Pot de Crème
A silky, ultra-rich chocolate custard that blends in minutes and chills to creamy, spoonable luxury.
This French classic is pure indulgence: velvety, dark, and intensely chocolatey with just the right balance of sweetness and depth. And the best part? No baking, no stovetop, no stress. Just a blender, a few ingredients, and some fridge time between you and the most decadent dessert you’ve ever made at home.
“It’s like chocolate mousse and custard had a baby—decadent, smooth, and elegant with minimal effort.”
Why You’ll Love It
Decadent & Dreamy – Deep chocolate flavor with a custard-like creaminess.
No-Bake Simplicity – No oven, no stovetop. Just blend, chill, and serve.
Elegant with Zero Effort – Looks fancy, tastes fancy, takes 5 minutes.
Make-Ahead Magic – Chills beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Notes / Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Chocolate | Base flavor—rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey | Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60–70%). Avoid chocolate chips. |
| Egg Yolks | Provide richness and creamy structure | No substitutes—these give it the custard body. |
| Hot Coffee | Melts chocolate and adds depth | Espresso or even hot water works in a pinch. |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds warmth and rounds out chocolate notes | Optional, but highly recommended for balance. |
Flavor Variations (No Extra Effort Required)
Want to switch it up without changing the whole method? Here are a few effortless flavor variations:
- Mocha Dream: Use a bold espresso and add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to intensify the coffee flavor.
- Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or cardamom to the blender for a warming twist.
- Orange Bliss: Add ½ teaspoon of orange zest and a drop of orange extract for a chocolate-orange fusion.
- Mint Chocolate: Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract for a holiday-ready version.
Make It Dairy-Free (Yes, Really)
Surprisingly, this dessert doesn’t need added cream or butter. That makes it an ideal base for dairy-free adaptations. Use a high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate (check that it’s made without milk solids), and stick with hot water instead of coffee for a neutral flavor.
Topping Ideas (To Dress It Up or Down)
- Whipped Cream: Classic and lightens the richness.
- Chocolate Curls: Use a veggie peeler on a bar of chocolate.
- Sea Salt Flakes: Just a pinch enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Toasted Nuts: Slivered almonds or hazelnuts add crunch.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries and strawberries bring a tart contrast.
- Espresso Whipped Cream: Add a bit of instant espresso to whipped cream for extra coffee-chocolate magic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use milk or white chocolate instead?
You can, but the result will be sweeter and much less intense. Stick with dark or semi-sweet for the true pot de crème experience.
What if I don’t have a blender?
A food processor can work. You could also melt the chocolate separately and whisk in the other ingredients by hand (just ensure everything blends fully and evenly).
Can I use decaf coffee or hot water?
Absolutely. Coffee adds depth, but hot water will still melt the chocolate and give you a lovely dessert.
Do I need to temper the eggs?
Nope! The hot coffee cooks the yolks just enough when blended. That’s part of the magic of this method—no stovetop juggling.
How do I know it’s set?
After chilling, the custard should be firm enough to hold its shape but still spoonable. Think: smooth chocolate pudding with class.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (chillling time)
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6 1/2 cup serving
Equipment
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Blender
Strainer
Ingredients
2 Cups Chopped Chocolate
4 Egg Yolks
1 Cup Hot Coffee
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Directions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
- – In a blender, add the chopped chocolate and egg yolks.
- – Pour the hot coffee over the chocolate while the blender runs at a low speed.
- – Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- – Add the vanilla extract and blend again for a few seconds.
Step 2: Strain and Pour
- – Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the chocolate mixture to remove any lumps.
- – Pour the smooth chocolate mixture evenly into serving ramekins or small cups.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- – Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- – Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or berries.
Simple Baker’s Tips
Use Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor. Avoid chips if possible.
Don’t Skip the Strain – This step makes the difference between smooth and restaurant smooth.
Make It Ahead – Chill overnight for deeper flavor and firmer texture.
Elegant Touches – Serve in espresso cups, vintage glasses, or mini jars for a classy finish.
Storage – Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours 💛
This is one of those desserts that feels like a luxury but tastes like home. It’s fast, no-fuss, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, pot de crème delivers elegance without the stress.
A few ingredients, one blender, and some patience—that’s all it takes to make something seriously special.
