Pots de Creme…fancy name for pudding in my book! Who doesn’t love chocolate pudding? Oh wait, you’ve only had it from a box? Well, put your seatbelts on kids, this recipe will rock your pudding world!
Why is this French-sounding dessert perfect for Cinco de Mayo?
Because we are adding:
- cinnamon
- espresso powder
- vanilla paste
- and…cayenne, yes cayenne. don’t be afraid, and have a lil trust
Adding these flavor boosters (sure you can use vanilla extract) really amplify the chocolate flavor, and I think, give it a Mexican twist.
Since chocolate is originally from Central America, it to had to migrate all the way to the states at some point, via Mexico, am I right? You could certainly use Mexican chocolate in this recipe, but it’s not so easy to find. Bittersweet chocolate is perfect for my chocolate tastes. If you prefer a little sweeter, use semi-sweet. Notice, there is no added sugar in this recipe, it relies completely on the chocolate. So do yourself a favor, and get some really nice chocolate, it does make a difference.
Why not just use chocolate chips from a bag you ask? Here’s why, chocolate chips aren’t the greatest for use in a dish like this because they are formulated to keep their shape, not to melt beautifully into a pudding. Finding a good block of chocolate will give you the best results.
Life’s short, eat dessert first, but you can also try these other fun south of the border recipes, like:
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Chocolate Mexican Pots de Creme
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–1/2 cup servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Pots de Creme is basically a fancy word for pudding. A rich, delicious, and creamy pud. Just about as easy to make as the powdered variety in a box, and oh so much better! The addition of the eggs makes this pots de creme a bit firmer than the pudding you grew up with, with melt in your mouth decadence.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of kosher salt (affiliate link)
- 7 large egg yolks
- Extra chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving (optional, see note)
Instructions
To chop the chocolate, cut the chocolate into about 1″ chunks. Add to a food processor (affiliate link) and chop until fairly fine, set aside. If you don’t have a food processor (affiliate link), use a knife and shave down the chocolate into fine pieces.
In a medium saucepan, combine the half and half, espresso powder, vanilla paste, cinnamon, cayenne, and kosher salt (affiliate link) and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat, stirring often.
In a 4- cup glass measuring cup, beat the egg yolks until combined. Slowly whisk in about a 1/2 cup of the hot half and half, then transfer the egg mixture back to the saucepan*. Cook the egg mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Quickly but carefully pour the hot mixture* into the food processor (affiliate link) with the chopped chocolate. Whiz it around for about 30-45 seconds until smooth and the chocolate is melted. Whiz until the chocolate is completely melted, then quickly (it starts to firm up pretty fast) strain the mixture through a sieve back into the measuring cup (the measuring cup makes it easier to pour into the ramekins) or a bowl.
Pour the mixture into 8 small ramekins (tea/coffee cups or a wine glass work great too) and refrigerate until the pots de crème are set and chilled, at least 6 hours or overnight. Wait until completely cooled to wrap with plastic, so condensation doesn’t form and makes your pots de creme soggy.
Serve the pots de creme with lightly sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings (if desired).
To make ahead: The pots de creme can be refrigerated for 3-4 days.
*the reason for the ‘back and forth’ is so the eggs don’t scramble which could happen if added to all the hot liquid at once. Straining the mixture ensures no eggy bits remain.
Notes
To whip the cream (for the optional topping) add 1 cup cold whipping cream to a cold bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons sugar (I like to use brown sugar), whip until soft peaks form, not too stiff, because the pot de creme is quite firm, softly whipped cream adds a nice soft contrast.
I’d really love to know how you like this recipe. Shoot me a comment, OR let me know why there’s no way in heck you’d make it. What types
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Sláinte and have a super week!
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