There’s something absolutely magical about a Millionaire’s Cheesecake. I still remember the first time I had a slice at a little family gathering one crisp fall evening — the kind of evening when you can hear the leaves crunching underfoot and feel the warmth of the kitchen spilling into every room. My aunt had made it as a special treat, layering it with buttery shortbread, a luscious caramel, and a silky cheesecake that seemed almost too good to be true. It wasn’t just dessert; it was an event.

Share—pin this recipe for later on Pinterest!

Millionaire’s Cheesecake is a playful twist on the classic Millionaire’s Shortbread — that beloved treat made of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate. But here, it’s transformed into a show-stopping cheesecake that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day you feel like celebrating something (even if it’s just making it through a long week). Every forkful feels indulgent, like you’re treating yourself to a little moment of pure happiness.

Whether you’ve grown up sneaking squares of Millionaire’s Shortbread off the dessert table or you’re just discovering its rich, buttery magic, this cheesecake version brings a whole new level of creamy goodness to the party. It’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and fresh — something that feels both homey and a little bit luxurious.

Let’s dive into how you can bring a little bit of that magic into your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

No baking required: The fridge does all the hard work!
Rich and indulgent: Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Classic flavors with a twist: Familiar but exciting.
Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings or a drizzle of extra caramel.
Great make-ahead dessert: Ideal for parties and gatherings.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Base:

200g shortbread biscuits
90g butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

600g cream cheese
100g powdered sugar
300ml double cream

For the Caramel Layer:

397g can sweetened condensed milk
100g butter
100g light brown sugar

For the Chocolate Topping:

150g milk chocolate
50g dark chocolate
1 tablespoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil)

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONAIRE’S CHEESECAKE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by crushing the shortbread biscuits into fine crumbs. You can blitz them in a food processor or pop them in a sealed bag and bash them with a rolling pin — it’s surprisingly therapeutic! Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until the texture reminds you of wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined springform pan, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the next layer.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Try to keep the air in it — this will make your cheesecake wonderfully light. Spread the cheesecake layer over the chilled base, smoothing the top. Back into the fridge it goes!

Step 3: Make the Caramel
Now for the star of the show — the caramel! In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir until it looks glossy and combined. Then add the condensed milk and keep stirring, making sure it doesn’t catch on the bottom. You want it thick, golden, and luscious — it should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake layer. Chill again until set.

Step 4: Chocolate Finish
Melt the milk and dark chocolate together, either in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler. Stir in the neutral oil to make it beautifully glossy and easy to slice through later. Pour the chocolate over the caramel layer, tipping the tin gently side to side to get an even coating. Pop it back in the fridge for a final set.

Step 5: The Best Part — Serve!
Once the chocolate is set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Slice into glorious wedges and serve. Get ready for lots of “oohs” and “aahs” — you earned them.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Crumb texture matters: Make sure your biscuit crumbs are fine so the base holds together well.
Room temperature cream cheese: This helps you get a silky-smooth cheesecake without lumps.
Keep stirring the caramel: It can catch and burn easily — a low, gentle heat and constant stirring are your best friends.
Slice with a hot knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing for neat, beautiful cuts.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 6 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

If you’re in a rush, you can use store-bought caramel, but making your own really takes this dessert to the next level.
Try sprinkling a little sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets for an irresistible salted caramel twist.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per slice)

Calories: 560 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 34g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze Millionaire’s Cheesecake?
Yes! Slice it first, wrap the pieces individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?
Absolutely. Digestives or graham crackers would work great too, but shortbread gives it that authentic millionaire’s feel.

How long will it keep in the fridge?
It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days if kept covered and refrigerated.

What if my caramel is too runny?
It may need a little more time cooking. It should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon before you pour it on.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Keep the cheesecake refrigerated in an airtight container. It’s best eaten within 4 days, but good luck making it last that long!

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

CONCLUSION

Millionaire’s Cheesecake is more than just a dessert — it’s a little slice of happiness, layered with love, patience, and all the best things in life. Whether you’re making it for a big celebration or just to sweeten up a regular day, you’ll find that it’s the kind of recipe that makes memories. Cozy, decadent, and undeniably irresistible, this cheesecake deserves a place in your favorites list.