Decadent Millionaire’s Cheesecake

Take your dessert game to the next level with this Decadent Millionaire’s Cheesecake. Combining a buttery shortbread base, creamy cheesecake filling, rich caramel layer, and silky chocolate ganache, this dessert is the epitome of indulgence. Whether it’s a dinner party or a special occasion, this cheesecake will leave your guests in awe and craving more.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
• 1 stick (114g) butter, softened
• 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 Layer:

• 1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
• 2 sticks (227g) butter
• 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 whipping cream (120ml)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the base of the prepared pan.
3. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the shortbread turns golden brown. Let it cool completely before removing from the pan.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the white sugar and powdered sugar, mixing well
2. Whip the Cream: In a clean bowl, beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, adding the vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and fully combined.
3. Layer the Cheesecake: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

1. Melt the Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, butter, and golden corn syrup. Stir until melted and smooth.
2. Add the Condensed Milk: Stir in the condensed milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden.
3. Add Salt: Stir in the salt and let the caramel cool slightly.
4. Pour Over the Cheesecake: Pour the caramel layer over the set cheesecake filling. Refrigerate again for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the whipping cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Add the Ganache: Gently pour the ganache over the caramel layer, spreading it into an even coat. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ganache to firm up.

Conclusion

This Decadent Millionaire’s Cheesecake is a dessert that truly lives up to its name. With layers of buttery shortbread, luscious cheesecake, rich caramel, and velvety chocolate ganache, it’s a luxurious treat that’s perfect for any celebration. Make it ahead of time for an effortless yet show-stopping dessert that will leave everyone talking. One bite, and you’ll feel like a dessert millionaire!