If you love caramel, chocolate, and buttery shortbread, this indulgent layered dessert is your dream come true. Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake combines the luxurious flavor of Millionaire’s Shortbread with the creamy decadence of cheesecake. It’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
Introduction
Millionaire’s Shortbread—known for its buttery base, smooth caramel layer, and silky chocolate topping—is a beloved treat in many parts of the world. Now imagine that iconic dessert reimagined as a no-bake cheesecake. That’s the magic behind the Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake: a dessert that’s both nostalgic and gourmet, perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from kitchen tools and ingredients to detailed preparation, helpful tips, variations, and even dietary adjustments.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
To make this dessert seamlessly, here are the tools you’ll need:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan (for the caramel)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula (optional, for smoothing layers)
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- 200g (7 oz) shortbread cookies, crushed
- 80g (5.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
For the Caramel Layer:
- 100g (½ cup) light brown sugar
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1 can (397g / 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel lovers)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 150g (5 oz) semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- 50ml (3 tbsp) heavy cream
- Optional: Sea salt flakes or gold leaf for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Line the base of your springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base of the pan and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spoon over the chilled crust, smooth the top, and return to the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until combined.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and stir constantly for 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden.
- Stir in a pinch of sea salt if using.
- Let the caramel cool for 10–15 minutes before pouring it over the cheesecake layer. Smooth gently. Chill again until firm (about 1 hour).
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Ganache
- Melt chocolate with cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the caramel layer.
- Use an offset spatula to smooth it out evenly.
- Refrigerate until fully set (ideally 3–4 hours or overnight).
Step 5: Serve
Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice with a sharp knife, and serve chilled. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean slices. Garnish with sea salt flakes, caramel drizzle, or edible gold for a stunning presentation.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Always soften your cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: This gives the cheesecake structure without gelatin.
- Don’t Overheat Caramel: Stir continuously to avoid burning or curdling.
- Use Good-Quality Chocolate: It makes all the difference in flavor.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Each layer needs to be firm before adding the next.
Recipe Variations
Looking to change things up? Try one of these delicious variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped pecans or almonds between the caramel and chocolate.
- Biscoff Base: Swap shortbread for crushed Biscoff cookies for a spiced twist.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate (70% cacao) for a richer topping.
- Caramel Swirl: Stir some caramel into the cheesecake layer for ribbons of flavor.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual portions in cupcake liners for parties.
Make It Fit Your Diet
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free shortbread or cookies for the crust. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Reduced-Sugar Version
Use a sugar substitute like erythritol in the cheesecake layer, and opt for low-sugar chocolate and condensed milk alternatives.
Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based whipping cream. Coconut condensed milk works well for the caramel layer, and dairy-free chocolate is easy to find.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Slice, wrap individually in cling film, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Heavenly Millionaire’s Cheesecake is the perfect blend of elegance, indulgence, and comfort. With its layered textures—from crisp cookie base to velvety cheesecake, rich caramel, and glossy chocolate—this dessert is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration, a holiday gathering, or a dinner party, it delivers a show-stopping experience that tastes as divine as it looks.
This no-bake recipe is accessible, flexible, and unforgettable. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a dessert that feels like it came straight from a high-end patisserie—without even turning on the oven.
