Indulgent Chocolate Pot de Crème: A Luxurious French Custard Dessert
Chocolate pot de crème, a sumptuous and silky French custard, is not only simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but also elegant enough for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Published February 08, 2025
Why This Recipe Works
Opting for bittersweet chocolate with around 70% cacao ensures that the dessert strikes the perfect balance without being overly sweet. The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks creates an incredibly rich custard. Baking the pot de crèmes in a water bath allows for gentle and even cooking, minimizing the chances of overcooking.
When I think of decadent desserts that tantalize the senses, chocolate pot de crème is always at the forefront. Its rich texture envelops your palate in a way that traditional chocolate cake simply cannot match. While it shares similarities with chocolate pudding in flavor and consistency, pot de crème is distinct due to its preparation method and thickening agent. Pudding is classified as a “stirred” custard thickened with starch—typically cornstarch—whereas pot de crème relies solely on eggs for its luxurious texture through baking.
As an avid chocolate enthusiast, choosing between these two desserts can be challenging. While pudding has its creamy appeal—often made with cocoa powder—I find myself gravitating towards the intense flavor profile offered by dark chocolate in pot de crèmes. They are my preferred dessert choice for several reasons: their deep deliciousness combined with a blend of milk, cream, and egg yolks results in an irresistibly velvety texture; plus, using a water bath prevents any risk of overcooking. Best of all? They can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator—a perfect solution for busy weeknights or romantic celebrations like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 ounces (128 g) bittersweet chocolate (about 70% cacao), finely chopped
- 1 1/4 cups (355 ml) whole milk
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (use half as much if using table salt)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 ounce granulated sugar (22 g; about 1 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
- Place four ramekins (each holding about 4 ounces) into a large roasting pan.
- In a mixing bowl set aside some finely chopped bittersweet chocolate.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and salt until it reaches boiling point.
- Pour this hot mixture over the chopped chocolate; let it sit for approximately three minutes before whisking until smooth.
- In another bowl whisk together egg yolks with sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add this egg mixture into your melted chocolate mixture while whisking continuously until fully incorporated.
- Evenly distribute this luscious mixture among your prepared ramekins.
- Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan around ramekins until it reaches about two-thirds up their sides—be cautious not to splash any water inside them!
- Transfer carefully to your preheated oven; bake until just set—this should take around 45 minutes.
- Once done baking remove from oven carefully using mitts or kitchen towels; allow them to cool on wire racks for about fifteen minutes before refrigerating them uncovered until chilled completely—approximately four hours will do nicely! 12 . Serve topped with whipped cream or garnished with delightful shavings if desired!
Special Equipment Needed:
Four small ramekins suitable for baking along with one roasting pan will make this process seamless!
Storage Tips:
These delectable custards can be made up to three days ahead! Just cover loosely with plastic wrap once cooled down completely before placing them into refrigeration.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
Calories: 517
Total Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 248mg
Sodium: 261mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 14g
Indulge yourself or impress someone special by creating these exquisite Chocolate Pot de Crèmes—they’re sure to become an instant favorite!