We served this dessert at our wedding over four years ago, and it’s high time to share the recipe with you! Our family has been calling this recipe “chocolate mousse” for years but it’s much closer to a French recipe called pots de crème, which translates to jars of cream. These chocolate pots de crème are luscious, creamy, rich, and decadent. They are such fun desserts to offer at a party in individual servings. A little goes a long way, and that’s why I love them. I’d rather have a small portion of incredible dessert than a large portion of so-so dessert.
This miniature dessert comes from my husband’s Great-Aunt Betty. I wonder how many times Betty has whipped up this recipe in her vibrant 97 years. My husband’s mom makes them now, and you’re almost guaranteed to find these little treats in their freezer at any given time. We were thrilled when our wedding bakery agreed to make the family recipe to serve alongside our wedding cake! This foolproof recipe comes together quickly in the blender—no baking, no straining, no fussing. Blend it up and chill it (you can even freeze these cups for the months ahead). I hope this recipe becomes one of your family traditions, too.
Pots de Crème Ingredients
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate chips make this recipe super easy. I prefer darker chocolate, so I like semi-sweet chocolate chips or darker. If you prefer milk chocolate, choose milk chocolate chips. If you have chocolate bars, you can chop them for this recipe.
Heavy Cream
Betty’s original recipe calls for heavy cream. I haven’t tried half-and-half or anything lighter, but heavy cream will certainly yield the richest, thickest, creamiest texture. It’s decadent, and that’s how we like it!
Sugar
Betty uses good old-fashioned sugar, and it produces ideal results. You know I try to use natural sweeteners like honey when possible, but I don’t recommend them for this recipe. They will dominate the flavor and interfere with the mixture setting.
Liqueur
A splash of liqueur offers subtle, complex flavor—it’s why these pots de crème taste so interesting. You have options. Betty likes crème de cocao best, which is a sweet chocolate liqueur (you can also use it to make chocolate martinis or grasshopper cocktails). My favorite common liqueur is Kahlua, for a light coffee undertone that ramps up the chocolate flavor (you can also use Kahlua to make White Russians). Amaretto tastes like almonds, which is delicious! For a minty treat, try crème de menthe rather than peppermint schnapps. You might find another good option in your liquor cabinet, but definitely choose a lower ABV liqueur rather than a full-strength liquor. For example, I tried bourbon, but it dominated the flavor and the strong taste of alcohol was unpleasant. Looking for an alcohol-free option? Replace it with additional orange juice.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is the second secret ingredient that makes this recipe taste so special! You’ll just need two tablespoons. I don’t usually buy orange juice, so I just buy an orange and squeeze what I need.
Eggs and Egg Yolks
This recipe uses two eggs plus two egg yolks for richness and volume. You’ll have two extra egg whites, which you can keep in the fridge for a day or two and add to your next batch of scrambled eggs. This recipe uses raw eggs, which has never caused our family harm, but there is always a slight risk of salmonella poisoning with raw eggs (one in 20,000). To mitigate this risk, you can buy pasteurized eggs at the store, or pasteurize your own eggs before making this recipe. Here’s the CDC’s information on egg safety.
Vanilla Extract
Lastly, a splash of vanilla extract lends more complexity to this rich chocolate dessert. Vanilla and chocolate were made for each another.
Watch How to Make Pots de Crème
Serving Cup & Spoon Suggestions
Choose small glasses with some extra room inside (about 2 to 4 ounces each), should you choose to add toppings. I used Crate and Barrel’s Bitty Bite short glasses for these photos. More affordable options include disposable plastic cups (you’ll have plenty for several batches) or reusable glass shot glasses. You’ll likely need to serve these mini cups with mini spoons, also known as espresso spoons or demitasse spoons. Here’s an inexpensive set of twelve stainless steel spoons. For these photos, I used spoons like these.
Refrigerated vs. Frozen
Both options are absolutely delicious. These photos show the refrigerated texture, which is a glossy, thick mousse that holds its shape. As shown, these cups were refrigerated for the minimum time of one hour, but they firm up a bit more in another hour or two. The frozen option is especially great because the cups will keep for up to three months. Hosting an impromptu get-together? Dessert is ready to go! I might actually prefer the frozen texture, which is dense, firm and obviously colder. My mother-in-law says it’s easier to add toppings when the cups are cold from the freezer. To freeze, simply place the portioned cups into a freezer-safe carton with a lid (this is easier and more protective than covering them individually with plastic wrap). Let the cups thaw briefly on the countertop or in the refrigerator while you eat dinner. The length of time will depend on your serving size, but it shouldn’t take longer than 15 to 30 minutes.
Topping Suggestions
These pots de crème don’t need toppings, but it’s fun to dress them up! Generally speaking, they’re lovely with tiny sprigs of mint, raspberries, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, candied orange, or a few fun sprinkles. Here are a few holiday suggestions:
For Christmas, try crushed candy canes, holly sprinkles or snowflake sprinkles, or tiny sprigs of mint with or without raspberries. For Valentine’s Day, do raspberries or a few pink heart sprinkles. For Easter, try a candy-coated almond or miniature chocolate egg candy. For the Fourth of July, try whipped cream with a raspberry and blueberry.
More Chocolate Treats to Enjoy
Craving more chocolate? Me, too—always. Here are a few more easy chocolate recipes on the blog.
Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars Chocolate Peppermint Cups Easy Chocolate Bark Favorite Hot Chocolate Mini Lava Cakes for Two
Please let me know how Betty’s recipe turns out for you in the comments! I love hearing from you.
Make it alcohol-free: Replace the liqueur with additional orange juice.
