Millionaire’s Tiramisu: A Luxurious Twist on a Timeless Dessert

Picture this: velvety mascarpone cream, layers of chocolate sponge soaked in espresso, and crunchy shortbread crumbs drizzled with salted caramel. This isn’t your typical tiramisu—it’s Millionaire’s Tiramisu, a dessert that takes indulgence to the next level.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic tiramisu or simply someone with a sweet tooth looking for an irresistible treat, this recipe is a game changer. It combines all the luxurious flavors you love—espresso, caramel, and chocolate—while adding a delightful crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to elevate your dessert game and learn how to create this show-stopping masterpiece right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Millionaire’s Tiramisu

• Ultimate Indulgence: The salted caramel and buttery shortbread take this dessert to the next level.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Its rich layers and stunning presentation make it a crowd-pleaser at parties or celebrations.
• No Raw Eggs: Unlike traditional tiramisu, this recipe uses mascarpone cream, making it safe for everyone to enjoy.
• Customizable: Swap the liqueur, add toppings, or even experiment with different biscuit bases.
• A Unique Twist: It’s a creative variation of the classic Italian dessert, blending textures and flavors beautifully.

Ingredients for Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this luxurious dessert.

For the Chocolate Sponge

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Self-raising flour	110g	Provides structure and rise
Baking powder	¼ tsp	Helps the sponge rise slightly more
Cocoa powder	30g	Adds rich chocolate flavor
Cornflour (cornstarch)	15g	Improves texture
Caster sugar	90g	Sweetens the sponge
Salt	⅛ tsp	Balances the sweetness
Full-fat milk	165ml	Adds moisture and richness
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar	1 tsp	Activates the baking powder
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Enhances the flavor
Flavorless oil	35ml	Keeps the sponge soft and moist

For the Espresso Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Instant espresso powder	20g	Adds bold coffee flavor
Hot water	450ml	Dissolves the espresso
Liqueur (optional)	150ml	Enhances flavor with a boozy twist

For the Layers

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Shortbread biscuits	100g	Adds a buttery crunch
Mascarpone cheese	250g	Creates a creamy, rich layer
Double cream	600ml	Makes the mascarpone layer light and fluffy
Icing sugar	3 tbsp	Sweetens the mascarpone cream
Caramel	225g	Adds sweetness and indulgence
Fleur de sel (flaky sea salt)	1 tsp	Balances the caramel’s sweetness
Cocoa powder	2 tbsp	Dusts the top with a chocolatey finish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 170ºC fan/340ºF. Grease and line a 20 x 3.5 x 31.5cm cake tin with baking parchment.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a jug, whisk together the milk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil. Let it stand for 5 minutes to activate.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients: Place a sieve over a large bowl and sift in the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, cornflour, sugar, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth, but avoid overmixing.
5. Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the sponge is springy to the touch.
6. Cool the Sponge: Let the sponge cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 12 equal rectangles.

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso Mixture

1. Dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water.
2. If you’re adding liqueur, substitute 150ml of the water with your choice of dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream.

Step 3: Crush the Shortbread Biscuits

1. Place the shortbread biscuits in a bowl.
2. Use the end of a rolling pin to break them into large, pebbly crumbs. Avoid crushing them too finely.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

1. Transfer the caramel to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30–40 seconds to loosen it.
2. Stir in the sea salt until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar.
2. Beat the mixture until it thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 6: Assemble the Millionaire’s Tiramisu

1. Layer the Sponge: Dip each rectangle of sponge into the espresso mixture for about 5 seconds. Arrange them in a single layer in a deep dish or tray (approximately 30cm wide x 5cm deep).
2. Add the Mascarpone Cream: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the sponge layer.
3. Sprinkle the Shortbread Crumbs: Add half of the crushed shortbread biscuits.
4. Drizzle the Caramel: Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the shortbread layer.
5. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream, shortbread crumbs, and caramel.

Step 7: Finish with Cocoa Powder

1. Place the cocoa powder in a small tea strainer.
2. Dust a generous layer of cocoa over the top of the tiramisu.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy every indulgent bite!

Tips for the Best Millionaire’s Tiramisu

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing, especially for the mascarpone cream.
2. Don’t Over-Soak the Sponge: A quick dip in the espresso mixture is enough to prevent the sponge from becoming too soggy.
3. Chill for Flavor: Letting the tiramisu chill allows the layers to meld together for a more intense flavor.
4. Customize the Liqueur: If you’re serving kids, skip the alcohol entirely. For adults, experiment with your favorite spirits.
5. Be Generous with Caramel: The salted caramel adds a luxurious touch, so don’t hold back!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	~320
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	19g
Sugar	20g
Sodium	~180mg

Creative Variations of Millionaire’s Tiramisu

1. Chocolate Lover’s Tiramisu

• Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone cream and shortbread crumbs.

2. Fruity Caramel Tiramisu

• Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist.

3. Gluten-Free Version

• Replace the shortbread biscuits with gluten-free cookies.

4. Nutty Tiramisu

• Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the layers for added crunch.

5. Coffee-Free Tiramisu

• Replace the espresso with hot chocolate or chai tea for a kid-friendly version.

FAQs About Millionaire’s Tiramisu

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Millionaire’s Tiramisu tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors have more time to develop.

2. How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze this tiramisu?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

4. Can I use store-bought sponge cake?

Absolutely! Store-bought sponge can save time and works just as well.

5. What if I don’t have mascarpone?

You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

6. Can I make this alcohol-free?

Of course! Simply omit the liqueur and use extra espresso or a non-alcoholic substitute.

Conclusion: Why Millionaire’s Tiramisu Is Worth Every Bite

Millionaire’s Tiramisu isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The layers of rich chocolate sponge, creamy mascarpone, salted caramel, and buttery shortbread create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a taste of luxury in every bite.

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