Pressure cookers are not just for savory dishes; they are also perfect for making quick, delicious desserts. Whether you’re short on time or simply want to experiment with new ways of preparing sweets, these three easy and special desserts can be made in a pressure cooker in no time. From traditional favorites to unique twists, you’ll love the ease and speed of these recipes.
1. Pressure Cooker Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp vinegar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Add the wet ingredients (milk, oil, egg, and vanilla) and mix until smooth. Finally, stir in the vinegar and boiling water. The batter will be thin.
- Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Grease a round cake pan that fits inside your pressure cooker. Pour the batter into the cake pan.
- Cook the Cake: Pour 1 cup of water into the base of the pressure cooker and place a trivet or a stand to hold the cake pan. Close the lid (without the pressure valve) and cook on low heat for about 25–30 minutes. Once done, let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.
- Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with chocolate sauce for an extra touch.
2. Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 cup short-grain rice (such as Arborio)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
- Cook in the Pressure Cooker: Add the rinsed rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into the pressure cooker. Stir in the butter and raisins (if using).
- Set the Pressure Cooker: Lock the lid in place, set the pressure cooker to cook on high for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is over, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Finish and Serve: Open the lid, stir the pudding, and check the consistency. If you want it thicker, let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat. Serve warm or chilled with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Pressure Cooker Gajar Halwa (Carrot Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup cashews and almonds (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Heat ghee in the pressure cooker and sauté the grated carrots for 2-3 minutes to soften them.
- Add the Milk and Sweeteners: Pour in the milk, sugar, cardamom, and saffron (if using). Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 whistles. After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Add Nuts and Raisins: Open the lid, stir the mixture well, and cook on low heat for 5-10 minutes to evaporate any remaining liquid and to thicken the halwa. Add chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot as a delightful dessert. Gajar Halwa can be garnished with extra nuts or a drizzle of ghee.
Conclusion
These three pressure cooker desserts—chocolate cake, rice pudding, and gajar halwa—are simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re craving something rich and chocolatey or prefer a warm, comforting sweet, these recipes are sure to satisfy. The pressure cooker makes the process faster while still delivering the same depth of flavor and texture as traditional methods. Give these desserts a try the next time you want something sweet with minimal effort!
