Description
A quick and easy chocolate dessert featuring a velvety chocolate filling surrounded by a creamy custard-like exterior. Perfect for cozy nights and last-minute cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 grams)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 grams)
- 4 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped (115 grams)
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- Optional: sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and whole milk. Warm over medium heat until just about to simmer, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.
- Whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour about half of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
- Return saucepan to medium-low heat and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula or whisk until custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes, coating the back of the spatula.
- Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Add espresso powder if using.
- Stir in finely chopped dark chocolate until fully melted and glossy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the pudding through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl for extra smoothness.
- Divide pudding evenly among ramekins or dessert cups. Let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Cover with plastic wrap pressed gently on the surface and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with sea salt flakes or whipped cream.
Notes
Constant stirring and slow tempering of eggs are key to avoid lumps and curdling. Use good-quality dark chocolate for best flavor. Press plastic wrap on pudding surface to prevent skin formation. Chill for at least 2 hours for proper setting. If pudding is too thick after chilling, whisk gently before serving or warm slightly in a water bath.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (about 1/2
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chocolate pudding, creamy fudge puddles, easy chocolate dessert, homemade pudding, velvety chocolate filling, quick dessert