Indulge in the ultimate layered dessert with this Millionaire’s Cheesecake! Combining a buttery shortbread base, creamy vanilla no-bake cheesecake, gooey caramel, and a luscious chocolate ganache, this dessert is as luxurious as its name suggests. Perfect for special occasions, it’s sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and stunning presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Multi-Textured Delight: Buttery base, creamy cheesecake, and gooey toppings in every bite.
- No-Bake Cheesecake: The creamy layer doesn’t require an oven, making it foolproof.
- Rich Caramel and Ganache: Layers of indulgent toppings elevate the dessert to pure decadence.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: Chill overnight, so it’s ready to wow your guests the next day.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1 stick butter (114g)
- ¼ cup white sugar (50g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake
- 3 ¼ cups cream cheese (740g, room temperature)
- ½ cup white sugar (100g)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml, 33% fat or higher)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel
- 1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
- 2 sticks butter (227g)
- ⅓ cup golden corn syrup (100g)
- 1 can condensed milk (397g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup dark chocolate (175g, chopped)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (120ml)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line the base of a loose-bottomed cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Dough: In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rub the butter into the flour and sugar with your fingertips.
- Form and Bake: Press the mixture into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake
- Whip the Cream: Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, white sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- Assemble: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Smooth the top and refrigerate while you prepare the caramel.
Step 3: Make the Caramel
- Prepare the Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a boil.
- Add Condensed Milk: Remove from heat and stir in the condensed milk and salt. Return to the heat and bring to a boil again, cooking for 1 minute, until the caramel thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool: Transfer to a bowl and let cool for about 90 minutes until it’s warm but no longer hot.
- Layer the Cheesecake: Reserve ¼ of the caramel for decoration and pour the remaining caramel over the chilled cheesecake. Spread evenly and refrigerate overnight.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Melt the Chocolate: Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
- Heat the Cream: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming and tiny bubbles form at the edges. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 1 minute.
- Mix: Stir until smooth and glossy. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool completely.
- Top the Cheesecake: Once cool, spread the ganache over the caramel layer. Return to the fridge to chill further.
Step 5: Serve the Cheesecake
- Remove from Pan: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Decorate: Heat the reserved caramel in the microwave for 20 seconds and drizzle over each slice before serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Food processor (optional)
- Loose-bottomed cake pan
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Parchment paper
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a balanced bite.
- Pair with coffee or espresso to cut through the richness.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Nutty Base: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the shortbread dough for added crunch.
- White Chocolate Ganache: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Fruit Topping: Add sliced bananas or strawberries between the cheesecake and caramel layers.
Helpful Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake filling.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor—don’t rush the process!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Mary Berry: “Always line your pans with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Use good-quality chocolate for ganache—it makes all the difference in flavor and texture.”
- Chef Martha Stewart: “Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid overwhipping to prevent a grainy texture.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made the day before to allow the layers to set properly.
2. Can I skip the ganache?
You can omit the ganache for a simpler dessert, though it adds an extra layer of indulgence.
3. How do I prevent the caramel from seeping into the cheesecake?
Ensure the caramel has cooled slightly before pouring to prevent it from melting the cheesecake layer.
4. Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, for a shortcut, use high-quality store-bought caramel, but homemade offers the best flavor.
5. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a hot, clean knife for each cut, wiping the blade between slices.
Millionaire’s Cheesecake is an elegant, indulgent dessert with layers of buttery shortbread, creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and rich ganache. Perfect for celebrations or impressing guests, it’s a treat worth every step. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of pure decadence!