Our Best Instant Pot Desserts

February 27, 2025

Instant Pot desserts have become very popular among home cooks. These quick and tasty treats can be made right in your pressure cooker.

From cakes to pies, there are many sweet options to try.

You can make over 31 different desserts in your Instant Pot. This handy kitchen tool isn’t just for savory meals. It can also whip up delicious sweets in less time than traditional methods.

Some favorites include cheesecake, apple crisp, and chocolate lava cakes.

1. Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is a delicious Instant Pot dessert you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s a rich, gooey treat perfect for chocolate lovers.

To make it, melt chocolate and butter together. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and flour to create the cake batter.

Pour the batter into ramekins or small containers.

Cook the cakes in your Instant Pot using the pressure cook function. When done, the outside will be set while the center stays warm and gooey.

Serve these cakes right away for the best “lava” effect. They make a great dessert for special occasions or whenever you want a quick chocolate fix.

2. Cheesecake

Instant Pot cheesecake is a game-changer for dessert lovers. You can create a smooth, creamy treat in less time than traditional oven baking.

To make it, you’ll need a springform pan that fits inside your Instant Pot. Mix cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla for the filling.

Pour it into a graham cracker crust.

Cover the pan with foil and use a foil sling to lower it into the pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot and cook on high pressure.

After cooking, let it cool and chill in the fridge. Top your cheesecake with fruit, chocolate, or caramel sauce for extra flavor.

3. Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a classic dessert you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This creamy treat combines rice, milk, and sugar for a comforting sweet dish.

You can use different types of rice like jasmine, arborio, or basmati. Each gives a unique texture to your pudding.

Add cinnamon, vanilla, or raisins for extra flavor.

The Instant Pot speeds up cooking time compared to traditional methods. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll get a smooth, creamy pudding with perfectly cooked rice.

Rice pudding is versatile. Serve it warm or cold. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious finish to any meal.

4. Creme Brulee

Creme brulee is a fancy dessert you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This creamy treat has a smooth custard base topped with a crisp caramel layer.

To make it, mix egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and cream. Pour the mixture into ramekins.

Add water to your Instant Pot and place the ramekins on a trivet inside.

Cook for just 3 minutes at high pressure. Let it release naturally, then chill in the fridge.

Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and use a torch to create the signature caramelized crust.

Using your Instant Pot saves time and gives you perfect results. You’ll impress your guests with this restaurant-quality dessert made at home.

5. Molten Brownie

Instant Pot molten brownies are a chocoholic’s dream come true. You’ll love how easy they are to make.

Just mix the ingredients and let your Instant Pot do the work.

The result is a gooey, chocolatey delight with a crisp exterior and soft, melty center. Add a scoop of ice cream on top for the perfect contrast of hot and cold.

You can make these brownies keto-friendly by using sugar-free chocolate chips and low-carb sweetener. Almond flour works great as a substitute for regular flour.

Don’t worry if the center seems slightly underdone – that’s what gives it the signature molten texture. Enjoy your decadent dessert right away for maximum gooeyness!

6. Lemon Custard

Lemon custard in the Instant Pot is a delightful treat. You’ll love its tangy, refreshing flavor and smooth texture. It’s perfect for warm days or when you want a light dessert.

Making lemon custard in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. You only need a few simple ingredients like lemons, eggs, and sugar.

The pressure cooker takes the guesswork out of cooking the custard.

Your lemon custard will turn out creamy and velvety every time. The Instant Pot gives it the perfect consistency without any fuss.

Serve it chilled for a cool, zesty dessert that will impress your family and friends.

7. Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a cozy dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. It uses stale bread soaked in a sweet, creamy mixture.

You’ll need bread cubes, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices like cinnamon. Mix these ingredients together and pour into a baking dish.

Place the dish on a trivet in your Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot. Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes.

The result is a warm, custardy treat. It’s soft on the inside with a slightly crisp top. You can add raisins or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Serve your bread pudding warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

8. Carrot Cake Bread

Carrot cake bread in the Instant Pot combines the best of both worlds. You get the warm spices and sweet carrots of carrot cake in an easy-to-make quick bread form.

To make it, mix grated carrots, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and spices. Pour the batter into a pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Add water to the pot and cook on high pressure.

The result is a moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or dessert. Top it with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. You can also add nuts or raisins to the batter for texture.

9. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie in your Instant Pot? Yes, it’s possible and delicious! You can make a perfect pumpkin pie without using an oven.

Start with a pre-made crust or make your own. Mix pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and spices for the filling. Pour it into the crust.

Cover the pie with foil and place it on the steam rack in your Instant Pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot. Cook on high pressure for about 38 minutes.

Let the pie cool before serving. You’ll have a creamy, flavorful pumpkin pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

10. Banana Bread

Banana bread is a tasty treat you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas.

To make it, mash some bananas and mix them with oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Then add flour and baking powder.

Pour the batter into a cake pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Cook it using the pot-in-pot method.

The result is moist, flavorful banana bread in less time than baking in an oven. It’s perfect for a quick dessert or snack.

11. Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a tasty dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s quick and easy to prepare.

Start by placing apple pieces in the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over them. Add water and maple syrup.

Mix melted butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl. This creates the crisp topping.

Cook the apple crisp on high pressure for about 5 minutes. When done, you’ll have a warm, comforting treat.

You can enjoy this dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a simple, homemade sweet.

12. Churros

Instant Pot churro bites bring the classic fried treat to your pressure cooker. You can make these sweet, cinnamon-sugar coated treats quickly and easily.

To make churro bites, mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour the batter into silicone egg molds, leaving room for the dough to rise.

Cook the churro bites in your Instant Pot for about 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening.

After cooling, roll the bites in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for that classic churro coating. You’ll get a crispy outside and soft, doughy inside.

13. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a delicious dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. You’ll need peaches, sugar, flour, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix the peaches with sugar and flour in a bowl. Add water to your Instant Pot and place the peach mixture inside.

For the topping, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and spices. Sprinkle this over the peaches.

Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes. When done, release the pressure and carefully remove the cobbler.

Your peach cobbler will be warm, sweet, and perfect for serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

14. Cinnamon Rolls

Instant Pot cinnamon rolls are a quick and easy treat you can make for breakfast or dessert. You can have warm, gooey rolls ready in about 30 minutes.

Most recipes use pre-made dough to save time. Place the rolls in a greased pan that fits inside your Instant Pot. Add water to the pot and use the trivet to elevate the pan.

Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening. Top with icing and enjoy your freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Some recipes don’t need yeast or rising time. They use baking powder and soda instead for faster results.

15. Brownies

You can make delicious brownies in your Instant Pot. This dessert offers a perfect mix of fudgy and cakey textures.

The process is simple. Mix your ingredients in a bowl – flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and butter. Pour the batter into a pan that fits in your Instant Pot.

Cook the brownies for about 30 minutes under pressure. The result is moist, rich brownies that will satisfy your chocolate cravings.

You can customize your Instant Pot brownies. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.

16. Fudge

Instant Pot fudge is a game-changer for dessert lovers. You can make creamy, delicious fudge with minimal effort using your pressure cooker.

Simply add chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to the pot. Cook on low pressure for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a lined pan and let it cool. Add your favorite toppings like nuts or sprinkles before it sets.

This method is faster and easier than traditional stovetop fudge. You’ll get perfect results every time, with less mess and fuss.

Try different flavors by using white chocolate or adding peanut butter. Instant Pot fudge is sure to become a go-to treat in your home.

17. Yogurt Cake

Yogurt cake is a delightful dessert you can easily make in your Instant Pot. It’s moist, tangy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

To make this cake, mix butter, sugar, eggs, and yogurt. Then add cream, oil, and sifted flour with baking powder. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan that fits in your Instant Pot.

Cook the cake using the “Cake” setting for about 10 minutes. When it’s done, let the steam release naturally before opening the lid.

You can add lemon juice for extra flavor or experiment with different yogurt types. This versatile recipe allows for many tasty variations.

18. Moist Lemon Cake

You can make a delicious lemon cake in your Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method keeps the cake moist and fluffy.

Start with a boxed lemon cake mix for convenience. Replace half the water with orange juice to boost the citrus flavor.

Pour the batter into a greased pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Add water to the pot and cook on high pressure.

After cooking, let the cake cool. Top it with a tangy lemon glaze for extra zing. The result is a tender, zesty dessert perfect for any occasion.

Serve your Instant Pot lemon cake with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat.

19. Pecan Pie

You can make a tasty pecan pie in your Instant Pot. This dessert combines a graham cracker crust with a sweet, nutty filling.

To start, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Press this mixture into a springform pan that fits in your Instant Pot.

For the filling, blend together ingredients like eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and chopped pecans. Pour this mixture over the crust.

Cook the pie in your Instant Pot using the pressure cook setting. Once done, let it cool before serving. You’ll enjoy a rich, gooey pecan pie with a crisp crust.

20. Brown Butter Blondies

Brown butter blondies are a tasty treat you can make in your Instant Pot. To start, melt butter in a pan until it turns golden brown. This gives the blondies a rich, nutty flavor.

Mix the browned butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour and salt to create the batter. Pour it into a lined pan that fits in your Instant Pot.

Cook the blondies on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Let them cool before cutting into squares. You’ll love the chewy texture and deep flavor of these easy Instant Pot blondies.

21. Crème Caramel

You can make delicious crème caramel in your Instant Pot. This classic dessert combines silky custard with a rich caramel sauce.

Start by making the caramel in a small pot. Pour it into ramekins to coat the bottom. Next, prepare the custard and fill the ramekins.

Place the ramekins on a steamer rack in your Instant Pot with 1 cup of water. Cook on high pressure for 9-10 minutes, followed by a natural release.

The Instant Pot creates a moist environment perfect for crème caramel. Your dessert will turn out smooth and velvety every time.

After chilling in the fridge, flip the ramekins to serve. The caramel will flow over the creamy custard for a beautiful presentation.

22. Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a delicious Thai dessert you can easily make in your Instant Pot. You’ll need glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar, and ripe mangoes.

Start by cooking the sticky rice in your Instant Pot. While it cooks, prepare a sweet coconut sauce on the stovetop. Mix coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Once the rice is done, pour the coconut sauce over it. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Serve the sticky rice warm with sliced fresh mango on top.

This dessert combines creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The Instant Pot makes it quick and simple to prepare. You can enjoy this tasty treat in less than 30 minutes.

23. Tapioca Pudding

Tapioca pudding is a tasty dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. It uses small tapioca pearls, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Some recipes add eggs for richness.

To make it, mix the ingredients in a pot-in-pot setup inside your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for a short time. The pearls turn clear and soft.

You can serve tapioca pudding warm or chilled. It has a creamy texture with little chewy bits from the tapioca. Add toppings like fruit or cinnamon if you want.

This easy dessert is great for both kids and adults. It’s a quick way to enjoy a classic treat using your Instant Pot.

24. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. This sweet treat features a moist sponge cake with chopped dates.

The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy. You’ll combine dates with hot water in the pot before adding the other ingredients.

The cake batter includes butter, sugar, and flour. Some recipes use almond or oat flour for added flavor and texture.

After pressure cooking, you’ll top the pudding with a rich toffee sauce. Serve it warm with ice cream or custard for a truly indulgent experience.

This dessert is perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions. Your family and friends will love this comforting, sticky-sweet pudding made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

25. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

You can make a tasty pineapple upside-down cake in your Instant Pot. It’s a sweet treat that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Start by buttering your cake pan and adding brown sugar to the bottom. Place pineapple slices and cherries on top of the sugar.

Mix your cake batter and pour it over the fruit. Put the pan in your Instant Pot on the trivet with some water in the bottom.

Cook the cake under pressure for a short time. When it’s done, let it cool before flipping it onto a plate.

The result is a moist cake with a caramelized fruit topping. It’s a fun dessert to make in your Instant Pot.

26. Coffee Pudding

Coffee pudding is a tasty dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. It combines the rich flavor of coffee with creamy pudding.

To make it, mix cornstarch, sugar, and instant espresso powder. Add milk and cook in your Instant Pot until thick. Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

You can serve this pudding warm or chilled. Top it with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for a fancy touch. It’s perfect for coffee lovers and makes a quick, easy dessert.

27. Gingerbread Cake

You can make a tasty gingerbread cake in your Instant Pot. This dessert combines the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a warm, spicy treat.

The cake has a moist, pudding-like texture. It’s perfect for cold winter days or holiday gatherings.

To make it, mix flour, spices, and wet ingredients. Pour the batter into a cake pan that fits in your Instant Pot.

Cook the cake under pressure for about 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.

You can top your gingerbread cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s a comforting dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

28. S’mores Cake

You can make a delicious s’mores cake in your Instant Pot. This dessert combines the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in cake form.

To make it, you’ll need graham cracker crumbs, flour, and other basic cake ingredients. Mix them together to create the batter.

Pour the batter into a cake pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Add water to the pot and cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes.

After cooking, top the cake with marshmallows and broil briefly to toast them. You’ll end up with a gooey, chocolatey treat that tastes just like a campfire s’more.

29. Mint Chocolate Cake

You can make a delicious mint chocolate cake in your Instant Pot. It’s a quick and easy dessert that combines rich chocolate with refreshing mint flavor.

To make it, you’ll need cake mix, oil, water, eggs, and peppermint extract. Grease a small bundt pan that fits in your Instant Pot. Mix the ingredients and pour the batter into the pan.

Add water to your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Put the cake pan on the trivet and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for about 25-30 minutes.

Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan. You can top it with mint chocolate frosting or ganache for extra indulgence.

30. Spiced Poached Pears

Spiced poached pears are a tasty and elegant dessert you can make in your Instant Pot. This dish combines sweet pears with warm spices for a cozy treat.

To make spiced poached pears, you’ll need firm ripe pears like Bosc or Anjou. The poaching liquid often includes apple cider or red wine, sugar, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Place the pears in the Instant Pot with the poaching liquid and cook on high pressure for about 7-10 minutes. The pears will become tender and infused with flavor.

You can serve the pears whole or sliced. Try them with ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of the leftover poaching liquid. This dessert is perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions.

31. Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Buttermilk panna cotta is a refreshing Italian dessert perfect for warm weather. It has a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to frozen yogurt.

You can make this dessert in your Instant Pot for added convenience. The main ingredients are heavy cream, buttermilk, sugar, and gelatin.

To prepare, mix the ingredients and cook briefly in the Instant Pot. Then pour into molds and chill until set.

The result is a light, wobbly custard with a smooth consistency. You can top it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.

This easy no-bake dessert is great for summer gatherings or holiday parties.

Understanding Instant Pot Cooking

Instant Pots have changed how people cook at home. These devices make cooking faster and easier, even for desserts. They have special features that help create tasty treats.

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot for Desserts

Instant Pots save time when making desserts. You can cook a cheesecake in about 30 minutes instead of over an hour in a regular oven. The pressure cooking method keeps food moist, which is great for cakes and custards.

You don’t need to watch the pot while it cooks. Just set the timer and walk away. This frees you up to do other things.

Instant Pots use less energy than ovens. This can help lower your electric bill. They also don’t heat up your kitchen as much as an oven does.

You can make desserts year-round without worrying about hot weather. The Instant Pot won’t make your home too warm in summer.

Key Features of an Instant Pot

Instant Pots have several cooking modes. The most useful for desserts are:

  • Pressure Cook: Cooks food quickly under high pressure
  • Slow Cook: Cooks food at a low temperature for a long time
  • Sauté: Lets you brown or cook ingredients before pressure cooking
  • Keep Warm: Holds food at a safe temperature after cooking

The pot has a tight-sealing lid that locks in moisture and flavor. This helps make desserts like puddings and cobblers extra tasty.

Most Instant Pots come with a trivet. This raised rack is perfect for “baking” cakes and cheesecakes inside the pot.

The inner pot is removable for easy cleaning. Many are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze after making sticky desserts.

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Desserts

Making desserts in your Instant Pot can be fun and easy. With a few key tips, you’ll be whipping up tasty treats in no time.

Adjusting Cooking Times

Cooking times for Instant Pot desserts can vary. Start with shorter times and add more if needed. Use the manual or pressure cook setting for most desserts.

For cakes, try 25-30 minutes. Cheesecakes often need 35-40 minutes. Puddings and custards cook faster, usually 5-10 minutes.

Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This helps prevent cracks in cheesecakes and cakes. For puddings, you can do a quick release.

Always check doneness with a toothpick or knife inserted in the center.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

Choose ingredients that work well under pressure.

Use room temperature eggs, milk, and butter for even cooking.

Opt for full-fat dairy products in cheesecakes and custards for better texture.

For cakes, use recipes made for pressure cooking. They often have less leavening agents.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra liquid to recipes to create steam. This helps cook your desserts evenly.

Avoid ingredients that can scorch easily, like chocolate chips. Instead, add them after cooking.

For fruit desserts, use firmer fruits that won’t turn to mush under pressure.