No-Bake Millionaire Cheesecake

Instructions

1. Prepare the 3 cups shortbread cookie crumbs by pulsing your favorite shortbread cookies in the food processor until you have fine crumbs.
2. Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2-3 dashes of salt until fully moistened. Press evenly into a 9 or 10-inch springform pan that has been sprayed well with pan spray. You can use your fingers or a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Cover and chill the crust while you prepare the filling.
4. In a large bowl, beat 24 ounces cream cheese, until smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons dry instant pudding mix, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
5. Add the 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, and fold it in. If it is not folding in smoothly, you may need to use a hand mixer to fully blend it in. Pour the filling on top of the chilled crust and smooth with an offset spatula. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
6. Add ¼ cup light corn syrup, 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, ¾ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar to a medium saucepan.
7. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup salted butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 large pinch flakey salt.
8. Set the caramel aside and let it cool for at least an hour before spreading it evenly over the cheesecake. You may make it in advance, cover it, and chill it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on top of the chilled cheesecake.
9. Add ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to a small bowl. Heat ¼ cup heavy cream in the microwave until it’s steaming, about 1 ½ minutes. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute before whisking until smooth. If there are still a couple of little unmelted pieces of chocolate chips, heat the ganache for 10 seconds before whisking again until it is completely smooth.
10. Spread the ganache over the caramel and chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set.