Decadent Millionaire’s Cheesecake with Chocolate, Caramel & Creamy Layers
A rich, layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, silky cheesecake center, gooey salted caramel, and smooth dark chocolate ganache. Inspired by millionaire’s shortbread for the ultimate indulgence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
For the crust:
8 oz shortbread cookies
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
24 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the caramel layer:
1 cup salted caramel sauce
For the ganache:
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
Optional garnish:
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.
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Mix cookie crumbs and butter, press into pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
-
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, eggs one at a time, and vanilla.
-
Pour filling into crust. Wrap pan and bake in a water bath for 55–65 minutes.
-
Turn off oven, crack door, and let sit 1 hour. Cool completely, then chill 4+ hours.
-
Spread caramel over cheesecake, chill 30 minutes.
-
Heat cream and pour over chocolate. Whisk to form ganache. Spread over caramel.
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Chill 30 minutes. Release from pan, garnish, and slice with a warm knife.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Let layers set before adding the next.