Chocolate Orange Pots de Crème

Silky, rich, and deeply chocolatey, these chocolate orange pots de crème are a classic, elegant dessert made with simple ingredients and big flavor. The combination of dark chocolate and fresh orange zest feels festive and comforting, especially when finished with a soft swirl of freshly whipped cream. Served chilled in small cups, this is the perfect dessert when you want something indulgent but not overwhelming.

Yield

4–6 small ramekins

Chocolate Orange Custard

Ingredients

1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
6 oz good-quality dark chocolate (60–70%), finely chopped
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 tbsp fresh orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ramekins in a deep baking dish and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, sugar, orange zest, and salt over medium heat until steaming, not boiling.
Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly whisk in the warm chocolate mixture to temper the eggs.
Stir in vanilla.
Strain the custard for extra smoothness, then pour into ramekins.
Carefully add hot water to the baking dish, halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until edges are set and centers still jiggle slightly.
Remove ramekins from the water bath and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Ingredients

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1½ tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Beat cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Keep chilled until ready to serve.

To Serve

Top each pot de crème with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Finish with extra orange zest or delicate chocolate shavings if desired.
Serve well chilled.

Kitchen Notes

Pots de crème should be silky and spoonable, not firm like pudding. The orange zest gently perfumes the chocolate without overpowering it. For a deeper citrus note, you can add a few drops of orange extract, but fresh zest alone keeps the flavor clean and natural. These desserts keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days and are ideal for making ahead.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories 360, Protein 5g, Fat 28g, Carbs 26g, Fiber 2g, Sugars 20g, Sodium 85mg