The Art of Perfect Millionaire Cheesecake

Perfect Crust Foundation

Master the technique of creating buttery shortbread crust that provides sturdy base while complementing rich cheesecake layers.

Silky Cheesecake Mastery

Achieve restaurant-quality smooth filling using proper mixing techniques and temperature control for crack-free perfection.

Caramel Excellence

Create perfect salted caramel layer with ideal consistency and flavor balance that doesn't overpower delicate cheesecake.

Ganache Perfection

Learn proper method for creating glossy chocolate ganache that sets beautifully while maintaining rich, smooth texture.

Layering Technique Excellence

Master assembly and presentation techniques that create stunning visual impact perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Expert Tips for Perfect Millionaire Cheesecake

Temperature Success: All ingredients must be room temperature for smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that bakes evenly throughout.

Water Bath Alternative: Place pan of hot water on bottom oven rack to create steam and prevent cracking during baking.

Caramel Timing: Make caramel while cheesecake chills - perfect timing ensures layers set properly without rushing the process.

Cutting Perfection: Use warm, clean knife between each slice for clean cuts that showcase beautiful layers perfectly.

Storage Wisdom: Cheesecake improves after 24 hours as flavors meld - make day ahead for best results and easier serving.

Serving Temperature: Let cheesecake sit 15 minutes at room temperature before serving for ideal creamy texture throughout.

Homemade Millionaire Cheesecake From Scratch: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

Name: Homemade Millionaire Cheesecake From Scratch: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Shortbread Crust:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For Cheesecake Filling:; 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For Salted Caramel Layer:; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon sea salt; For Chocolate Ganache:; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

The most luxurious and indulgent millionaire cheesecake you'll ever make - incredibly rich and creamy with layers of buttery shortbread crust, silky vanilla cheesecake, smooth salted caramel, and dark chocolate ganache, baked to perfection for the ultimate dessert that's so decadent it'll have everyone begging for the recipe with every heavenly bite that tastes like pure millionaire magic.

Prep Time

45 Minutes

Cook Time

1H30 Minutes

Total Time

6H15 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For Shortbread Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 large egg yolk

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cheesecake Filling:

32 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

For Salted Caramel Layer:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sea salt

For Chocolate Ganache:

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For Enhanced Flavor:

1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)

1 teaspoon espresso powder

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For Finishing:

Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Gold leaf for decoration (optional)

Fresh berries for garnish

Whipped cream rosettes

For Garnish & Serving:

Caramel sauce drizzle

Chocolate shavings

Toasted nuts

Mint leaves

Powdered sugar dusting

Extra chocolate curls

Optional additions: praline pieces

candied nuts

edible flowers

Instructions

Make shortbread crust by combining flour, powdered sugar, and salt in food processor until mixed thoroughly.

Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining throughout.

Whisk egg yolk, cream, and vanilla together, then add to flour mixture and pulse until dough just comes together.

Press dough evenly into bottom and 1 inch up sides of greased 9-inch springform pan, creating even layer.

Refrigerate crust 30 minutes, then preheat oven to 350°F and bake crust 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.

Cool crust completely while preparing cheesecake filling - this prevents cracking and ensures smooth texture throughout baking.

Beat cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, scraping bowl frequently for even mixing.

Gradually add sugar and beat until light and creamy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, cornstarch, and salt until just combined - avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.

Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust and smooth top with offset spatula for even, professional appearance throughout.

Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.

Turn off oven and crack door open, allowing cheesecake to cool gradually in oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.

For caramel, heat sugar in heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and deep amber colored.

Remove from heat and quickly whisk in butter, then slowly add cream while whisking - mixture will bubble vigorously.

Stir in vanilla and salt, then cool caramel until thick enough to spread but still pourable for perfect consistency.

Pour caramel over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly, leaving small border around edges for clean presentation.

For ganache, heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes before stirring.

Stir ganache until smooth and glossy, then add butter, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt for ultimate richness and shine.

Pour ganache over caramel layer and spread gently with offset spatula for smooth, professional finish throughout surface.

Refrigerate finished cheesecake 2 hours until all layers are set, then garnish with sea salt and serve chilled!

Homemade Millionaire Cheesecake From Scratch: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Millionaire Cheesecake

Homemade Millionaire Cheesecake From Scratch: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

Ingredients

Instructions