Millionaire’s Tiramisu Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and an adventurous palate, let me introduce you to a truly irresistible dessert: the Millionaire’s Tiramisu. This dessert takes the classic Italian tiramisu and elevates it to decadent heights by combining rich chocolate sponge, luscious mascarpone cream, and layers of salted caramel with just the right touch of espresso. It is a harmony of textures and flavors—the luscious creaminess, the subtle bitterness of coffee, the buttery crunch from shortbread, and that salty caramel surprise all work together to create a show-stopping treat that’s nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, Millionaire’s Tiramisu is a dessert that promises a memorable, indulgent experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Millionaire’s Tiramisu is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a short list of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender chocolate sponge to the creamy mascarpone filling and the irresistible salted caramel twist, giving the dish its signature flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

• Self-raising flour: Forms the soft, fluffy base of the chocolate sponge cake, crucial for a light texture.
• Baking powder: Ensures the sponge rises perfectly without becoming dense.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a rich color to the sponge.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): Helps give the cake a tender crumb and gentle structure.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens the sponge evenly without graininess.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Full-fat milk: Adds moisture while keeping the sponge soft and indulgent.
• Distilled white or apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking agents to create a tender but light sponge texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic note to the sponge.
• Flavorless oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the sponge moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
• Instant espresso powder: Infuses the sponge with bold coffee flavor, vital for authentic tiramisu taste.
• Hot water: Dissolves the espresso powder perfectly to soak the sponge.
• Optional dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream liqueur: Adds a boozy depth that takes the dessert to grown-up luxury levels.
• Full-fat mascarpone: The creaminess star of the show, delivering rich, smooth texture to the filling.
• Double cream: Whipped to luscious peaks, it lightens the mascarpone for a wonderfully airy cream.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer gently and smoothly.
• Caramel (Carnation caramel or dulce de leche): Gives that signature “millionaire” element, with sweet and salty notes that surprise and delight.
• Fleur de sel or flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on caramel to heighten its indulgent contrast.
• Shortbread biscuits: Crumbled and layered for a buttery crunch that adds texture complexity.
• Extra cocoa powder: For dusting the finished tiramisu, bringing a rich cocoa aroma and final touch.

How to Make Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Sponge

Start your journey by preparing the delicious chocolate sponge that will support all the creamy layers. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and prepare a cake tin with grease and baking parchment—this step makes sure your sponge comes out cleanly. Next, mix the milk, vinegar, vanilla, and oil, letting it rest so that the mixture curdles slightly and acts as a perfect buttermilk substitute. Meanwhile, sift all your dry ingredients to combine them smoothly and to avoid lumps—this makes sure your sponge rises evenly. When you mix the wet and dry components, be gentle; overmixing can weigh down your sponge. Bake the batter until it springs back to touch and a skewer comes out clean. Cool it completely before slicing into 12 rectangle pieces, ready to soak up the espresso.

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso Mixture

Nothing says tiramisu like a good espresso soak. Dissolve your instant espresso powder into hot, but not boiling, water. For an adult twist, swap a portion of the water with your favorite spirit like dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream liqueur. The result? A soaking liquid that will impart a fantastic coffee kick and a touch of warmth that elevates the entire dessert. Let this mixture cool to room temperature before you start assembling.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream

This luscious, velvety cream is the heart of the Millionaire’s Tiramisu. Combine mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar, then whip with a mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes thick enough to hold its shape while remaining silky smooth. Patience here is key — rush it and the texture won’t be quite right. If it feels too stiff, a splash of milk loosens it beautifully. This step creates that dreamy, cloud-like filling that makes every spoonful unforgettable.

Step 4: Assemble the Millionaire’s Tiramisu

The fun part is layering! Dip each sponge piece into the cooled espresso mixture for about 5 seconds to soak up those rich coffee notes without turning soggy. Arrange six pieces in your dish, then spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over. Sprinkle with half the crumbled shortbread for that essential buttery crunch, then dollop half the salted caramel and sprinkle with fleur de sel for that luxurious sweet-salty balance. Repeat the entire layering process once more, finishing with a generous dusting of cocoa powder sifted on top for elegance and extra chocolate depth.

Step 5: Let the Tiramisu Set

Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 12 hours, ideally overnight. This rest period allows all the layers to harmonize—the sponge absorbs the cream and espresso perfectly, while the salted caramel melds into every bite. The chilled, firm texture also makes slicing neat pieces a breeze. Trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it!

How to Serve Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in turning a stunning dessert into a showstopper. Consider a light dusting of extra cocoa powder, or for a festive touch, some shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls. A few additional flaky sea salt sprinkles can enhance the salted caramel’s flavor even more. For added elegance, a sprig of fresh mint or edible gold leaf can make your presentation dazzling.

Side Dishes

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with simple, refreshing sides is ideal. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add bright acidity that balances the creamy sweetness. A small glass of dessert wine, such as Marsala or a cold espresso, can also complement the layered flavors perfectly. If serving at a gathering, fresh fruit sorbet works as a light palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or add a modern twist? Try serving Millionaire’s Tiramisu in individual clear glass jars or cups to showcase the beautiful layers. Alternatively, use a large terrine or trifle bowl for a family-style presentation that invites guests to dig in. For a dramatic effect, serve each slice with a drizzle of warm salted caramel or a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa at the table. Presentation is all about sharing the love and decadence of this dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Millionaire’s Tiramisu keeps well in the fridge up to 3 days when covered properly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier, so there’s no harm in prepping ahead or enjoying the delicious leftovers. Just remember to keep it chilled to maintain the creamy texture and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Millionaire’s Tiramisu later, it freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then again with foil, or place them in an airtight freezer container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; the texture remains creamy and the flavors intact, making it a convenient option for future indulgence.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and should not be reheated. Heating the layers can ruin the delicate mascarpone cream and affect the texture of the chocolate sponge. Instead, allow frozen tiramisu to thaw in the refrigerator, then serve cold to maintain its luxurious mouthfeel and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

Instant espresso powder is preferred for its intense and concentrated coffee flavor, which dissolves easily. However, if you don’t have it, you can use a strong brewed coffee or espresso, just make sure it’s cooled and relatively concentrated to keep the tiramisu’s signature taste.

Is it necessary to use alcohol in the espresso mixture?

No, the alcohol is optional and can be omitted for a family-friendly version. The espresso flavor alone is enough to give the tiramisu that classic, rich character. The alcohol just adds a subtle boozy warmth if you want to make it extra special.

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

While cream cheese can be a substitute in a pinch, mascarpone has a unique buttery sweetness and smoothness that cream cheese doesn’t quite match. For the best authentic texture and flavor, go with mascarpone.

What is the best way to store leftover Millionaire’s Tiramisu?

Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and delicious. Cover it well to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Can I make Millionaire’s Tiramisu gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the self-raising flour and shortbread biscuits for gluten-free alternatives. Make sure the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is one of those magical desserts that never fails to impress. Its layered complexity, from the moist chocolate sponge to the salty-sweet caramel and smooth mascarpone cream, creates a symphony of flavors that you will want to make again and again. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch as it becomes your new favorite indulgence!

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