This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
You didn't even have to tell me. I just knew you'd be needing this Chocolate Pots de Crème recipe. After all, it is that time of the year. There's Mother's Day, graduations, recitals, end-of-the-school-year festivities and a zillion other events. In May, the list just seems to go on and on, doesn't it? Maybe it's just so busy right now, you didn't even know what it was you needed. But I did.
I knew this month would bring occasions that would call for a fun, easy, FABULOUS dessert - one that can be thrown together in less than 10 minutes (hands-on time). A dessert that everyone will go crazy over. Make this wonderful Chocolate Pots de Crème in your fanciest little cups, sophisticated ramekins, tiny mason jars, even paper cups. Just make it; I promise you won't be sorry. The first silky smooth, densely rich, melt-in-your-mouth delicious taste will put you into, what I call, chocolate nirvana!
This recipe has a fun story to go with it. One evening recently, just before I was getting ready to prepare dinner, I was flipping through a favorite cookbook. I stopped in the middle of the dessert section, realizing time was slipping by and dinner was not making itself. My husband, Scott happened to walk by minutes later and seeing the cookbook open, glanced at the open page. "Chocolate Pots de Crème?". "Wow, that sounds wonderful!", and he walked away.
Oh brother! Not wanting to disappoint, I looked at the recipe. Not! No way was that going to happen - it involved a double boiler, 2 pots, a bowl, a whisk, a strainer, 4 small pots, a water bath. a stint in the oven and a cooling period. At least three hours from start to finish. Nope, no way, I had neither the time nor the inclination for all of that.
Sorry honey, no Pots de Crème tonight.
But wait a minute! A memory somewhere in the back recesses of my brain was beginning to emerge - years and years ago, I used to make a Chocolate Pots de Crème, in the blender of all places! And it was good, really good. I'd just forgotten all about it.
I dusted off the old recipe, did a bit of Googling and came up with a revised edition, using the blender and the microwave. I've tested it out now several times with family and friends and it's been a huge hit every time. I've served it with sweet local strawberries, freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of Mint-Basil Syrup. Everyone loves it and NO ONE can believe how simple it is; that it truly takes less than 10 minutes, (actually closer to 5 ) to put this lovely dessert together.
You won't believe it either; not only how super simple it is, but the rave reviews too. I'm just getting you prepared, so you can practice being modest. And honestly, my lips are sealed, no one has to know our little secret. Let them think your fabulous dessert involved "a double boiler, 2 pots, a bowl, a whisk, a strainer, 4 small pots, a water bath, a stint in the oven and a cooling period". I mean, what they don't know, won't hurt, right?
P.S. I told you I served this delicious dessert with freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of Mint-Basil Syrup. Talk about taking something wonderful right over the top, wow! It has so many delightful uses and makes the simplest things quite special. You'll love it for your summer recipe arsenal.
- 10 ounces semi‐sweet or bitter sweet chocolate chips use good quality chips*
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch salt
- 1 cup heavy cream or half & half
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier optional
-
Place 8-10 small bowls, pots, ramekins etc. on a sheet pan. Number of servings will depend on the size of your containers. This dessert is quite rich, so small servings are recommended. I got 9 servings out of it. My bowls hold ⅓ cup when filled to the brim.
-
Place chocolate chips, sugar, egg, vanilla, salt and Grand Marnier (if using) in a blender container. Starting on lowest speed, blend for 1 minute, then increase speed to medium for another minute. Turn off blender and set aside.
-
In a 2-3 cup microwave-safe container microwave the cream on high for 2 ½ minutes or until cream is vigorously boiling. It will creep up the sides of the container. Let it get REALLY hot as you want it to cook the egg when it's poured into the blender.
-
Immediately turn blender on low speed and blend for 15 seconds. Open lid slightly and slowly begin pouring in hot cream. Once all cream has been added, turn blender off and scrape down sides with a rubber spatula. Place lid back on securely and blend for 2 minutes on high speed.
-
Pour into prepared bowls and refrigerate for at least an hour. Can be made 2-3 days in advance. Cover with plastic wrap when storing.
*I used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips
Carrie says
I made this recipe today. It tasted great, but the consistency was thick like a truffle. I had expected the consistency to be more like pudding. Did I do something wrong?
Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
That is the correct consistency, Carrie.
Terrie says
I'd like to make these delicious desserts in a couple of weeks. I don't own a traditional blender. Could I use my kitchen aid mixer with a successful outcome, or my immersion blender? Thanks!!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Terrie, I know that this recipe would work in a food processor but I don't think a kitchen aid mixer would work. An immersion blender would probably work although I haven't personally tried that. Let us know if you do!
Melissa R. says
My husband and I both loved this recipe! I couldn’t believe how easy it was, based on how GOOD it was. I highly recommend serving with freshly whipped cream. It’s definitely a “company worthy” dessert.
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome! Thanks for letting us know, Melissa!
Andi says
I made this recipe for the 2nd time in a week. Well, what was I gonna do with that 2nd cup of cream from the pint I bought, right?
1st time I used semi-sweet chips and 3T of sugar. Hubby said it was too sweet.
2nd time, I used Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips, 2 T sugar and a shot of Buffalo Trace Bourbon. The look on my husband's face confirmed it.... I nailed it.
I love how fast this recipe is and just how good it is. This is a keeper! Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Bravo! So happy you enjoyed it!
Khw says
When do you add the pinch of salt?
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks for pointing that out, I've updated the recipe!
Gayann ONeal says
I made this ahead for Christmas dinner...easy,elegant, and delis!
Chris Scheuer says
They really are Gayann! It's definitely one of our favorite "go to", no-fail desserts!
Patti Light says
OMG, my husband will go bonkers over this ....Going t make on Tuesday. thank you
Hadia says
Chris, realy love your gorgeous Chocolate Pots de Creme, and sounds easy to put together!
Sandra says
Danger Will Robinson!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These are so rich and indulgent, what a treat!
Sally says
This recipe together with the Mint-Basil syrup are amazing! I did have to rework it a bit though as the fat from the chocolate and the heavy cream separated once I poured it into the pots. I think what may have happened is that I have a Blendtec blender which is very powerful and produces a lot of heat--perhaps too much heat in this case. I waited until the mixture cooled a bit, put it back into the blender and pulsed it until it came smoothly back together again and voila! Perfection! Great, simple do-ahead recipe. I'm a newbie to your blog and have saved perhaps 99% of them to my permanent recipe file because I want to make them all. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much for getting back about this. I think you're probably right about the blender but I'm happy that you figured out the problem. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement, hope you enjoy more of the recipes. Chris
Kathy says
One of my all time favorite desserts…and so gorgeous! Looking forward to the syrup recipe! Have a wonderful Mother’s day, Chris!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I had a neighbor that used to make this dessert in pretty little antique cups. I'm sure your recipe is delicious.
Vicki Bensinger says
Chris this sounds terrific. I love how easy it is and since I have all these ingredients on hand I'm going to try and whip this up tomorrow. I can literally feel how smooth and creamy this is. Looking forward to making it.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
This chocolate dessert looks so delicious! Love that it's so easy to make - I am not a fan of complicated recipes. Less than 10 minutes to make a dessert - that's my kind of recipe!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh my Chris these look like one of those recipes that make me want to run straight to the kitchen! How delicious!