If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your fork into a dessert that truly lives up to its name, let me introduce you to the indulgent, show-stopping Millionaire Cheesecake. Imagine the richest layers: a buttery shortbread crust, a luxurious caramel filling, a creamy cheesecake swirled with even more caramel, and a glossy chocolate ganache, all crowned with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Every bite embodies decadence, making this cake the perfect way to treat yourself or impress any crowd.

Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Millionaire Cheesecake might look extravagant, but it all comes down to a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Each one is essential, lending everything from buttery richness to that signature silky texture and irresistible flavor layers.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 oz. can): The base for our caramel, providing creamy sweetness and caramelization power.
Unsalted Butter (split, 1/2 cup for caramel and 1/2 cup for crust, plus 2 Tbsp for ganache): Adds decadence and richness to every layer.
Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Deepens the caramel flavor with a touch of molasses.
Light Corn Syrup (1/4 cup for caramel, 1 Tbsp for ganache, optional): Prevents crystallization in caramel and gives ganache a glossy sheen.
Fine Salt (multiple uses): Balances sweetness, heightens flavor in every stage.
Vanilla Extract or Bean Paste (2 tsp total): Perfumes both the caramel and cheesecake layers with warmth.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The staple for a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust.
Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Ensures the crust is perfectly tender without any grittiness.
Granulated Sugar (1 1/3 cups): Delivers classic cheesecake sweetness, melting seamlessly into the batter.
Cornstarch (2 Tbsp): For the creamiest, never-grainy cheesecake body.
Cream Cheese (4 packages, 8 oz. each, room temp): Essential for that luscious, tangy filling.
Large Eggs (4, room temp): Binds the cheesecake and creates a dreamy, custard-like texture.
Full-Fat Sour Cream (2/3 cup): Adds tang and silkiness to balance the sweetness.
Caramel Topping (1/2 cup, from your homemade batch): Swirls that signature millionaire caramel flavor right into the cheesecake.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup): Richness and body for a luscious ganache crown.
Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2/3 cup): Creates a shiny, fudgy top layer with a deep chocolate punch.
Flaky Sea Salt: The final flourish that takes your Millionaire Cheesecake from “wow” to truly unforgettable.

How to Make Millionaire Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Topping

First, let’s create that silky homemade caramel. Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and fine salt in a sturdy saucepan. Stir gently as the mixture heats—you’re looking for it to just start bubbling at the edges. Once it hits that soft simmer (or 212°F if you love a thermometer), turn the heat to low. Keep stirring often for about 10 minutes; it will thicken and turn a dreamy golden caramel color. Drag your spatula through the center—if you can see the pan for a second before it floods back, it’s ready! Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, then pour the caramel into a bowl to cool completely to room temperature. Made ahead, it keeps beautifully in the fridge—just warm gently until spreadable before using.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Shortbread Crust

Now for a crust that melts in your mouth! Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your springform pan with non-stick spray and a parchment circle. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until you have a soft dough. Firmly press this into an even layer at the bottom of your pan. Prick it a few times with a fork to prevent bubbles, then bake for 22-25 minutes until just lightly golden at the edges. Cool the pan on a rack, but leave your oven on—lower the temp to 300°F (150°C) and place a water-filled baking tray on the oven’s bottom rack. This little steam bath is your secret to a crack-free Millionaire Cheesecake!

Step 3: Make the Luxurious Caramel Cheesecake Filling

While your crust cools, quickly whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. This prevents any lumps later on. In your stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese and the sugar-cornstarch blend on low until it’s utterly smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl to catch any sneaky lumps! Next, whisk your eggs and add them little by little, blending gently. Swirl in the sour cream, a generous spoonful of your homemade caramel, and a dash more vanilla for wildly rich flavor. Pour this plush batter into your prepared crust—don’t worry if your pan looks full, as cheesecake won’t rise much. Pop it into the oven, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, then drop the heat to 225°F (110°C) and let it gently bake for 2 more hours. When done, turn the oven off, let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour, then cool to room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours (overnight is even better).

Step 4: Decadent Chocolate Ganache Topping

While your cheesecake chills in the fridge, let’s get that glossy ganache ready. Warm the heavy cream in the microwave until it just starts to bubble—about 45 seconds. Pour the cream over dark chocolate chips in a bowl, making sure they are fully covered. Let this sit for a minute, then gently stir until the smoothest, shiniest ganache forms. Add a touch of butter, an optional swirl of corn syrup, and a pinch of salt, stirring until glossy. Cover and allow your ganache to thicken at room temperature (or chill briefly if you’re impatient like I am).

Step 5: Finish and Decorate the Millionaire Cheesecake

Once your Millionaire Cheesecake is fully set and chilly, release it from the pan. Scoop the room temperature caramel over the top first, spreading it right to the edges. Give it a 10-minute chill to firm up the caramel, then crown everything with your thickened ganache, letting it cascade over the golden caramel. Scatter with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt, slice (wiping your knife between cuts for those perfect bakery-style wedges), and prepare for oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Millionaire Cheesecake

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a heap of freshly whipped cream or a scattering of chopped toasted pecans as garnishes. Edible gold leaf turns it into a true “millionaire” statement. And those crunchy flakes of sea salt? Utter magic with every bite of caramel and chocolate!

Side Dishes

To keep the focus on the Millionaire Cheesecake, serve slices alongside simple side dishes like a bowl of fresh berries or a few crisp apple slices. These light, fruity notes perfectly balance out the richness and provide a fresh contrast on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive flair, cut the cheesecake into slim fingers and serve on a slate board for a chic dessert bar. Or, make individual mini Millionaire Cheesecakes in muffin tins—adorable and perfect for parties! A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of extra caramel across each plate will always earn extra style points.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Millionaire Cheesecake snugly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay perfectly fresh and decadent for up to a week—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This cheesecake loves the freezer! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil, or place the whole cheesecake (without ganache or garnishes) in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—then top with ganache and caramel after thawing for a just-made effect.

Reheating

While Millionaire Cheesecake is divine straight from the fridge, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it may melt your layers; a gentle rest brings all the creaminess right back to life.

FAQs

Can I make my Millionaire Cheesecake a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead lets all those flavors meld beautifully and gives the cheesecake perfect time to set. Just wait to add the ganache and garnishes until you’re closer to serving for ultimate freshness.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

For those picture-perfect slices, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps glide through those caramel and ganache layers without dragging or sticking.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

No worries! A regular cake pan lined with overlapping strips of parchment (leaving overhang on two sides) works well. Once chilled, use the parchment “handles” to carefully lift out your Millionaire Cheesecake.

Can I substitute store-bought caramel?

You certainly can if you’re pressed for time, but making the homemade caramel really puts the “millionaire” in this cheesecake! The depth of flavor and creaminess is hard to beat with a store-bought jar.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

Definitely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend in the shortbread crust, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a completely crowd-friendly Millionaire Cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about presenting a Millionaire Cheesecake—each layer whispers luxury, but the whole thing is completely within reach. Trust me, this is one dessert your friends and family will remember (and request) long after the last crumb disappears. Give it a try and let yourself be wowed!

Millionaire Cheesecake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent layers of this Millionaire Cheesecake, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, creamy caramel cheesecake filling, topped with a rich chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This show-stopping dessert is a true delight for all cheesecake lovers.

Instructions

Caramel Topping – Make the caramel filling first so that it can thicken up before being added to the cheesecake batter.

Heat ingredients over medium heat in a saucepan until thickened and caramelized. Stir in vanilla extract and set aside to cool.

Shortbread Crust – Combine ingredients, press into a pan, and bake until lightly browned.
Caramel Cheesecake – Make the cheesecake filling, pour over crust, and bake at low temperatures for a perfect texture.
Chocolate Ganache Topping – Prepare the ganache, let it cool, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.
Decorating This Millionaire Cheesecake – Top the cheesecake with caramel, ganache, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Chill before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature.
Use a sharp, warm knife for clean slices when serving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 560
Sugar: 42g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: Millionaire Cheesecake, Caramel Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache, Dessert Recipe