Chocolate Pots de Creme is a luxurious and simple dessert made with just a few ingredients. With rich dark chocolate, a touch of coffee, and smooth egg yolks, this indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great dessert for entertaining or a cozy treat at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1½ cups heavy cream (or whipping cream)

• 12 ounces bittersweet/dark chocolate (chopped)

• 1 tsp instant coffee

• 1 pinch kosher salt

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 4 egg yolks

• 2 tbsp sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Chocolate:
   Place the chopped chocolate in a medium mixing bowl with the coffee, salt, and vanilla. Set aside.

2. Heat the Cream:
   In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just begins to bubble around the edges (do not bring it to a full boil).

3. Combine the Cream and Chocolate:
   Pour the hot cream over the chocolate mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate. After 5 minutes, whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

4. Prepare the Egg Yolks:
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.

5. Combine the Mixtures:
   Slowly add the egg yolk mixture into the chocolate cream mixture, whisking continuously to avoid curdling the eggs.

6. Cook the Mixture:
   Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.

7. Cool and Set:
   Divide the mixture evenly into ramekins or dessert cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until slightly firm.

8. Serve:
   Once the pots de creme are chilled and set, serve with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a touch of extra vanilla, if desired.

Nutrients

The nutritional values for Chocolate Pots de Creme are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Here’s an estimate for one serving:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal

• Total Fat: 22-25 grams

  • Saturated Fat: 14-16 grams

• Cholesterol: 120-150 mg

• Sodium: 50-100 mg

• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

  • Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams

  • Sugars: 15-20 grams

• Protein: 4-6 grams

• Calcium: 40-50 mg

• Iron: 2-3 mg

Why Chocolate Pots de Creme is a Perfect Dessert

There are many reasons why Chocolate Pots de Creme is a go-to dessert for special occasions and everyday indulgence. First, it’s incredibly versatile—rich in flavor yet light in texture, it provides a satisfying chocolate experience without being overwhelming. The deep flavor of dark chocolate is complemented by the slight bitterness of coffee, which enhances the chocolate’s natural depth, while the egg yolks give the custard a silky smooth consistency.

Another advantage is how simple and quick the dessert is to prepare. Though it feels fancy and indulgent, the ingredients are minimal, and the process is straightforward. You don’t need advanced baking skills, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced cooks. The custard can also be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare it in advance and free up your time on the day of your event. The ability to make this dessert ahead of time makes it an excellent choice for dinner parties or celebrations, where you can focus on other tasks while the dessert is chilling in the fridge.

How to Make Chocolate Pots de Creme

Making Chocolate Pots de Creme is easier than you might think. The key is to work carefully and combine the ingredients slowly to ensure the custard has a smooth, creamy texture. Let’s break down the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate
Start by chopping the dark chocolate and placing it into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the instant coffee, kosher salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the chocolate. These ingredients will provide the rich base for the custard, with the coffee enhancing the chocolate’s depth. Set the mixture aside for a moment.

Step 2: Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it, ensuring it doesn’t come to a full boil. Once the cream starts to bubble gently around the edges, it’s ready to be poured over the chocolate.

Step 3: Combine the Cream and Chocolate
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the chocolate to soften and melt. After 5 minutes, whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined, ensuring the chocolate dissolves completely into the cream, forming a rich and glossy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Yolks
While the chocolate and cream are blending together, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl. The sugar helps to balance the richness of the egg yolks, while the yolks provide the custard-like texture.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Slowly add the egg yolk mixture into the chocolate-cream mixture, whisking continuously. This is a crucial step—adding the egg yolks too quickly or not whisking enough can cause them to curdle. By adding the egg yolks gradually and whisking constantly, you’ll achieve a smooth, velvety custard.

Step 6: Cook the Mixture
Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. You want to cook the custard until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 4 minutes. Be sure not to let it boil, as high heat can cause the custard to break or curdle.

Step 7: Cool and Set
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and divide it evenly into ramekins or dessert cups. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the custard is firm enough to hold its shape.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Chocolate Pots de Creme have chilled and set, they’re ready to be served. You can garnish them with chocolate shavings, a dollop of whipped cream, or a touch of extra vanilla if desired. For an extra special touch, consider adding a few fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Why This Dessert is Loved by Many

What makes Chocolate Pots de Creme so beloved is its balance of flavors and textures. The dark chocolate provides a rich, deep flavor, while the addition of coffee enhances the chocolate’s complexity. The creamy egg yolks give the dessert its signature velvety texture, making each spoonful melt in your mouth. The pinch of salt helps to highlight the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the chocolate.

Additionally, this dessert allows for a lot of customization. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, or adjust the sugar levels to suit your taste. For a more intense chocolate experience, you can opt for a higher percentage of cocoa in the chocolate.

The presentation is also a key feature of this dessert. Served in individual pots or cups, Chocolate Pots de Creme are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They make for an elegant, sophisticated treat that’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or as a luxurious treat for yourself.

Nutritional Breakdown of Chocolate Pots de Creme

Chocolate Pots de Creme, while decadent, do provide some nutritional benefits. The rich dark chocolate contains antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have been shown to support heart health. The egg yolks provide essential vitamins like Vitamin A and D, as well as healthy fats, which contribute to the dessert’s smooth and creamy texture. The heavy cream offers a source of calcium, which is important for bone health.

However, due to the nature of the ingredients, this dessert is also high in calories and fat. Each serving of Chocolate Pots de Creme is rich in saturated fats and cholesterol due to the use of cream and egg yolks. It’s important to enjoy this indulgent treat in moderation, but the high-quality ingredients ensure that every spoonful is worth it.

Conclusion

Chocolate Pots de Creme is a simple yet luxurious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, this treat is both easy to make and deeply satisfying. The rich chocolate flavor, smooth texture, and customizable options make it a versatile dessert that can be tailored to fit various preferences.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner, a cozy night at home, or a special celebration, this dessert is sure to impress. Its elegance, simplicity, and rich flavors make it a timeless favorite among chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. So, next time you’re craving something indulgent and delicious, treat yourself to a batch of Chocolate Pots de Creme—you won’t regret it!