Print

Stovetop Chocolate Espresso Pots de Crème (No Water Bath Required)

Print Recipe

A silky stovetop pots de creme recipe with double espresso flavor and zero risk of a cracked, curdled custard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 6 oz bittersweet chocolate (70%), finely chopped
  • 1 shot (about 1 oz) freshly brewed espresso, slightly cooled
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Flaky salt and lightly sweetened whipped cream, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, warm the cream, milk, espresso powder, and salt over medium heat until steaming, whisking to dissolve the espresso powder. Do not boil.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until pale. Slowly whisk in about a third of the hot cream mixture to temper the yolks, then whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
  3. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the custard reaches 170–175°F and thickly coats the back of a spoon, 4-6 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Add the chopped chocolate and let sit 1 minute to soften, then whisk until fully smooth. Whisk in the brewed espresso shot and vanilla — adding the espresso off the heat keeps its aroma bright.
  5. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or measuring cup, then divide evenly among 4-6 small cups or ramekins.
  6. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Top with flaky salt and whipped cream just before serving.

Notes

A thermometer is the single most useful tool here — pull the custard at 170–175°F, no higher. If it scrambles slightly, strain harder and don’t panic; a fine sieve rescues most minor overcooking. No espresso machine? Use strong instant espresso for the shot, or skip it and double the espresso powder for a gentler coffee flavor. Custards keep well covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, which makes this an easy make-ahead dessert.

Find it online: https://www.receipster.com/stovetop-chocolate-espresso-pots-de-creme-no-water-bath-required/