What is your favorite millionaire cake? Imagine a cake that’s incredibly moist, bursting with chocolate, and tangy cream. Cheese swirling through it, topped with a silky smooth glaze. It’s ridiculously easy to make, practically foolproof, and every single person who tries it falls. What is head-over-heels Think of it as a super-charged, more sophisticated version of the classic chocolate cake. What is the secret ingredient that elevates it to millionaire status? This is the cake that disappears in minutes whenever I make it. I’d even put it up against my grandma’s famous red velvet cake, and that is saying something!
What is a millionaire cake?
Millionaires cake is, at its heart, a rich and decadent cake, usually chocolate-based, that features whipped cream and vanilla. a creamy, tangy filling swirled throughout. What is it like to have a marbled masterpiece? Cheesecake vibes. The name “Millionaires Cake” hints at the richness and luxuriousness you’ll experience with every bite. What is essentially an elevated take on a simple cake, with the addition of cream cheese and whipped topping. What makes a glaze truly special? Don’t let the name intimidate you! Is this recipe easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Millionaires cake. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The combination of rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible. What I love most is the simplicity. Seriously, it’s much easier than it looks. You’re basically making a simple cake batter, a quick cream cheese filling, and swirling them together. It’s a perfect recipe when you are in a rush. Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
I also love how versatile it is. You can bake it in a loaf pan, a round cake pan, or even as cupcakes! Serve it for brunch, dessert, or even as a special treat with your afternoon coffee. It’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s definitely one of my go-to recipes, because it’s a guaranteed hit. If you’re a fan of chocolate cheesecake or even just a good old chocolate cake, you HAVE to try this. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
How do I make a millionaire cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a millionaire cake? How do I whip up a simple chocolate cake batter and whipping up some quick cream cheese frosting? What is the best way to make the filling, swirling them together in a pan, and baking until golden brown. What is the magic of a glaze? The beauty of this recipe is that it’s quite forgiving. Don’t worry about making it perfect. What do you think of swirls?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
* 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s measured correctly! I like to spoon and level.
* 34 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good quality, high quality coco. For best flavor.
* 1 12 teaspoons baking soda: This gives the cake its lift.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps with the texture.
* ¾ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
* 1 12 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce it slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
* ¾ cup vegetable oil: Canola oil works too.
* 1 12 cups buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. How do you add juice to 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes?
* 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
* 1 12 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
* ¾ cup boiling water: What is the best way to bloom cocoa and make a moist cake?
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s *really* softened so it blends smoothly.
* ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
* 1 large egg: Binds the filling together.
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and shine.
* 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped: I prefer using a high-quality chocolate.
* 2 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and consistency.
* 6-8 tablespoons milk: Adjust to reach your desired consistency.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
What are the steps of
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you prefer a round cake pan, you can also use an ungreased loaf pan. If using a loaf pan, you might need to adjust the baking time. I usually check it after about 45 minutes.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to distribute baking soda and powder evenly? I always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Mix well until everything is nicely mixed. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled at this point; it’ll all come together in the end.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do you not overmix a cake? Then, gradually add the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite thin, don’t worry, that’s normal.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Do not overmix. Make sure there are no lumps in cream cheese.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Do not overdo the chocolate batter. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Pour the remaining chocolate batter over the cream cheese filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the fillings together, creating an effect. Don’t over-swirl! You want to see distinct swirls of chocolate and cream cheese.
Step 7: Bake
If you inserted a wooden skewer into the center of the cake and sucked it out for 30 minutes, you should have browned it. What are the best ways to check doneness in an oven? If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. How much milk do you need to make? How do you pour the glaze over a cooled cake? Let the glaze set before serving.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. Is it delicious served at room temperature or chilled? I sometimes like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat!
What is the best way to serve it?
Millionaires cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many things!
For Breakfast: I love a slice of this with a strong cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. You could even warm up a slice slightly for a truly indulgent start to the day.
For Brunch: Serve slices on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant brunch spread. A mimosa or a bellini would be a perfect drink pairing.
As Dessert: This cake is a showstopper all on its own, but it’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s the perfect ending to any meal.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s pure comfort food.
My family loves it when I serve this cake with a side of fresh raspberries. The tartness of the raspberries cuts through the richness of the cake perfectly. It’s also amazing with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. Trust me on this one!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Millionaires Cake
Want to take your Millionaires cake to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Cocoa Powder: Use a good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, darker flavor. I always use it whenever I can.
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 ½ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is *really* softened before you start mixing the filling. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Swirl Gently: When swirling the fillings together, don’t over-swirl. You want to see distinct swirls of chocolate and cream cheese.
Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more milk. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less milk.
Chocolate Glaze Variation: For a richer glaze, use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate.
Ingredient Swaps: You can swap the buttermilk for sour cream for an even richer flavor. Or, you can use almond milk if you’re dairy-free. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier!
I’ve also found that adding a tablespoon of instant coffee to the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor. It’s a game-changer! But, most importantly – don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect. The rustic look makes it more charming, I think!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Millionaires cake fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I usually use an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze it *without* the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.
The best way to tell if your cake is still good is to check for any signs of mold or off odors. If it looks or smells funky, it’s best to toss it. But honestly, this cake never lasts long enough in my house to go bad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Millionaires cake recipe! It’s rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make. The perfect cake for any occasion. I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes, like my Classic Vanilla Cake and my Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. They’re all tried and true family favorites. Happy baking, friends! And be sure to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you try!

Millionaires cake
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.75 cup Unsalted butter Cold, cut into cubes
Caramel Filling
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz Semi-sweet chocolate Chopped
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the shortbread crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the caramel filling: Combine sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook until a candy thermometer reads 245°F (118°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour over the shortbread crust.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over caramel filling. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.