Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as luxurious as it sounds? Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake is your answer. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy baked cheesecake, a luscious salted caramel layer, and a silky chocolate ganache topping, this dessert truly lives up to its name. It’s a high-end treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home—and perfect for impressing guests or satisfying serious chocolate-caramel cravings.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines three luxurious textures and flavors: cheesecake, caramel, and chocolate
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Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and dinner parties
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Looks gourmet but uses simple, accessible ingredients
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Elevates your dessert table with minimal effort
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms a sweet, crunchy base for the cheesecake.
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¼ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and texture to the crust.
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½ cup melted butter – Binds the crust and provides rich flavor.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – The creamy, tangy star of the dessert.
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1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake without overwhelming it.
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3 eggs – Create structure and help the filling set.
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1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
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1 cup sour cream – Enhances creaminess and balances sweetness with a slight tang.
For the Caramel Layer:
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1 cup sugar – The base for a classic caramel.
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6 tbsp butter – Adds richness and a smooth finish.
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½ cup heavy cream – Provides creaminess for a pourable caramel.
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1 tsp sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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1 cup heavy cream – The liquid base for a smooth ganache.
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped – Melts into a glossy, luxurious topping.
Tips and Tricks
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Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake.
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Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks.
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Allow caramel to cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
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Run a hot knife around the pan before releasing the springform ring for cleaner edges.
Variations and Customizations
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Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or toasted almonds over the caramel layer.
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Espresso flavor: Stir 1 tsp espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha kick.
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Cookie crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos or Biscoff cookies.
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White chocolate ganache: Use white chocolate for a creamy, sweet contrast.
Pairing Suggestions
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Espresso or strong black coffee
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Vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
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Fresh raspberries to balance the richness
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 5 days.
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Freeze individual slices (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Popular Questions
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day in advance and add the caramel and ganache before serving.
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Can I skip the caramel or ganache?
You can—but why would you? Each layer adds its own luxury. However, it’s still delicious as a classic cheesecake.
How do I know the cheesecake is done baking?
It should be set at the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.
PrintHeavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
A jaw-dropping dessert with layers of buttery graham crust, velvety baked cheesecake, salted caramel, and glossy chocolate ganache—decadence perfected! Surprisingly simple to make, yet worthy of a pastry shop. Ideal for special occasions
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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24 oz cream cheese (3 blocks), softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup granulated sugar
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6 tbsp unsalted butter
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tsp sea salt
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1 cup heavy cream
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
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Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
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Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
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Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is just set.
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Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 3: Create the Salted Caramel
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In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber in color.
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Add butter and stir until fully melted.
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Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring—it will bubble. Stir until smooth.
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Mix in sea salt and let cool slightly.
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Pour the caramel over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
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Heat heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave until hot (not boiling).
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Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir until silky and smooth.
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Pour ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
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Refrigerate the finished cheesecake for at least 1 hour to set the ganache.
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Slice and serve with extra caramel drizzle or chocolate curls if desired.
Notes
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Use high-quality chocolate and butter for the best flavor.
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Let each layer cool slightly before adding the next to maintain clean, even layers.
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A springform pan is essential for easy release and professional presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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