If there’s one dessert that guarantees a jaw-dropping reaction every time it hits the table, it’s Millionaire’s Tiramisu. This showstopper layers cloud-like mascarpone cream, caramel-drizzled ladyfingers, buttery shortbread, and rich coffee notes into one decadent yet perfectly balanced dessert. What makes this twist on the classic tiramisu truly a millionaire’s treat is the playful addition of caramel sauce and shortbread—two ingredients that add surprising complexity and pure luxury to every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party, a holiday meal, or just a treat-yourself weekend, everyone will want the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the simple, mouthwatering building blocks of this Millionaire’s Tiramisu. Each ingredient plays a starring role—creating luscious textures, adding bursts of flavor, and making those striking layers so beautiful on the plate.
- Heavy cream: Gives the filling its irresistible fluffy, smooth texture—whip to stiff peaks for best results.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The heart of any tiramisu, mascarpone lends a mild creaminess that perfectly balances sweet and rich flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds just the right touch of silky sweetness and helps unify the cream.
- Coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa): Infuses both depth and warmth—essential for creating classic tiramisu notes.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Use robust, bold coffee for that backbone of flavor running throughout.
- Dark rum (optional): For a hint of boozy warmth that enriches every layer—skip this or sub with more coffee if needed.
- Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi): These airy cookies turn perfectly cake-like once dipped, providing the signature tiramisu texture.
- Caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The star upgrade in Millionaire’s Tiramisu—drizzle generously for sultry sweetness.
- Crushed shortbread cookies: Adds a buttery crunch and a lovely surprise between creamy layers.
- Grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings: Chocolate shavings catch the eye and add a bittersweet pop to balance the caramel.
- Cocoa powder for dusting: Classic finishing touch—just a light snowfall on top for that unmistakable tiramisu look.
- Pinch of salt: Salt subtly sharpens all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
How to Make Millionaire’s Tiramisu
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by whipping your heavy cream until you get lovely, glossy stiff peaks. This is what will make the filling so billowy and indulgent, so be sure not to under-whip—or over-whip. Just until the cream holds its shape, then set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Mascarpone, Condensed Milk, and Salt
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone, luscious sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt. The mixture should look creamy and totally smooth—this base will have just the right touch of sweetness and a dreamy, velvety consistency.
Step 3: Fold Together for Silkiness
Using a spatula, gently fold your perfectly whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. This is where that cloudlike texture is born—use a light hand so you don’t lose any of the fluffiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Soaking Liquid
In a shallow dish, mix together the strong, cooled coffee with the coffee liqueur and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a little splash of dark rum. The aroma alone will make you swoon! This is your fragrant bath for the ladyfingers.
Step 5: Dunk the Ladyfingers
Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger cookie into the coffee mixture. You want them soaked but not collapsing! A brief submersion is all you need to ensure they’re flavorful but still structured for layering.
Step 6: Create the First Layer
Arrange half of your soaked ladyfingers snuggly in the bottom of your dish. No gaps if you can help it! Spoon on half the mascarpone mixture and smooth into an even layer. Now, drizzle with caramel sauce and scatter over a generous handful of crushed shortbread and grated chocolate.
Step 7: Repeat and Finish the Layers
Add the remaining ladyfingers in a second even layer, and repeat with the rest of the mascarpone cream. Top with another flourish of caramel, crushed shortbread, and chocolate shavings. This is what makes Millionaire’s Tiramisu truly worthy of its name—luxurious layers upon layers!
Step 8: Chill, Then Top Before Serving
Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best). This time lets the flavors meld and gives you those distinct, sliceable layers. Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder and give one last luxurious drizzle of caramel right on top.
How to Serve Millionaire’s Tiramisu
Garnishes
Sprinkle on more grated dark chocolate or extra shortbread crumbs at the table for irresistible texture, or finish each slice with a fresh mint sprig. A little extra caramel drizzled over individual servings is the ultimate VIP treatment.
Side Dishes
Serve Millionaire’s Tiramisu with espresso shots or cappuccino to play up the coffee notes, or add a handful of fresh berries for a tangy, colorful contrast that cuts through the richness. A simple almond biscotti is perfect alongside for crunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the dessert in glass jars or parfait glasses for individual servings—these make any dinner party feel instantly special. Or, cut tidy squares and stack on a platter with piped whipped cream and a caramel drizzle for a dazzling dessert bar option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Millionaire’s Tiramisu keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, make sure to store it as soon as possible to preserve those creamy layers.
Freezing
You can freeze Millionaire’s Tiramisu, ideally before you add the final dusting of cocoa and caramel drizzle. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This dreamy dessert is meant to be served cold, so no reheating necessary! Just slice straight from the fridge, or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it a little softer and creamier.
FAQs
Can I make Millionaire’s Tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert is even better made the day before as the flavors deepen and the layers firm up overnight in the fridge. Just add garnishes right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
If you want to skip the alcohol, simply use extra brewed coffee or a splash of good-quality coffee syrup in its place. You’ll still get that signature flavor without the booze.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dessert?
You can swap in gluten-free ladyfingers and shortbread cookies for a completely gluten-free Millionaire’s Tiramisu. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap!
Can I make this dessert kid-friendly?
Definitely! Omit the coffee liqueur and rum, and use a mild coffee syrup or even chocolate milk for dipping the ladyfingers. The result is still luscious and delicious—approved by both kids and adults.
How do I get clean slices when serving?
For picture-perfect slices, chill the tiramisu well and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) for each cut. This helps glide through the layers while keeping them distinct and neat on the plate.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Millionaire’s Tiramisu, it’s nearly impossible to go back to an ordinary tiramisu! Each bite is pure luxury, thanks to those caramel and shortbread surprises. Gather your ingredients, whip up a pan, and prepare for rave reviews—it’s truly a dessert worth celebrating.
Print
Millionaire’s Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadence of this Millionaire’s Tiramisu, a luxurious twist on the classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, caramel drizzle, and a hint of dark rum.
Ingredients
Cream Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- Pinch of salt
Coffee Soak:
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
Assembly:
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
- 1/4 cup grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and set aside.
- Mascarpone Mixture: In another bowl, beat the mascarpone, sweetened condensed milk, and salt until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream.
- Coffee Soak: Combine brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and dark rum. Dip ladyfingers in mixture.
- Layering: Layer soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, caramel, cookies, and chocolate in a dish.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Dust with cocoa powder and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Notes
- For a kid-friendly version, omit alcohol and use coffee-flavored syrup.
- Layer in individual jars or glasses for a fun presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
