If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the elegance of tiramisu with the indulgence of caramel and chocolate, this Millionaire’s Tiramisu delivers every bit of that luxury. It’s creamy, rich, and utterly smooth — like a dessert that belongs in a café window. Best of all, it’s alcohol-free, approachable, and designed for home cooks who love a little decadence in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Millionaire Tiramisu
This is not your average tiramisu. It’s more layered, more caramelized, and more satisfying.
- Rich chocolate sponge with espresso flavor
- Buttery caramel mascarpone filling
- No alcohol — just pure flavor
- Crowd-pleasing and picture-perfect
- Easy to make ahead for holidays or celebrations
- Smooth, airy, and irresistible with every spoonful
I made this recipe one winter night when my wife asked for something “fancy but comforting.” Inspired by my mom’s layered desserts, I gave tiramisu a caramel twist — and now, it’s the one dessert my friends always ask for at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry ingredients, layered beautifully.
For the Chocolate Sponge
- 110g self-raising flour – creates a light, fluffy base
- ¼ tsp baking powder – helps the sponge rise evenly
- 30g cocoa powder – for deep chocolate flavor
- 15g cornflour (cornstarch) – adds softness
- 90g caster sugar – for structure and sweetness
- ⅛ tsp salt – balances the chocolate
- 165ml full-fat milk (room temperature) – moisture and richness
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar – reacts for tenderness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth
- 35ml flavorless oil – keeps the sponge moist
For the Espresso
- 20g instant espresso powder
- 450ml hot water (not boiling) – cool before soaking the sponge
For the Caramel Mascarpone Cream
- 100g shortbread biscuits – crushed for texture
- 250g full-fat mascarpone (room temperature) – creamy and rich
- 600ml double cream (room temperature) – gives body to the filling
- 3 tbsp icing sugar – for sweetness
- 225g caramel (Carnation caramel or dulce de leche) – that millionaire’s gold flavor
- 1 tsp fleur de sel (or flaky sea salt) – balances the sweetness beautifully
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder – for dusting and presentation
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Replace shortbread with crushed digestive biscuits for a nuttier flavor
- Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate between layers
- Use decaf espresso for a caffeine-free version
- Garnish with caramel drizzle for extra flair
Step-by-Step Instructions
For tiramisu, patience makes perfection — let those layers chill long enough to meld and mature.
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. - Make the Chocolate Sponge
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, cornflour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, vinegar, vanilla, and oil. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth (Jake says: “Don’t overmix; that’s the secret to a light sponge.”). Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely. - Prepare the Espresso Soak
Mix espresso powder with hot water. Let cool — you’ll soak the sponge in this rich brew later. - Whip the Caramel Mascarpone Cream
In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add caramel and sea salt, and mix until silky. (Jake’s note: “Stop as soon as it’s smooth — overbeating makes it grainy.”) - Assemble the Tiramisu
Slice the sponge into two layers. Place one layer in your dish, soak lightly with espresso, then spread half the caramel cream. Add crushed shortbread crumbs over the cream. Repeat with the second sponge layer, espresso, and remaining caramel cream. - Chill and Dust
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder.
Quick Reminders:
- Always let your sponge cool before layering.
- Use room-temperature mascarpone for smooth mixing.
- Chill at least 4 hours for firm layers.
- Wipe your knife clean between slices for that café-worthy look.
Expert Tips for Success
Millionaire’s Tiramisu is all about balance — light cream, rich chocolate, and subtle coffee.
- Don’t skip the salt in caramel; it enhances flavor.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for aroma.
- Whip the cream just until soft peaks form.
- Chill overnight for the best texture.
- Top with grated chocolate or caramel drizzle for presentation.
If you enjoy decadent desserts, try my Tiramisu Cookie Cups for a handheld twist or the French Butter Cake for a buttery delight.
Serving Suggestions
This tiramisu looks stunning in a trifle dish or individual glasses.
- Garnish with cocoa powder or caramel drizzle
- Add shortbread crumbs for crunch
- Top with shaved chocolate curls
- Serve with espresso or tea
- Perfect for holidays, anniversaries, or dinner parties
Each spoonful feels like pure luxury — the kind of dessert that lingers in memory. The Pistachio Mascarpone Layer Cake and Cardamom Panna Cotta also pair perfectly with this tiramisu on a dessert board.
Storing and Reheating
This dessert keeps beautifully in the fridge.
How to Store It
- Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
- Keep it chilled until serving for best texture
- Do not freeze — mascarpone texture changes after thawing
How to Reheat It
- No reheating needed — serve chilled straight from the fridge
Each layer stays creamy and distinct, even after a few days.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 200g)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 110mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors blend and the layers set.
Can I skip espresso?
You can use decaf or a mild coffee substitute — just keep the flavor balanced.
Is this recipe alcohol-free?
Completely. All liqueurs have been removed while keeping the traditional flavor depth intact
Final Thoughts
This Millionaire’s Tiramisu is my kind of dessert — rich, comforting, and elegant without the fuss. Every layer tells a story of flavor, from deep espresso sponge to silky caramel cream. It’s a showstopper that’s simpler than it looks and guaranteed to impress.
- Chill overnight for best texture
- Use high-quality cocoa and caramel
- Enjoy slowly — every bite is worth it
Millionaire’s Tiramisu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, cornflour, baking powder, sugar, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, whisk milk, vinegar, vanilla, and oil. Combine both mixtures until smooth. Pour into the pan and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Mix espresso powder with hot water and let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat mascarpone, double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add caramel and fleur de sel, mixing just until smooth.
- Slice the cooled sponge into two layers. Place one layer in a dish, soak lightly with espresso, spread half the cream, and sprinkle with crushed shortbread. Repeat with the second layer.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Recipe is alcohol-free.
- You can substitute shortbread with gluten-free or digestive biscuits, and use decaf espresso for a caffeine-free version.
