Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake

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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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines three luxurious textures and flavors: cheesecake, caramel, and chocolate

• Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and dinner parties

• Looks gourmet but uses simple, accessible ingredients

• Elevates your dessert table with minimal effort

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms a sweet, crunchy base for the cheesecake.

• ¼ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and texture to the crust.

• ½ cup melted butter – Binds the crust and provides rich flavor.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – The creamy, tangy star of the dessert.

• 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake without overwhelming it.

• 3 eggs – Create structure and help the filling set.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.

• 1 cup sour cream – Enhances creaminess and balances sweetness with a slight tang.

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup sugar – The base for a classic caramel.

• 6 tbsp butter – Adds richness and a smooth finish.

• ½ cup heavy cream – Provides creaminess for a pourable caramel.

• 1 tsp sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream – The liquid base for a smooth ganache.

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped – Melts into a glossy, luxurious topping.

Tips and Tricks

• Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake.

• Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks.

• Allow caramel to cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.

• Run a hot knife around the pan before releasing the springform ring for cleaner edges.

Variations and Customizations

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or toasted almonds over the caramel layer.

• Espresso flavor: Stir 1 tsp espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha kick.

• Cookie crust: Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos or Biscoff cookies.

• White chocolate ganache: Use white chocolate for a creamy, sweet contrast.

Pairing Suggestions

• Espresso or strong black coffee

• Vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence

• Fresh raspberries to balance the richness

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 5 days.

• 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.

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.

Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake

Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake features a buttery shortbread crust, a light and creamy no-bake cheesecake layer, rich homemade caramel, and a silky chocolate ganache topping for an indulgent, layered dessert experience.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 12 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, British

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Cheesecake Filling

• 3 1/4 cups cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream 33% fat or higher
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Topping

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 sticks butter
• 1/3 cup golden corn syrup
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk 397g
• 1 tsp salt

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Press firmly into a parchment-lined cake pan to form an even crust. Bake until lightly golden, about 15–20 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Beat cream cheese with white and powdered sugars until smooth and velvety. Mix in vanilla extract.
3. Whip heavy cream separately until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture to maintain a light texture. Spread evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate.
4. In a saucepan, melt brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add sweetened condensed milk and salt, and cook briefly until thick and spoon-coating. Cool for about 90 minutes, reserving one-quarter for garnish.
5. Pour the cooled caramel over the chilled cheesecake layer, spreading evenly. Return to the refrigerator and chill overnight.
6. Prepare ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy.
7. Once fully set, remove cheesecake from pan. Drizzle ganache and reserved caramel over slices before serving.

Notes

For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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