Chocolate Pots de Crème
Deeply chocolatey and just barely sweet, these pots de crème are perfect for romantic evenings or quiet nights in. An elegant, easy dessert made for chocolate lovers.
2
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream divided (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp for custard, 2 tbsp for whipped cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) instant espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 ounces (43 g) bittersweet chocolate (70%) finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) sugar
- coarse salt pinch, for egg yolk mixture
- sugar for whipping cream (optional) to taste, for topping
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Fine Sieve
- 2 Teacups or Small Ramekins
- Baking Dish
- Foil
- Wire rack
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Bring 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cream, espresso powder, and vanilla to a simmer, then pour over chocolate in a medium bowl. Let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together egg yolk, sugar, and a pinch of coarse salt. Add warm chocolate mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Strain custard through a fine sieve into a 2-cup glass measuring cup. Let cool completely, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
- Place 2 teacups in the center of a baking dish. Divide the custard between cups, and fill pan with enough boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the teacups. Cover tightly with foil and poke several holes in foil. Bake until custard is set around edges but wobbly in center, about 25 minutes.
- Remove cups from water bath and let custards cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and up to 2 days. Before serving, whisk remaining 2 tablespoons cream to soft peaks (add a pinch of sugar if desired) and dollop over pots de crème.
Notes
Adding a pinch of sugar to the whipped cream topping gives a subtle sweetness contrast to the bittersweet chocolate. Best enjoyed well-chilled for full flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 762IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2.5mg