Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Portioned for One: A single chocolate pot de crème that can easily be doubled or tripled to make pots de crème for two or more.
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: Made with real semisweet chocolate for a rich chocolate taste.
• No Baking Required: This stovetop pot de crème sets in the refrigerator with no oven needed.
• Foolproof Custard Method: Visual cues guide you so the custard thickens and sets properly every time.
• Thick and Creamy Texture: Richer and smoother than pudding with a classic custard consistency.

Chocolate pot de crème is the kind of dessert that makes you pause after the first spoonful. It’s thick, smooth, and deeply chocolatey. I love how it sets into a silky custard that holds its shape, yet melts the moment it hits your mouth.

What always surprises me is how an elegant dessert like this comes together so simply on the stovetop with just a few ingredients and careful attention. It’s the kind of dessert that invites you to slow down and savor it, spoon by spoon. I think once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why it has earned a permanent place in my kitchen.

If you love small chocolate desserts as much as I do, there are a few more you might enjoy. Try our single serve chocolate lava cake, mini chocolate pie, mini flourless chocolate cake, or chocolate mousse for one. Each one is perfectly portioned and full of chocolate flavor.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How To Make Chocolate Pot de Crème
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
• Chocolate Pot de Crème For One Recipe

Cooking For One Made Easy

Because you’re worth it

• ▢ ¼ cup heavy cream
• ▢ ¼ cup whole milk
• ▢ 1 large egg yolk
• ▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Heat the Cream and Milk: Add the cream and milk to a 1 quart saucepan and heat over medium heat until very hot and steaming, but not boiling. While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolk and sugar together in a small bowl until smooth.

• Temper the Egg Yolk: Slowly whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk. Continue adding the milk mixture a little at a time, whisking constantly, until all of it has been added.

• Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly. The custard should thicken in about 1 minute. It is ready when it coats the back of a spoon

• Melt the Chocolate: Remove from the heat and add the chopped chocolate and vanilla. Whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

• Chill: Pour into a dessert bowl or ramekin. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until set.

• Serve: When ready to serve, let the pot de crème stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

• Use good quality chocolate. Bars melt more smoothly than chips and give the custard a better texture.
• Temper slowly and whisk constantly. Add the hot milk and cream a little at a time. Pouring too quickly can scramble the egg yolk.
• Keep the heat at medium. High heat can cause curdling, while low heat may prevent the custard from thickening.
• Watch for visual cues, not the clock. The custard usually thickens in about 1 minute. It should coat the back of a spoon and hold a clear line when you run your finger through it.
• Remove from the heat before adding chocolate. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly without overheating the custard.
• Chill completely before serving. The pot de crème needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to fully set.

If doubling the recipe, use a 2-quart saucepan.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Welcome!

I’m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 15+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, I’m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad you’re here!