These little chocolate balsamic pots de creme are one of my favorite desserts. They come together in less than five minutes in the blender. So easy! The chocolate is similar in texture to a mousse, without the fuss of whipping egg whites or making a custard. It's rich, smooth, and creamy. The addition of balsamic vinegar lends a wonderfully sweet and acidic flavor.
A traditional pot de creme - which translates to "pot of cream" in English, is a French custard dessert. It's often served in small porcelain cups that are specifically made for the purpose.
Here, I've opted for a simplified version. The recipe only has a few ingredients, and uses a blender for ease. You won't have to separate eggs, use the stovetop to thicken a custard, or turn the oven on!
Growing up, my mom often made a version of this dessert (without the balsamic.) It's quick enough for a casual meal, yet fancy enough to serve at a formal party.
INGREDIENTS
Cream + Milk - In this recipe, I use equal parts of heavy cream and whole milk. If you have access to a high quality half and half (with no additives) you could substitute half and half for each, for a total of 1 cup (8 oz) half and half.
Chocolate - After several tests, I really liked the results of this recipe using a semisweet chocolate bar with 54% cacao. Dark chocolate overpowered the flavor of the balsamic vinegar.
My mom used to make these using semi-sweet chocolate chips, which tend to fall in the 50-58% chocolate range.
Balsamic vinegar - A high quality Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is thick, wonderfully dark, and has an amazing flavor with both sweet and acidic notes.
For authentic balsamic vinegar, look for a blue and gold seal on the bottle with the words "protected geographical indication."
Mascarpone topping - I find the mascarpone topping gives an extra depth of richness and flavor to the final product. You can also omit it or replace with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Love this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating. ★★★★★ Your feedback, suggestions, and adaptations are very helpful to other bakers!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Balsamic Pots De Creme
INGREDIENTS
Pots De Creme
- 6 oz (180g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, Diamond Crystal
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (4 oz) whole milk
- ½ cup (4 oz) heavy cream
Mascarpone Topping and Garnish
- ½ cup (4 oz, 115 g) mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup (4 oz) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 oz (28g) dark chocolate, very finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Pots De Creme
- Set aside four 8 oz glasses or ramekins.
- Into the container of a blender, place the chopped dark chocolate, salt, balsamic vinegar, vanilla and egg. Cover with lid and process on low speed for 5 to 10 seconds, until ingredients are somewhat mixed together. Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the blender.
- In a microwave safe container, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Microwave on high power for 60 seconds, and then in 15 second increment as needed, until small bubbles form around the edge of the liquid and it is steaming hot. Do not boil.
- Place the lid on the blender and remove the center plug to access the pour spout. Turn the blender on low and slowly pour in the hot milk/cream mixture. Replace plug and increase blender speed to medium. Blend for 60 seconds. If needed, scrape down sides of blender with spatula to ensure all chocolate is fully incorporated.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the four ramekins. Set aside on counter to cool, and then cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator to set for 6 hours.
Mascarpone Topping and Garnish
- Immediately before serving, place the mascarpone, heavy cream and granulated sugar into the bowl of a stand mixture fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on low speed until mascarpone is fully blended into the cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl several times. Increase speed to medium and beat until soft peaks form.
- Place a generous spoonful of the mascarpone mixture on top of each chocolate dessert. Sprinkle with finely chopped chocolate and serve.
HELLO says
This was so good mom!!! 🙂 FROM L to K