If you’re chasing that “wow” factor for your next gathering, this Millionaire’s Tiramisu is the showstopper dessert that promises to impress. Imagine the classic creamy layers of Italian tiramisu, but with a decadent caramel twist thanks to swirls of dulce de leche and a golden crunch from buttery shortbread. The combination is truly irresistible. Each forkful is velvety, bold with espresso, and tinged with luxury—a dessert that earns its opulent name, Millionaire’s Tiramisu!

Millionaire’s Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Millionaire’s Tiramisu lies in the way simple yet carefully chosen ingredients mingle to create a dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly lavish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that set this tiramisu apart from the rest.

Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi): These airy Italian biscuits soak up coffee perfectly while holding their structure, giving that signature tiramisu base.
Brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled): Deeply flavors the dessert layers; make sure it’s cooled so the ladyfingers don’t become soggy.
Coffee liqueur (optional): Amplifies the coffee experience with a special grown-up kick, but it’s totally fine to skip for an alcohol-free option.
Dulce de leche: The caramel star of this dessert, lending a rich and buttery sweetness that feels downright indulgent.
Heavy cream: When whipped, it lightens and fluffs up the mascarpone for dreamy, spoonable layers.
Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): Essential for that classic Italian tiramisu texture—creamy and slightly tangy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to balance the flavors.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the mascarpone cream with warmth and aroma.
Crushed shortbread cookies: Adds buttery crunch between silky layers, giving that “millionaire” flair.
Cocoa powder and chocolate shavings: The finishers for a visually irresistible and flavor-packed top.

How to Make Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by beating the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla extract until you see soft, billowy peaks form. This whipped cream is the backbone of a light and luscious texture, so don’t rush—keep an eye out for just-the-right consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture

In a separate bowl, gently blend the mascarpone cheese with all that dreamy dulce de leche. Stir until perfectly smooth and caramel-kissed, then delicately fold in the whipped cream from step one. Take your time to keep the mixture fluffy!

Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers

Pour the cooled espresso (and coffee liqueur, if using) into a shallow dish. Take each ladyfinger and give it a very quick dip—just enough to soak up the coffee flavor without going mushy. Assembly goes best when you don’t let them linger too long in the coffee.

Step 4: Layer the Tiramisu

Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in the base of an 8×8-inch dish. Top with half of the mascarpone-dulce de leche mixture, then sprinkle on half of the crushed shortbread cookies. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers, then the rest of the creamy mixture, and finish with more shortbread.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight if you plan ahead. This is where the flavors deepen and the layers firm up, turning Millionaire’s Tiramisu into pure perfection.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, dust liberally with cocoa powder and scatter on chocolate shavings. The finishing touch not only dazzles your guests but also adds another pop of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Millionaire’s Tiramisu

Garnishes

For a true “millionaire” presentation, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder, then add an avalanche of dark chocolate shavings. A few edible gold flakes or a drizzle of extra dulce de leche can make it feel even more special. Don’t forget a sprig of mint or some caramel pearls if you’re in the mood to show off!

Side Dishes

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is rich, so a cup of strong coffee or espresso makes a balanced pairing. For something lighter on the side, fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad work beautifully, cutting through the dessert’s creamy sweetness with a burst of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the tiramisu in individual glasses or mason jars for a delightful single-serve treat at parties. Or embrace a “deconstructed” look by layering the components in small plates. For extra extravagance, use a long trifle dish and show off those enticing layers. Presentation is half the fun with this unforgettable dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Millionaire’s Tiramisu, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and some say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further.

Freezing

You can freeze Millionaire’s Tiramisu for up to 1 month if needed. Slice it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic followed by foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

There’s no need (and no place!) for reheating here—this dessert is served cool and creamy, right from the fridge. If it’s been in the freezer, just let it thaw in the fridge until it’s softened to that perfect, lush consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Millionaire’s Tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just leave out the coffee liqueur. For extra flavor, swap it for a splash of vanilla or caramel extract in the coffee. You’ll still have a wonderfully aromatic dessert that everyone can enjoy.

What if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese can step in as a substitute in a pinch, though the result will be slightly tangier and less silky. For the classic tiramisu texture and taste in Millionaire’s Tiramisu, mascarpone is truly worth tracking down.

How long does Millionaire’s Tiramisu need to chill?

A minimum of four hours is essential, but overnight is even better. The extra time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set up beautifully, making slicing and serving a breeze.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead for a party?

Yes! In fact, Millionaire’s Tiramisu is the ideal make-ahead dessert. Assemble it the day before, let it chill overnight, and it’ll be ready to wow your guests—no last-minute fuss.

What kind of shortbread should I use?

Any all-butter shortbread will work, whether homemade or store-bought. Choose cookies that are buttery and crumbly; they’ll add a melt-in-the-mouth richness that truly elevates the dessert.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to take your dessert game up a notch, give Millionaire’s Tiramisu a try. It’s a showstopper that feels both nostalgic and totally new, and every creamy, caramel bite is pure joy. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your friends) to a slice of indulgence!

Millionaire’s Tiramisu Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadence of this Millionaire’s Tiramisu, a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert with layers of ladyfinger cookies, creamy mascarpone-dulce de leche mixture, and buttery shortbread, all dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.

Ingredients

Scale

Ladyfinger Layer:

24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)

Coffee Mixture:

1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

Mascarpone-Dulce de Leche Cream:

1 cup dulce de leche
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 (8 oz) tub mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Layering and Garnish:

1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
Cocoa powder and chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone with the dulce de leche until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined.
Layer Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture and layer them in a dish. Spread mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers and sprinkle with shortbread crumbs. Repeat layers.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings before serving.

Notes

This tiramisu gets its ‘millionaire’ twist from the addition of dulce de leche and buttery shortbread.
For an alcohol-free version, skip the coffee liqueur and add a splash of vanilla or caramel extract to the coffee.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired