Chocolate Pots de Crème is an evergreen dessert; it’s delicious no matter the time of year, weather, or occasion (or lack of). Served chilled, this decadent treat hits the spot even on the hottest of days, while also falling into its rightful place in the winter months.

This Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s got bold flavor accompanied by the most thick, creamy texture. It’s honestly dessert gold. And to top off all it’s glorious goodness, Chocolate Pots de Crème is incredibly easy to whip up.

I worked at a fabulous restaurant from high school through college, and a bit after I graduated (yes, we have good eateries here in Iowa) which served Chocolate Pots de Crème. We served ours in little espresso cups, and although some people may think it’s skimpy, I find it’s the perfect amount due to the decadent nature of the dessert.  

The best way I’ve found to describe pots de crème is a cross between pudding and crème brûlée, but a little thicker. I know — it doesn’t do it justice, and if you give this recipe a try, you’ll really roll your eyes because it’s leaps and bounds better than that description.

Chocolate Pots de Crème | Zestful Kitchen

I’ve always wanted to make Pots de Crème but never took the initiative. After all, it was at my fingertips for nearly 8 years; why make something if someone else has already mastered it and does so daily?

Chocolate Pots de Crème | Zestful Kitchen

Since I’ve been out of the restaurant biz for about a year now I thought it was finally time to give it a whirl. And what better way to do so than with a personal cooking class?

I recently checked out America’s Test Kitchen’s online Cooking School and I was amazed at the hundreds of recipes (272 to be exact) that they have thoroughly compiled with step-by-step photos, videos, information, and more. From yeast breads, marshmallows, grilling and braising meats, to cakes, pastas and more, one can master any and all of the 272 recipe courses (and counting) they have to offer.

What I really like about their cooking school is that it not only takes you through a step-by-step photo or video course of each recipe, but it truly delves into techniques that then transfer into cooking skills for future kitchen endeavors.

For each recipe, they take you through the whole process, start to finish. From explaining why the recipe is written the way it is, to sharing common mistakes (and how to avoid or fix those, shall you run into them), listing equipment needed, product recommendations, and, of course the actual cooking. All that’s left is to snap a photo of the final product and share with other cooking school members.

Chocolate Pots de Crème | Zestful Kitchen

If you have a question or problem with something you can chat with other students or get in touch with one of their experts, Bridget Lancaster or Ellie Simone. ATK, as always, has thought of everything. Whether you’re a beginner cook, looking for a newlywed gift, or want to dive deeper into the science and process of cooking, a membership to the America’s Test Kitchen Cooking School just might be your answer.

If you’re looking for more chocolate desserts, try our Triple Chocolate Bundt or Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies!

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Chocolate Pots de Crème | Zestful Kitchen

Chocolate Pots de Crème

  • Author: America’s Test Kitchen via Zestful Kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: eight 5-ounce ramekins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pots de Crème:

  • 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder, mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Whipped Cream:

  • ½ cup heavy cream, (cold)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (optional):

  • Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Chocolate shavings, for sprinklingChocolate Pots de Crème
  • America’s Test Kitchen via Zestful Kitchen

Instructions

  1. For the pots de crème: Place chocolate in medium heatproof bowl; set fine-mesh strainer over bowl and set aside.
  2. Whisk yolks, sugar, and salt in medium bowl until combined; whisk in heavy cream and half-and-half. Transfer mixture to medium saucepan. Cook mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pot with wooden spoon, until thickened and silky and custard registers 175 to 180 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 8 to 12 minutes (see photos, below). Do not let custard overcook or simmer.
  3. Immediately pour custard through strainer over chocolate. Let mixture stand to melt chocolate, about 5 minutes. Whisk gently until smooth, then whisk in vanilla and espresso. Divide mixture evenly among eight 5-ounce ramekins. Gently tap ramekins against counter to remove air bubbles.
  4. Cool pots de crème to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 72 hours. Before serving, let pots de crème stand at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes.
  5. For the whipped cream: Using hand mixer or standing mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla on low speed until bubbles form, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium; continue beating until beaters leave trail, about 30 seconds longer. Increase speed to high; continue beating until nearly doubled in volume and whipped cream forms soft peaks, 30 to 45 seconds longer.
  6. Dollop each pot de crème with about 2 tablespoons whipped cream; garnish with cocoa or chocolate shavings, if using. Serve.

Notes

Total time 30 minutes + 4 hours chilling

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Chocolate Pots de Crème | Zestful Kitchen

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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