Our velvety Chocolate Pots de Crème look decidedly chic but are a breeze to make. The perfect dessert to serve when entertaining!
Entertaining has always been my love language. Just thinking about having friends over for a convivial evening full of laughter, good food, and wine is enough to make me forget all my troubles and realize how fortunate I am. For my friends, for that gorgeous dining room table we had made when we bought our house, for my collection of vintage plates to serve my creations on, and for recipes such as this one.
Whenever I mention how much I love cooking for people, many automatically assume that I am whipping out fancy course after fancy course, all plated in Michelin-star style. But the truth is that I simply adore spoiling others with what is one of my biggest passions: making easy dishes that appeal, not because of their polished, restaurant-worthy appearance, but because of their taste. Sometimes, however, they happen to boast both merits, like these chocolate pots de crème. These silky-smooth chocolate custards are a breeze to make, but they also look quite elegant—and their French name certainly adds to that!
The great thing about this dessert (besides its luscious, rich taste) is that it’s one of those recipes that brilliantly lends itself to being made in advance. Because the last thing you want to do when hosting people is spend too much time in the kitchen stressing over complicated dishes.
Delightful variations
In the mood to make something a little different? You can jazz up these lovely little custards in many ways. For example, use only dark chocolate and add a drop or two of mint extract for a refreshing twist. In that case, garnish the dessert with a few fresh mint leaves and perhaps some raspberries. You can do the same with orange extract, garnishing the finished desserts with either a candied orange slice or an orange zest curl. For a truly fancy dessert, add a drop of lavender extract and garnish with fresh lavender.
You can even use only white chocolate. This variation would be delightful topped with a fresh red berry sauce and a few crushed meringues!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be tightly covered with plastic wrap and stored in the fridge, where they will stay well for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will be rendered grainy upon thawing.
Serving suggestions
I love serving these chocolaty treats after a French-inspired weekend lunch that starts with a hearty French Onion Soup. Since it’s so satisfying, I’ll keep the main course light: a perfectly made French Omelette with a side of Grilled Green Beans and Roasted Red Potatoes.
Milk Chocolate Pots De Crème
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 5 ounces milk chocolate finely chopped
- 1 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for serving, optional
- Chocolate shavings for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the cream, milk, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat, about 2 minutes.
- In another heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Very slowly, whisk half of the hot cream and milk mixture into the egg yolks.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard coats the back of the spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped chocolate to a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot custard over the chocolate and let it stand for 2 minutes to melt the chocolate. Add the vanilla.
- Put the mixture into a blender and blend for 1 minute until it is completely smooth. Divide the mixture over 4 glass jars or bowls.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.
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