so I love that you did that. I’m so glad it was a hit, thanks for letting me know!
Should the cheesecake be loosely covered with tinfoil or something when it goes into the pot?
Elizabeth, I never have. I just dab up the extra moisture with a paper towel if I see some. If you like to cover it, just add 5 minutes to the cook time and it will work great!
We love lemon, but cannot have the chocolate. What suggestion would you have about that. This cheesecake looks amazing and I would love to try it, but the chocolate stops me in my tracks, thank you.
Elishia, I do know of one person who just left the melted white chocolate out and she said it worked great. She is a dependable source so I’d say try it!
Hi. I have a jar of lemon curd in the refrigerator. Can I use that instead? I’ve made many of your IP recipes & my family has loved them all!
Audrea, I’m so glad you’re loving the IP recipes 🙂 . If you use the lemon curd, I would just top the cheesecake with it after it’s cooked. I’m not sure how it would cook with the cheesecake.
Thank you so much!
I have some ghirardelli white chocolate chips…. would those work or do you prefer a white chocolate bar?
Jen, Yep, that should work great!
This cheesecake was amazing!
I made this for Father’s Day for a skeptical crowd some did not like lemon and or cheesecake well now have a couple of converted lemon cheesecake fans.
Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Mylissa, I love it! Isn’t it great to surprise people? My father in law said he’d never order lemon cheesecake but said it was incredible and he gave it a 10 out of 10. That’s pretty amazing coming from him!
Should I use a 6” or 8”?
I have the 8 qt and can’t find a 7” spring form pan.
Heather, use the 8 inch pan for sure. If you’re cooking it in an 8 quart, I’d knock 5 minutes off the cook time. Enjoy it! It’s so good!
This cheesecake looks and sounds delicious. I don’t have an instant pot. Could I bake this in the oven? Do you know the temp and timing I would use?
★★★★★
Sonia, yes, it can definitely be baked! However, I’ve never tried it, so I’m not sure exactly the time. I would do 350°F for 25 minutes, then check it. You want it set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. You might end up baking it for up to 40 minutes, but it will taste great.
I added one less lemon to the lemon portion and it was still great! Kind of like lemon meringue pie in cheesecake form. I didn’t even let it cool bec I was so excited to try it. I’m sure it will taste even better when set in the fridge. I did reserve half of the cheesecake filling which I’m glad I did or it would have overflowed. Will use to make another one.
★★★★★
Khristin, “lemon meringue pie in cheesecake form” is the perfect way to describe it :). I’m curious, how big was your pan?
Hi! This cake looks AMAZING! I love lemony desserts!!
I recently purchased the “big mama” of all instant pots: The 10qt!!! Can I make this in a bigger pan? do I need to change the cooking time?
Thank you!!
Shirli, OH you are going to love this! If I had to pick, I’d say it’s the best cheesecake on my blog. Congrats on the “big mama” 🙂
Yes, you can use a bigger pan, but you won’t need as long of cook time. I’m thinking you could cut off between 5-10 minutes, so maybe go 33 minutes. Let me know how it goes!
This was a disaster for me. Twice I got the burn notice. The cheesecake is a weird consistency now, I.e. unsalvageable. Huge disappointment since it’s what I planned on having for Easter.
Elizabeth, hmm…I”m not sure why you would have got the burn notice. You cooked it in a springform pan on a trivet above the water, correct?
Hi! I was wondering if I can use nonfat Greek yogurt. Thank you!
Shanie, yes, I have before and it works great 🙂
Hi, wondering if I could use vitamix to mix the ingredients together? Also, could I skip the white chocolate altogether or does it add that extra oomph? We’re not into white chocolate so never have it on hand but could go and buy it if it’s really necessary ;P thank you!
Hey Audrey! I’m never tried mixing it in my blender . . . I do think it would work though as long as only pulsed the eggs a couple times. Let me know if you try it! And I’ve never made it without the white chocolate before but I had a friend leave it out and she said it worked great, so I say go for it!
It’s silly question for sure. But what’s wafer cookie?
Yeni, for this recipe, I’m referencing the Nilla Wafer cookies.
Thank goodness I just went ahead earlier and got that exact same brand 😊 wish me luck on my first cheese cake attempt. I hope I can impress my in-laws too 😉
This was refreshing and delicious!! So glad I already had the deeper pan on hand. Will make it again for sure. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Sandy, it’s a top favorite around here for sure. I’m so glad you loved it!
Hi! This looks awesome. I don’t have a food processor, though. Can I use an immersion blender? Thanks 🙂
Amanda, hmm…maybe, I’ve never thought to try that! If you have a hand mixer, I know for sure that works great.
Made this last night and looks like everything went well. However, my cheesecake seems to have absorbed silicone odor from the OXO sling I bought! Is there anything I can do???
★★★★
Sara, Oh no!!! Are you serious?! I’ve used the oxo sling several times now and it’s never made anything taste funny, but I never noticed a smell from it either. I hope it didn’t ruin your cheesecake!
Hi Pam,
Thanks for the great recipe! I want to make it again for Easter, but we will have one person who needs gluten free at our dinner. I intend to make hers in a separate mason jar without crust, but have you successfully made the cheesecake or lemon bar steps without flour? (I’m not super confident to experiment with substitutions). Thanks!
Dana
Dana, I’ve swapped between flour and cornstarch before and either works. I’m making this for Easter too, it’s such a hit!
Hey! I have failed at finding a spring form or cake pan to fit inside my IP. I have purchased all of the ingredients bc this looks amazing! Do you happen to know the bake time and temp in the oven for this cheesecake?! Thanks!
Pam, I haven’t done it in the oven! Infact, I never really made cheesecake before the pressure cooker. I’m sure you could search a few oven recipes and get an idea. Sorry I can’t help you much on this one.
I found my pan at Aldi (along with other IP pans) for $4.00
Barbara, wow, that’s great!
I got a food network 7” springform pan at Kohl’s. They had it with the Instant Pots.
2 questions:
1. What type of white chocolate do you use?
2. Is this unflavored (plain) greek yogurt?
Alison, I use baking chocolate bars like Ghirardelli or Bakers. And yes I use plain greek yogurt but vanilla would probably work too. Enjoy it!
Marci I made this and it was good but I had no top layer like you have…all went to the bottom ..
also my topping was fairly runny. I used a large lemon I suppose too much liquid?
Thank you!
Stephanie, I barely, barely swirl mine. Did it taste like lemon still on top? Yes, probably too much lemon juice, just add some extra powdered sugar to it next time.
In what form do you buy the white chocolate? Thanks!!
Meg, I use baking chocolate like Bakers or Ghirardelli. Happy Easter!
Thanks, Marci! I ended up using white chocolate chips. It’s in the fridge, crossing my fingers!!
Hi Marci, could you use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt in the cheesecake and the yogurt topping or do you feel it would change the consistency and taste?
Jody, I know it would work great in the cheesecake, but I’m not sure about the topping. It might be a bit more tangy, might need a little extra sugar.
Thank you. I’ll try as the recipe is and not tell my family it’s made with Greek yogurt. Can’t wait to try the recipe!
Jody, Haha! They’ll never know 🙂
Do I understand in the instructions that you DO NOT have to cover the cheesecake with foil while it is in the IP?
Chris, That’s correct, no need to cover it.
This cheesecake is calling my name! I wish I had a slice right now!
Anna, It was loved by everyone that tasted it, which doesn’t always happen around here. Make it for Easter!
This looks decadent, but tell me, since you gave up sugar and this has sugar in it, did you try it? If not, how did you resist and if you did try it, how do you refrain from more sugar?
–Karen, the sugar addict
Karen, well hello inquisitive sugar addict. To be completely honest, I had 1 bite of the 7 cheesecakes I made. Going 4 years without sugar makes it easy to not be tempted. Even after 1 bite, I knew it was amazing, but it was so overwhelmingly sweet for what I was used to that I really didn’t want anymore. It’s a major palate change from the sugar addict I was 4 years ago and it gives me a sense of freedom that I absolutely love. I could go on forever about it! But I have lots of friends and family who are more than willing to do my dessert testing for me. My husband considers himself an expert and is my go to when it comes to creating sweets. My body never responded well to sweets even 4 years ago and my reaction to it now is even more intense, so that makes it easy to be happy without it. But don’t you worry, dark dark chocolate remains in my life 🙂
ha ha! Well, so happy to hear that you have some willing taste testers or I might have to avail myself to be in your service! Dark chocolate is a decadent treat that I also enjoy–I am also working on going sugar-free, though I did succumb over St. Paddy’s Day–back on the wagon again.
Karen, You’re so selfless ;). It’s not easy at first, but then it’s a breeze!
ha ha! I know! Shamefully so!
SWOON……oh Marci that cheesecake looks so dreamy. My daughter is having Easter brunch…I think I just found what I’ll bring-well one of the things. We both love lemon bars….this will be perfect! Thanks so much! Oh and I always used to stress about my cheesecakes cracking and looking not-so-pretty. I’m slowly getting over that-and use it as a very good reason to try a new topping recipe. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it! 🙂
Carol, this would be perfect for that! It will be an absolute hit! Let me know how it goes if you make it. And I agree, a cracked cheesecake is just as yummy as an un-cracked cheesecake 🙂
This looks FABULOUS – I love lemon bars and my family loves cheesecake. Best of both worlds!!! Can’t wait to try your switcharoo. Wonder how this would work in mason jars….. hmmmmmm……
Nicole, I think that would be amazing actually! I’m gonna have to try this in mini cheesecake form! I knew I bought the mini springforms a year ago for a reason 😉