Millionaire Cheesecake

Indulge in the ultimate luxury dessert with this Millionaire Cheesecake. This decadent cheesecake features layers of creamy cheesecake, caramel topping, and chocolate, making it a truly rich and indulgent treat. Follow these detailed steps to create this show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed light
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 4 (8 oz.) packages full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1/2 cup caramel topping
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 2/3 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)

For Topping:

• Flakey sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form Crust:
   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Use a flat-bottomed cup or a spatula to smooth it out.
4. Bake Crust:
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it is set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese:
   • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the 4 packages of room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cornstarch:
   • Gradually add 1 1/3 cups of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, beating until well combined.
3. Add Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add Sour Cream and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the 2/3 cup of sour cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. Add Heavy Cream:
   • Gradually add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, beating until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Pour Filling Over Crust:
   • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Prepare Water Bath:
   • Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in. Place the springform pan in a large, rimmed baking sheet or flat baking tray. Fill the baking sheet with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
3. Bake Cheesecake:
   • Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for about an hour.
4. Cool Cheesecake:
   • Remove the cheesecake from the oven and the water bath. Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer

1. Make Caramel Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of caramel topping, 1/4 cup of light corn syrup, and 1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Cool Caramel Sauce:
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake while you prepare the ganache.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Melt Chocolate:
   • Place 2/3 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup (optional) for added shine.
3. Pour Ganache Over Cheesecake:
   • Pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer on the cheesecake. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with flakey sea salt.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill Cheesecake:
   • Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set.
2. Serve:
   • Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice and serve chilled.

This Millionaire Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the indulgence of caramel and chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy every luxurious bite!