- **High-quality chocolate** - Ensure rich flavor and creamy texture
- **Heavy cream** - Adds richness and stability to the custard base
- **Egg yolks** - Essential for creating a smooth, silky texture
- **Granulated sugar** - Provides sweetness; use organic for better taste
- **Vanilla extract** - Enhances overall flavor profile (use pure vanilla extract for best results)
- **Unsalted butter** - Adds depth of flavor to the chocolate pots de crème
- **Flour or cornstarch** - Optional, used in small amounts to thicken the custard
- **Sea salt** - A sprinkle on top for a subtle finishing touch (optional but highly recommended)
*Note: For a vegan version, consider substituting eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives.*
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Steps
### How to Make Rich and Velvety Chocolate Pots de Crème: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, chocolate pots de crème is an excellent choice! This classic French dessert is smooth, rich, and utterly delicious. Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly executed pot de crème recipe that will surely become a family favorite.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 7 oz high-quality chocolate (60-70% cocoa content)
- 8 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### Equipment Needed:
- Saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Digital kitchen scale (optional but recommended for precise measurements)
- Small ramekins or individual molds
### Step-by-Step Recipe:
#### 1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to the lowest possible temperature setting—around 160°F (70°C). This gentle heat will help set the custard without scrambling the eggs.
#### 2. Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling. Once heated, remove from the heat and stir in 5 oz of high-quality chocolate until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
#### 3. Prepare the Custard Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow. Gradually pour in the warm cream mixture while continuously stirring with a whisk. Once all the liquid is incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.
#### 4. Combine and Strain
Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into another bowl to remove any lumps or bits of chocolate that may have clumped up. This ensures your final product will be silky smooth.
#### 5. Assemble the Pots de Crème
Divide the chocolate mixture evenly among small ramekins or molds (about 2-3 tablespoons per mold). Pour the remaining melted chocolate over each, ensuring it's fully covered but not too thick to prevent cracking when baking.
#### 6. Bake and Set
Place a roasting pan of hot water in the oven to create a water bath. Carefully transfer your ramekins into this water bath. Place them on a wire rack or baking sheet to keep them off the bottom of the pan. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
#### 7. Cool and Chill
Let the pots de crème cool to room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator overnight. This will help the custard firm up completely.
#### 8. Serve
Serve your chocolate pots de crème chilled, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for added elegance.
### Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Use high-quality chocolate to enhance the flavor profile.
- For an extra luxurious touch, add a pinch of salt to the custard before baking.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create rich and velvety chocolate pots de crème that are sure to impress. Enjoy your dessert time!