If anyone were to ask me, “What is the ultimate chocolate dessert?”, my answer would be Chocolate Pot de Crème. For chocolate richness, this dessert is unrivaled. A classic French favorite since the 17th century, a love affair with chocolate is incomplete without a rendezvous with Pot de Crème.
Pot de Crème is traditionally made with chocolate or as a vanilla custard. It can be prepared in one larger bowl with servings scooped out, or in individual serving-sized ramekins (Pots de Crème in plural form). The process of making traditional Pots de Crème is a little lengthy. It involves heating, whisking, straining, pouring and water bathing. This version has all the richness and elegance of traditionally-made Pots de Crème, but is whipped in just 5 minutes!
My mother-in-law was visiting from Arizona a few weeks ago and I made these. She took a couple of bites, looked up at me and said, “this is wicked.” You have to understand, my mother-in-law is a school teacher and “wicked” isn’t generally part of her vocabulary – at least not when it comes to describing something good. So that said it all. And she requested it again a day later. That’s all the excuse I needed to whip up another batch. Since then these Pots de Crème have become one of our most favorite indulgences. After we put the kids to bed my husband and I will crash on the couch, spoon in hand, and drift away into a world of chocolate delight.
Chocolate Pots de Crème are made with quality chocolate, cream, egg yolks and just a tiny bit of sugar. And sugar is generally only added if you’re using super dark chocolate. If you’re using semi-sweet no additional sugar is needed. The flavor of the Pots de Crème is entirely dependent on the quality of the chocolate you use. See, here’s the wonderful thing about Pots de Crème: It really showcases the chocolate itself without any competing flavors. Just. Pure. Chocolate. Flavor. So whether you use dark or semi-sweet or milk chocolate, just be sure to choose high quality chocolate.
The sinfully rich dark chocolate combined with the cream and egg yolks produces a result that is so delicious it’s almost scandalous. And it can be yours with just 5 minutes prep time! Oh, and did I mention this dessert is naturally low sugar? The ultimate chocolate fix without all the guilt – yes, please!
Perfect for entertaining, parties, or a romantic evening at home.
My friends at Cooking With Kyler made a super fun YouTube video featuring our Chocolate Pots de Crème – check it out!
Let’s get started!
Chop up the bar of chocolate and place it in a blender. Set aside.
Place the heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar and salt in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk to combine the ingredients and continue whisking continually as the liquid just begins to bubble.
NOTE: If you need a dairy-free option, coconut milk makes a good substitute.
It’s ready when the consistency is just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pour the hot mixture into the blender over the chocolate along with the vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Divide the chocolate mixture between the ramekins. After you’re done pouring, carefully glide your fingers along the sides of the blender, scooping up every last drop of chocolate, and then lick your fingers.
Remember that scene from the original Willy Wonka (the only version worth watching) where after they first enter the edible wonderland, Augustus (it had to be the German kid, right?) dips his hands into the chocolate and licks that oozing goodness off his fingers? Yes, that was me with the blender. And just wait, it’ll be you, too. You won’t want to waste a single drop.
Refrigerate for 6-8 hours or until set (I often chill them overnight). For a softer consistency, let them sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Serve with some whipped cream on top and for a nice visual touch, a sprinkle of grated chocolate or chocolate curls.
Enjoy! (You will, I promise!)
- 6 ounces high quality dark chocolate
- 2 cups heavy cream (dairy free: use coconut milk)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar (see Note)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon quality pure Madagascar vanilla extract
- Chop up the chocolate and place it in a blender. Set aside.
- Place the cream, egg yolks, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking to combine the ingredients. Continue to whisk continually until the mixture just starts to bubble and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Pour the hot mixture into the blender with the chocolate and vanilla and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into individual ramekins and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or until set (I often chill them overnight).
- For a softer consistency, let the pots de creme sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of grated chocolate or chocolate curls.
Brandie Valenzuela says
Chocolate desserts don’t get much better than this! Thank you for all the step-by-step photos.
christymajors says
Sinfully delicious! I would risk migraine for a bite of that luscious chocolate pot!
shockinglydelicious says
Wonderful…I would do as you do…sneak it after the kids go to bed. Ahhhh…..
Carol Borchardt says
Beautiful! I want to dive right in!
cristina says
Decadent and elegant with these easy chocolate pots de creme…I luv the use of your mother-in-law’s word “wicked” ;)
meganpence says
This looks heavenly!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
How decadent and indulgence, yet simple and quick! This looks simply divine.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks, Steph, it’s one of our absolute favorites!
Sylvie says
A chocolate lover’s dream!
Heather Hennessey says
Can’t wait to try this! Thank you!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Heather, enjoy! It’s one of our favorites :)
Caroline says
Once you try this recipe you say omg! I’m in heaven – my mother used to make this recipe 40 years ago. She added Grand Marnier to the recipe. She’d often make it for dessert when she’d entertain people at her dinner parties. They all were saying oh this is so delicious!
Barry Ripley says
Sinfully simple, decadently delicious! Thanks.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Perfectly said, Barry! :)
Mia says
We are vegetarian and don’t eat eggs. Do you know if the eggs can be left out or substituted?
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Mia, I’ve never made it without the egg yolks (that’s what helps thickens it into a rich custard) but if you Google “eggless pot de creme” you’ll find some recipes that don’t use them. Mind you, I haven’t tried those recipes so I can’t vouch for them, but you could try using the methods they suggest.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I believe I have found my new favorite dessert. :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Oh my gosh, Maureen, we’re practically obsessed with it! I made it two more times this week alone!! :)
Alice says
Yum! This will be a nice weekend treat for us. Did I say nice…..I mean fantastic!
Also, I used to make a chocolate mousse that was just as killer and easy, I’ve misplaced the recipe, so this will replace it. Thank you. C:
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Alice! Yes, and the best part is that it can be made sugar-free (dark chocolate has very little sugar – the darker the less). More chocolate goodness, less guilt! SCORE! :)
Jeanie says
It’s true, they are deliciously “wicked”, and I can’t wait to whip up a batch. This is my new fav dessert.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’ve kept you waiting a while, Jeanie, but here they are! :) Enjoy!
Polly says
Can I use a food processor? I no longer have a blender.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Polly, I haven’t tried it with a food processor but it should work. Just be sure to whisk the mixture constantly when it starts getting hot to prevent the eggs from curdling – a blender is forgiving and will make everything smooth and silky, I don’t think the food processor will be as effective. So your best bet is to make absolutely sure during the heating process that no solid bits form. You’ll love this dessert, enjoy!
Trisha says
Yes, pleeeeeeeease!!!!! :) This looks unbelievably yummy, will be making it for sure!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
You’ll be very glad you did, Trisha, enjoy! :)
Kate says
Now that my laptop screen is covered in drool, LOL :) This has always been a favorite of mine to order when dining out but I’ve always been too intimidated to try and make it myself. But THIS I can handle and I can hardly wait to dive in, thank you so much!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Haha, Kate! :) You CAN absolutely handle this, it’s so ridiculously easy! And once you’ve made it you’re going to be far less inclined to buy it – this stuff is sooooo good!
Cori Landon says
Okay, I’ve died and gone to heaven. So can’t wait to try this! THANK YOU!! :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
We’re virtually addicted to it, Cori, you’re going to love it!
Anji says
Do you think you can make ist with Single cream Too ?double cream is so difficult to find in Germany…..
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Anji, I know Dr. Oetker has “Crème double” but regular Schlagsahne will do just fine. Enjoy! :)
sj82 says
Oh my goooooooosh!! I think I found my newest addiction! :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Yes you have, sj82, and you’re gonna love it! :)