If you have a sweet tooth that dreams big, then you absolutely need to try this Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe. This luscious dessert is a glorious celebration of creamy cheesecake, rich caramel, and decadent chocolate ganache all nestled upon a buttery shortbread crust. It’s not just a treat – it’s an experience, delivering layers of flavor and texture that will have you swooning with every bite. Perfect for parties or a special indulgence at home, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a showstopper that feels truly luxurious yet approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors, along with that irresistible texture contrast.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a rich, silky base for a homemade caramel topping that’s smooth and irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Used in multiple stages to add creaminess and a tender crumb for the crust and the caramel’s luscious texture.
- Light brown sugar: Offers a deep, molasses-infused sweetness essential in the caramel’s flavor profile.
- Light corn syrup: Helps to keep the caramel smooth and glossy without crystallizing.
- Fine salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the rich flavors throughout the cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds a fragrant warmth that ties the layers together beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the buttery shortbread crust.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust while keeping it tender and crumbly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the cheesecake filling.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the cheesecake filling sets perfectly without cracks.
- Full-fat cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake for that creamy, tangy richness you love.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling and contribute to the smooth texture.
- Full-fat sour cream: Provides balance with subtle acidity and creaminess.
- Caramel topping: The star of the millionaire layers, made from the recipe described.
- Heavy whipping cream: Creates a rich, velvety chocolate ganache topping.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Deliver bittersweet notes that contrast perfectly with the sweet caramel.
- Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch that elevates and intensifies every bite.
How to Make Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel Topping
Start your Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe by making the caramel, which is truly the soul of this dessert. Combining sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat creates a luscious caramel that thickens and deepens in flavor as it simmers. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and once it reaches a medium caramel color, finish with vanilla to add warmth. Let it cool to room temperature to thicken up before layering. This caramel is what gives the cheesecake its rich, ‘millionaire’ luxe factor.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
The crust for this cheesecake is a buttery shortbread that perfectly supports the luscious fillings. By mixing room temperature butter with flour, powdered sugar, and salt, you create a tender dough that presses into the pan and bakes until just golden around the edges. Don’t forget to prick it with a fork to prevent bubbling. This base is essential for balancing the creamy cheesecake and gooey caramel, lending a satisfying crumbly texture to every bite.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Cheesecake Filling
While the crust bakes and cools, whisk together sugar and cornstarch to prevent lumps, then beat cream cheese until smooth before gradually incorporating eggs, sour cream, caramel, and vanilla. This batter is poured over the cooled crust, filling the pan nearly to the top, but that’s exactly how it should be for a rich, thick cheesecake. The key to a perfect texture is baking it low and slow – an initial hotter blast followed by a gentle, long bake at a lower temperature keeps the cheesecake creamy and crack-free.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping
As the cheesecake bakes, make the decadent chocolate ganache. Heating heavy cream just until bubbling and pouring it over dark chocolate chips allows the chocolate to melt gently. Stir until smooth and then whisk in butter, corn syrup, and salt for that extra silky shine and a hint of complexity. Let the ganache cool to room temperature to thicken—this velvety finish is what truly crowns this Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe with elegance.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
Once your cheesecake has cooled and refrigerated until set, carefully remove it from the pan. Spread the room temperature caramel evenly over the surface, then chill briefly to firm it up. Finally, spread the chocolate ganache on top and garnish with flaky sea salt. Using a warm sharp knife makes slicing through these luscious layers smooth, giving you picture-perfect pieces of the ultimate millionaire treat.
How to Serve Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop the rich chocolate ganache is a simple yet genius garnish that elevates the flavor complexity. You might also add a few delicate chocolate shavings or chopped toasted nuts for an extra visual and textural element. Fresh berries can add a pop of color and a hint of bright acidity to balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving this dessert alongside a fresh mixed berry salad or a small dollop of lightly whipped cream can provide a refreshing contrast. For a truly indulgent pairing, a cup of robust coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine complements the caramel and chocolate layers exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice your Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe into petite mini servings for a party platter? Or make individual jar desserts layering all components for a portable sweet treat. Drizzling extra caramel or chocolate sauce artistically on the plate before the slice adds a restaurant-style flair that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cheesecake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. Keeping it covered not only preserves freshness but also helps the flavors meld together, making each slice even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended as it impacts the texture. However, allowing slices to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving will bring out the flavors and soften the caramel and ganache to their ideal, melt-in-your-mouth state.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the caramel ahead allows it to thicken and develop greater depth. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm gently before using.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer for the caramel?
No worries. Watch for the caramel mixture to bubble up along the edges of the pan and thicken to a medium amber color. Frequent stirring helps prevent burning and encourages thickening.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes! Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for balance, but feel free to try milk chocolate for a sweeter ganache. Adjust the amount slightly, as milk chocolate melts differently and is sweeter.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Baking the cheesecake low and slow and allowing it to cool gradually in the oven with the door closed helps prevent cracks. Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t open the oven door mid-bake.
Can this recipe be made in a different size pan?
You can use an 8- or 9-inch springform pan. Just be mindful the batter will be higher in an 8-inch, but since cheesecake doesn’t rise much during baking, it should be fine.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe feels like gifting a golden ticket to dessert heaven. It brings together indulgent layers of caramel, cheesecake, and chocolate in a way that feels both approachable and special. Whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. You really can’t go wrong with it, so grab your apron and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!
Print
Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Millionaire Cheesecake is a luxurious layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a rich caramel-infused cheesecake filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt. It combines creamy textures with sweet caramel and chocolate flavors, perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Caramel Topping
- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk (396g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks (113g)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (60g)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
Shortbread Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (27g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
Caramel Cheesecake Filling
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar (266g)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (18g)
- 4 (8 oz.) packages full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (904g)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature (224g)
- 2/3 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature (170g)
- 1/2 cup caramel topping, room temperature (150g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (120g)
- 2/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (120g)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (30g)
- 1 Tbsp light corn syrup – optional (20g)
- 1/4 tsp fine salt (2g)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Make Caramel Topping: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and fine salt. Stir frequently and bring just to a bubble point (212°F/100°C). Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, until thickened to a medium caramel color, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a container to cool to room temperature. Store covered at room temperature or refrigerate up to a week.
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8- or 9-inch springform or cheesecake pan with non-stick spray and place a parchment round at the bottom. Combine room temperature butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt using a fork or pastry cutter until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into the pan base and prick the surface with a fork. Bake 22-25 minutes until edges just brown. Cool on a wire rack. Lower oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and place a pan with 1-inch water on the bottom rack.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Whisk sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl to prevent clumping. Beat cream cheese and sugar mixture in a large bowl or stand mixer on low speed until smooth; scrape bowl sides. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs together, then gradually add them to the batter on low speed. Blend in sour cream, cooled caramel topping, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour batter over cooled crust in the pan, filling nearly to the top if using an 8-inch pan. Place cheesecake pan on a cookie sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce temperature to 225°F (110°C) and bake 2 additional hours to create a crack-free cheesecake. Turn off oven and let cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour with the door closed.
- Cool Cheesecake: Remove cheesecake from oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in microwave for 45 seconds until bubbling. Pour chocolate chips into the cream and let sit 1 minute. Stir gently until smooth and fully combined, reheating briefly if necessary. Stir in butter, corn syrup, and salt until blended. Cover and cool to room temperature to thicken. Refrigerate if needed for faster cooling or storage.
- Decorate Glossy Cheesecake: Release cheesecake from pan carefully. Spread room-temperature caramel topping evenly over cheesecake surface. Chill for 10 minutes to set caramel. Spread chocolate ganache over caramel layer and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Serve: Use a sharp, warm knife to slice the chilled cheesecake, cleaning blade between cuts for clean slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Make caramel topping ahead to allow proper thickening; can be stored refrigerated up to one week.
- Using room temperature ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, butter) helps achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
- Low and slow baking with a water bath effect prevents cracks and sinking in the cheesecake.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven before chilling for the best texture.
- Warm the knife before slicing to prevent cracking and ensure clean cuts.
- If refrigerated caramel topping is too firm, warm briefly for easier spreading.
- Chocolate ganache can be substituted with milk chocolate chips requiring more chocolate (2 cups) for similar coverage.
