Millionaire’s Tiramisu Recipe

Brace yourself for pure decadence: Millionaire’s Tiramisu is where two beloved classics—rich tiramisu and opulent millionaire’s shortbread—become a dessert you’ll never forget. This no-holds-barred showstopper blends pillowy chocolate sponge, salted caramel, and a hint of coffee liqueur with lush mascarpone cream. Imagine each bite as a luxurious treasure trove: fudgy cocoa, bold espresso, buttery shortbread crumbles, and salted caramel ribbons, all harmoniously layered. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into a celebration and guarantees you’ll be the most popular person at any dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Millionaire’s Tiramisu lies in its carefully balanced ingredients—each one playing a starring role in texture, flavor, or final presentation. Opt for the best quality you can manage, and you’ll see (and taste) just how they elevate this unforgettable dessert.

• Self-raising flour: Ensures your chocolate sponge is airy, light, and perfectly risen—essential to soaking up espresso and caramel.
• Baking powder: Adds extra lift to complement the self-raising flour for a tender crumb.
• Cocoa powder: Provides deep, chocolatey notes and irresistible color—always use a good-quality Dutch-processed cocoa if possible.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): Helps the sponge stay super soft and light, soaking up flavors without getting soggy.
• Caster sugar: Dissolves quickly and adds delicate sweetness to both the sponge and mascarpone cream.
• Salt: Balances the richness and makes every flavor pop, including the caramel swirl.
• Full-fat milk: Contributes moisture and helps the batter blend smoothly—be sure it’s at room temperature.
• Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the raising agents for extra fluffiness and subtle tang.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolatey and caramel layers—don’t skip it!
• Flavourless oil: Ensures a moist, tender sponge that stays deliciously soft after soaking.
• Instant espresso powder: Delivers that bold, sophisticated coffee signature essential in any tiramisu.
• Hot water (not boiling): Perfectly dissolves the espresso for soaking the sponge layers.
• Optional dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream liqueur: For those who want an adults-only twist, this adds extra depth and a hint of indulgence.
• Shortbread biscuits: The quintessential “millionaire” treat, crumbled for buttery crunch and added richness.
• Full-fat mascarpone (room temperature): Delivers classic tiramisu creaminess—its rich, velvety texture is non-negotiable.
• Double cream (room temperature): Whips into a soft, luxurious billow, making that mascarpone filling extra dreamy.
• Icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar): Sweetens and softens the mascarpone mixture—sift for best results.
• Caramel (dulce de leche): Adds the millionaire’s golden touch—store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s thick and rich.
• Fleur de sel (flaky sea salt): Sprinkled into the caramel for pops of flavor and the ultimate gourmet finish.
• Cocoa powder (for dusting): That final, showstopping flourish that promises chocolate in every forkful.

How to Make Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge

Begin by preheating your oven to 170ºC fan/340ºF and line a traybake tin with baking parchment. This sponge forms the rich, chocolaty base of your Millionaire’s Tiramisu, so give it a little love! Whip up the batter by combining milk, vinegar, vanilla, and oil in a jug. Set it aside for 5 minutes—the vinegar works quietly to guarantee maximum fluffiness. Meanwhile, sift flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, cornflour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Pour in the milk mixture and whisk just until smooth. Spread the batter evenly in your tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the sponge gently springs back when touched. Allow to cool before cutting into neat fingers.

Step 2: Make the Espresso Soak

Whisk together the instant espresso powder and hot water in a bowl—if you fancy a little extra indulgence, stir in your chosen liqueur (dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream all add a subtle grownup character). Set aside so it can cool to room temp, perfect for soaking your freshly-baked chocolate sponge later without making it mushy.

Step 3: Crush the Shortbread Biscuits

Reach for a rolling pin and bash your shortbread biscuits into large, craggy crumbs—think bite-sized nuggets rather than sandy dust. This step ensures every bite of Millionaire’s Tiramisu delivers that iconic shortbread crunch and classic “millionaire” character.

Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel

Spoon the caramel into a microwave-safe bowl and give it a quick zap (about 30–40 seconds) so it loosens and becomes pourable. Stir in the fleur de sel—this transforms ordinary caramel into a rich, nuanced salted caramel, ready to take center stage in your dessert.

Step 5: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

In a large bowl, whip together the room-temperature mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar. It will look a little lumpy to start, but keep whisking for a minute or two. You want a thick, spreadable texture—don’t overmix or it will get too stiff. This creamy cloud is the silky soul of your Millionaire’s Tiramisu.

Step 6: Assemble Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Now for the magic! Take a large, deep serving dish. Dip each chocolate sponge finger in the cooled espresso mixture for just a few seconds, then arrange them as a single layer in your dish. Top with half of the mascarpone cream, followed by a generous layer of shortbread crumbs and half the salted caramel. Repeat the layers: sponge, cream, crumbs, caramel—building height and flavor with each pass. Finish with the last of your caramel on top.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Right before serving, dust the top of your Millionaire’s Tiramisu with a hearty layer of cocoa powder. Use a small tea strainer for an even, dramatic finish. The cocoa melds beautifully with the sweetness beneath and gives that signature tiramisu flair.

How to Serve Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Garnishes

Elevate every slice with toasted hazelnuts, shaved dark chocolate, or a tiny pinch more of fleur de sel. For a playful touch, you could even add gold leaf or edible glitter—because if anything deserves to look as luxurious as it tastes, it’s this tiramisu.

Side Dishes

Pair your Millionaire’s Tiramisu with a mound of fresh, lightly macerated berries or a small scoop of espresso gelato. Both make fabulous accompaniments that add brightness and temper the dessert’s richness, ensuring the flavors truly shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Millionaire’s Tiramisu in elegant individual glasses for dinner parties, or layer it up in a trifle bowl for dramatic effect. For something extra-splendid, cut the finished tiramisu into neat cubes, dust each with cocoa, and skewer for a luxurious dessert canapé.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Millionaire’s Tiramisu keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover the dish tightly with cling film or transfer slices to an airtight container to prevent it from picking up fridge odors. The flavors deepen, the caramel gets even more luscious, and the cream stays rich.

Freezing

If you want to make Millionaire’s Tiramisu ahead by a week or two, you can freeze it—just be aware the texture may change slightly. Slice individual portions or freeze the dessert whole, well-wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Millionaire’s Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, where all the flavors stay vivid and the creamy textures are at their most luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Millionaire’s Tiramisu alcohol-free?

Absolutely! Simply use the espresso mixture without liqueur. The dessert will still boast bold coffee flavor and decadent layers without any added spirits.

Can I use store-bought sponge as a shortcut?

You can swap the homemade chocolate sponge for store-bought sponge fingers or chocolate cake in a pinch. However, making your own gives you control over flavor and texture—the backbone of classic Millionaire’s Tiramisu.

What if I can’t find mascarpone?

Full-fat cream cheese works in a pinch, though it won’t have quite the same luscious texture or milky flavor. Whip it gently with the cream and icing sugar to avoid making it too dense.

Can I assemble Millionaire’s Tiramisu in advance?

Yes! Assembling the tiramisu at least 4 hours before serving (or overnight) actually improves its flavor, giving the layers time to meld together. Hold off on dusting with cocoa powder until just before serving.

Is it possible to make Millionaire’s Tiramisu gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap the self-raising flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and choose gluten-free shortbread biscuits. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can indulge.

Final Thoughts

Millionaire’s Tiramisu isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience, combining creamy comfort and spectacular flavor in every bite. I hope you fall for its layers of chocolate, caramel, and coffee just as much as I have. Give it a try and let it turn your next get-together into something truly golden!

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