Millionaire’s Tiramisu: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

Tiramisu is undoubtedly one of the most beloved desserts worldwide. Its light yet creamy texture, rich coffee flavor, and the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness make it a timeless classic. However, there’s something extra special about taking a traditional recipe and elevating it with luxurious flavors. That’s exactly what we’ve done with this Millionaire’s Tiramisu. This version of the classic dessert introduces layers of espresso-soaked chocolate sponge, salted caramel, and crunchy shortbread biscuit crumbs, all topped with a smooth mascarpone cream. It’s a treat that will indulge your senses and impress your guests, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

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If you’re new to baking or just looking for a simple yet elegant dessert to serve, this eggless Millionaire’s Tiramisu is perfect for you. It requires only a few basic techniques—no fancy equipment or skills are needed—and the result is a sophisticated dessert that will make anyone think you’re a pro in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a special family gathering, or a treat for yourself, this dessert promises to be the star of the show.

What’s even better is that this dessert can be made a day ahead, which means less stress on the day of serving and more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. It’s the perfect balance of ease, elegance, and indulgence, making it an ideal choice for anyone—whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned baker looking to try something new.

Ingredients and Preparation

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it’s an experience in itself. To create this decadent dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, but the combination of these elements creates a rich and complex flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather for this indulgent treat:

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• 110g self-raising flour – The self-raising flour provides the sponge with just the right amount of lift, making it soft and airy.
• 1/4 tsp baking powder – This extra bit of leavening helps give the sponge an even lighter texture.
• 30g cocoa powder – This is what gives the sponge its deep chocolate flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with the espresso in the tiramisu.
• 15g cornflour (cornstarch) – The cornflour helps to create a delicate, soft texture in the sponge.
• 90g caster sugar – The sugar sweetens the sponge while adding moisture.
• 1/8 tsp salt – A tiny bit of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 165ml full-fat milk (room temperature) – Full-fat milk adds richness to the sponge without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 tsp distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar – The vinegar reacts with the baking powder to help the sponge rise and ensures a moist crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the cocoa.
• 35ml any flavorless oil (such as vegetable or sunflower oil) – The oil keeps the sponge moist and tender.

For the Espresso:

• 20g instant espresso powder – The espresso powder gives the tiramisu its signature coffee flavor. If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, feel free to add a bit more.
• 450ml hot water (not boiling) – Hot water helps dissolve the espresso powder, releasing all its rich flavors.
• Optional: Substitute a 150ml measure of the water with dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream liqueur – If you want to make the dessert more celebratory, feel free to add a splash of alcohol for extra depth of flavor.

Additional Ingredients:

• 100g shortbread biscuits – These crunchy biscuits provide a delightful contrast to the creamy layers in the tiramisu.
• 250g full-fat mascarpone (room temperature) – Mascarpone is the key to a rich, velvety filling. Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• 600ml double cream (room temperature) – The cream helps to lighten the mascarpone mixture, making it airy and luscious.
• 3 tbsp icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar) – The icing sugar sweetens the cream without being too overpowering.
• 225g caramel (e.g., Carnation caramel or dulce de leche) – The caramel adds a rich, buttery sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the espresso and chocolate.
• 1 tsp fleur de sel (or flaky sea salt) – A sprinkle of sea salt elevates the caramel, bringing out its flavor and adding complexity.
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (not drinking chocolate) – The cocoa powder is used to finish the tiramisu with a dusting of rich chocolate flavor.

With all your ingredients ready, you’re set to begin creating this masterpiece!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is a multi-step process, but don’t let that intimidate you. Each step is simple and straightforward, designed for even the most beginner bakers. Let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering dessert:

1. Make the Chocolate Sponge:

• Preheat your oven to 170ºC (340ºF). Grease and line a 20×3.5×31.5cm (8×1.5×12.5in) cake tin or traybake tin with baking parchment.
• In a jug, whisk together the milk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the vinegar to activate the baking powder.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, cornflour, sugar, and salt.
• Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Don’t overmix; just ensure the ingredients are well combined.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared tin and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when lightly pressed. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Espresso:

• In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in hot water. Stir until the espresso powder is fully dissolved.
• If you’re using alcohol, add it to the espresso mixture. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the tiramisu.
• Set aside to cool.

3. Crush the Shortbread Biscuits:

• Using a rolling pin or a food processor, crush the shortbread biscuits into coarse crumbs. The crumbs should be chunky and not too fine.
• Set aside.

4. Loosen the Caramel:

• Place the caramel in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30-40 seconds to soften it.
• Stir in the sea salt to balance the sweetness and create a delightful salted caramel flavor.

5. Make the Mascarpone Cream:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone, double cream, and icing sugar.
• Start beating slowly, then increase the speed until the mixture thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. It should be thick but still spreadable.
• Be careful not to overwhip; you want the cream to remain smooth and not too stiff.

6. Assemble the Millionaire’s Tiramisu:

• Slice the cooled chocolate sponge into 12 equal rectangles.
• Soak each piece of sponge in the prepared espresso mixture for about 5 seconds. Be careful not to soak them for too long, as they may become too soggy.
• Arrange the soaked sponge pieces in the bottom of a large, deep dish (approximately 30cm wide and 5cm deep).
• Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the sponge, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Sprinkle half of the crushed shortbread biscuits and half of the salted caramel on top.
• Repeat the process with the remaining sponge, mascarpone cream, shortbread, and caramel layers.
• Finish with a final layer of salted caramel.

7. Finish with Cocoa Powder:

• Using a fine mesh sieve or tea strainer, dust a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu.
• Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Making Millionaire’s Tiramisu is surprisingly easy, but here are some tips to help ensure success:

• Sponge Texture: Be careful not to overbake the chocolate sponge. If you press lightly on the center and it springs back, it’s done. If it sinks, it needs a few more minutes.
• Espresso Soaking Time: Soak the sponge just long enough to absorb the coffee mixture. If you leave it in too long, the sponge can become soggy, so aim for about 5 seconds.
• Mascarpone Cream: Make sure the mascarpone is at room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it can become lumpy and hard to blend with the cream.
• Storage: Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is a rich, indulgent dessert that doesn’t need much to complement it, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience even further:

• Side Suggestions: Serve with a light fruit salad to balance the richness. The acidity of berries or citrus will cut through the creamy layers of the tiramisu.
• Pairing Drinks: For a truly indulgent treat, pair the tiramisu with a glass of dessert wine, like a rich Marsala or a sweet port. Alternatively, a strong black coffee or an espresso martini would enhance the coffee flavor in the tiramisu.
• Make It Special: Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or toasted nuts (like hazelnuts or almonds) on top of the finished tiramisu for a bit of crunch and added flavor.

Conclusion

Millionaire’s Tiramisu is a truly show-stopping dessert that brings together the richness of chocolate, the depth of espresso, and the decadence of salted caramel. Its layers of flavor and texture will leave you and your guests wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to baking, you can create this stunning dessert with confidence.

Try it out, share it with your loved ones, and watch as they fall in love with this luxurious, eggless twist on the classic tiramisu. Remember, the key to a perfect tiramisu lies in patience—allowing it to rest in the fridge overnight ensures the best possible flavor and texture. So, take your time and enjoy the process! I’d love to hear how your Millionaire’s Tiramisu turns out—feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences. Happy baking!