Ah! It’s again that time of the year when festivities will brew in the winter air. Family and friends will gather to decorate Christmas trees, sing carols, and open presents as they sip a cup of delicious hot chocolate.
This season, the holiday sales were expected to increase by 3.5%. This may be the slowest increase it has been in the past six years, but this does not mean a slack in celebration.
Americans are becoming more frugal in terms of shopping but more dedicated to simple pleasures. One such handmade joy is a classic holiday recipe for the entire family to enjoy.
How about a hot chocolate cheesecake in your hardy Instant Pot? In this guide, we will share the recipe along with the supplies and ingredients required to make this holiday season merrier.
A Foreword on Instant Pot
Instant Pots are multi-purpose cooking appliances that are a modern marvel. They combine the features of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, saute pan, and rice cooker. Being multi-functional, they can be used to prepare hot chocolate cheesecake easily.
However, you need to practice some caution for a safe cooking experience. Otherwise, the appliance may cause injuries, burns, lacerations, and hearing or vision loss. These injuries can occur if an Instant Pot explodes.
Keep in mind that an Instant Pot is also based on the principles of a pressure cooker. Can a pressure cooker explode? Yes, it can, due to various reasons such as overheating, improperly installed seals, faulty mechanisms, or a clogged release valve.
Recently, this incident occurred with 43-year-old Becky Fargo. Her pressure cooker exploded while she was preparing potato soup for her daughter. She suffered from second and third-degree burns on her face and chest.
According to TorHoerman Law, modern cookers come with safety features to avoid burns and other injuries. However, products can malfunction or be defective. This is not meant to worry you but to help you prioritize safety while preparing your hot chocolate cheesecake.
- Close the lid properly and double-check the sealing ring
- Let the Instant Pot do its job. Do not open it until it has depressurized completely
- Never place your hand or face over the steam valve
- Fill the right volume of water, not too much or too little
- Take your Instant Pot for periodic maintenance checks
What Does a Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Taste Like?
If we had to describe a hot chocolate cheesecake in a single word, it would be decadent. When prepared well, this dessert is a luxuriant and creamy delicacy that can have you coming back for more.
Numerous little variations can enhance the velvety texture of the cheesecake. Imagine this – your fork digs into rich and creamy goodness with a gooey core. The aroma of nuttiness fills the air, one that is distinct from chocolate.
The first bite is like a nostalgic hot chocolate from childhood, enjoyed in front of the Christmas tree. Family conversations revolve around the marshmallow frosting that makes its way to a rich cocoa center and a tangy cream cheese base. Ah! This is indeed the perfect blend of a smooth cheesecake topped with classic holiday family traditions.
Supplies Needed
You will need the following supplies to begin –
- An Instant Pot
- A stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- A springform pan
- Spatula
- Food processor
- Tinfoil
- Cooling rack
- Knife
Ingredients Required
- 1 ½ cups of water for the Instant Pot
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups of Oreo cookie crumbs, which can be made using 10 cookies approximately
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream kept at room temperature
- 2 large eggs also kept at room temperature
- 14 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup of hot chocolate mix
Steps to Prepare an Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Cheesecake
Let’s start by mentioning that the Instant Pot will only enhance your cooking experience and the dessert’s taste. Grace Kelly, a commerce editor at Serious Eats, states that one reason she loves her Instant Pot is the appliance’s versatility.
It is a multipurpose appliance perfect for baking, searing, or steaming and can effectively extract all flavors from the ingredients. This happens due to its pressure cooking mechanism. So, how do you prepare a hot chocolate cheesecake in an Instant Pot? Here are the steps –
- Coat a springform pan with a cooking spray
- In a bowl, add brown sugar, unsalted butter, and Oreo cookie crumbs. Mix them all until the mixture is damp
- Pour this mixture into the springform pan and even out the crust. You can also use a flat-bottom measuring cup to pack the crust nice and smooth
- Let the pan chill inside the freezer for at least 25 minutes
- In the meantime, use a stand mixer to beat cream cheese and hot chocolate mix. Keep the mixer on medium for this step
Now, add the rest of the ingredients, mix, and scrape down the sides if needed - Now, remove the springform pan from the freezer and fit a lid with tin foil. You can keep it loose on the top but tight on the sides to maintain shape
- Pour the hot chocolate mix batter into the pan, leaving ¼ inch on the top. Place the lid as well
- Now, add 1 ½ cups of water to the Instant Pot, the springform pan, and the trivet. Once done, secure the lid with the valve closed
- You need to bake it for 40 minutes (set the timer manually). Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally for 25 minutes before removing the lid
- Let the cheesecake cool down on a cooling rack. Then, gently scrape around the pan’s edges with a sharp knife. Your cheesecake may be jiggly initially, but that is alright. It will hold its shape once it cools down. If this does not happen, place it inside the Instant Pot again for 10 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes to release pressure after baking
- Place the cheesecake in a refrigerator and allow it to cool overnight or for six to eight hours
- Now, give it the classic hot chocolate feel with melted marshmallows and cocoa powder on the top
How to Store the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake?
The best way to store your scrumptious Instant Pot hot chocolate cheesecake is in the refrigerator. However, it’s important to store it properly. Firstly, remember that storing warm items inside the fridge is not recommended.
Proper food storage is key to keeping it fresh and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. You must wait for the cheesecake to cool down.
Then, cut it into even slices and cover each slice in a tight plastic wrap. Then, place them inside an airtight container before putting the cheesecake inside the fridge.
Your hot chocolate cheesecake will stay fresh inside the refrigerator for three to four days. However, we are certain that its taste and texture will leave little behind, even for a second serving!
So, are you ready to do something different this holiday season? Add a twist to your nostalgic memories and enjoy the same with your family and friends. Happy holidays!
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