Peppermint Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème

Silky dark chocolate custards infused with peppermint, topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes—an elegant make-ahead dessert.

👅Flavor: Bittersweet chocolate, cool peppermint, and lightly sweetened vanilla cream.
Peppermint chocolate pots de creme with candy canes
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Prep Time
15 minutes
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Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes + chill
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Servings
6 ramekins
medium
Cuisine
French, Holiday
Exotic level
bistro-dessert
Difficulty
medium
Diet
vegetarian
Devices used
Stovetop, Oven, Refrigerator
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Explore this recipe

Required Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Ramekins
  • Baking dish

Utilized Devices

StovetopOvenRefrigerator

Cooking Techniques

  • tempering
  • bain-marie baking
  • whipping
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Ingredients

  • 170 gBittersweet chocolatefinely chopped
  • 360 mlHeavy cream
  • 120 mlWhole milk
  • 50 gSugar
  • 80 gEgg yolks
  • 5 mlVanilla extract
  • 2.5 mlPeppermint extract
  • 0.5 gFine salt
  • 960 mlHot waterfor bain-marie
  • 240 mlHeavy cream (topping)
  • 15 gPowdered sugar
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Instructions

1

Heat oven to 300°F. Place six 6-ounce ramekins in a baking dish.

2

Bring heavy cream, milk, and sugar to a simmer. Whisk yolks in a bowl, then slowly stream in hot cream to temper.

3

Pour over chopped chocolate, add vanilla, peppermint, and salt; whisk until smooth.

4

Divide custard among ramekins. Pour hot water halfway up sides of ramekins.

5

Bake 22–25 minutes until edges set but centers jiggle. Cool, cover, and chill 4 hours.

6

Whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Top each custard with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved chocolate.

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Chef Tips

  • Blend extracts to taste; peppermint intensity varies by brand.
  • Strain custard before dividing for the silkiest texture.
  • For dairy-free use coconut cream + dark chocolate, but chill extra long.
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Nutritional Highlights

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Calories per serving
380
  • Gluten-free indulgent dessert
  • Make ahead up to 48 hours
  • Peppermint brightens rich chocolate

Dietary Notes

Compliant With

vegetariangluten-free

Allergens

  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs

FAQ

Can I use white chocolate?

Yes, reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons and add 1/4 teaspoon matcha for color if desired.

How do I know when they’re done?

Edges should be set but centers wobble slightly; they firm up as they chill.

Nutrition

Calories380
Protein6 g
Carbs25 g
Fat30 g