Dessert / French
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.
By Vegetarian Recipes Kitchen · Updated
- Prep
- 15 minutes
- Cook
- 25 minutes
- Total
- 4 hours 40 minutes, plus cooling
- Serves
- 6
Gather your ingredients
Everything you need.
Allergen notes
- Contains milk. Check dairy and cheese product labels.
- Contains egg.
- Check all packaged ingredients and substitutions for allergens; vegetarian or vegan labels do not establish allergen safety.
Check product labels and any substitutions; packaged ingredients can introduce additional allergens.
Let's cook
Step by delicious step.
Tap a step number to mark it complete as you cook.
Heat oven to 300°F. Place six 6-ounce ramekins in a baking dish.
Bring heavy cream, milk, and sugar to a simmer. Whisk yolks in a bowl, then slowly stream in hot cream to temper.
Pour over chopped chocolate, add vanilla, peppermint, and salt; whisk until smooth.
Divide custard among ramekins. Pour hot water halfway up sides of ramekins. Pour the hot-water bath carefully around the dishes, keeping water out of the custard and avoiding splashes.
Bake 22–25 minutes until edges set but centers jiggle. Cool, cover, and chill 4 hours.
Whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Top each custard with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and shaved chocolate.
0 of 6 steps complete
A little kitchen know-how
- 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.
Make it yours & keep it well
Omit peppermint extract for a plain dark-chocolate custard; do not add extra extract to compensate.
Storage: Keep perishable components covered in the fridge and use within 48 hours, or sooner if a product use-by date requires. Refrigerate covered custards after cooling. Add whipped cream just before serving.
For cooling and reheating, follow the Food Standards Agency’s leftover guidance. Rice has a shorter refrigerated storage limit, as described in its recipe notes.
Estimated nutrition per serving
380 kcal · Protein 6 g · Carbohydrates 25 g · Fat 30 g
Approximate figures; brands, portions and substitutions change the result.
Good things to know
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.
Why is the custard grainy?
Excess heat can overcook it. Use a gentle water bath and remove the dishes when the centre still has a slight wobble.
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