Description
Tonka Bean & Dark Chocolate Pots de Crème is a luxurious French dessert that combines the deep, rich flavors of dark chocolate with the exotic, sweetly fragrant tonka bean. The dish is a custard-based dessert, where egg yolks and heavy cream come together with chocolate and tonka bean to create a velvety, indulgent treat. Served in small ramekins, this dessert is perfect for portion control while still delivering a decadent flavor experience. The tonka bean, with its complex aromas reminiscent of vanilla, almond, and caramel, adds a layer of uniqueness to the classic chocolate custard.
Ingredients
200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
300 ml (1¼ cups) heavy cream
100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) whole milk
3 large egg yolks
50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
1 tonka bean, freshly grated (or ½–1 tsp tonka bean powder)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish:
Whipped cream
Cocoa nibs or grated chocolate
Edible gold dust (for a luxe touch)
Instructions
1. Preheat & prepare
Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F).
Place 4–6 ramekins in a roasting pan with high sides.
2. Infuse the cream
In a small saucepan, combine cream, milk, and freshly grated tonka bean.
Heat gently until just simmering, then remove from heat and let sit for 5–10 minutes to infuse flavor.
3. Prepare chocolate base
Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Reheat infused cream mixture briefly to hot (do not boil), then pour over chocolate.
Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
4. Mix custard
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
Temper egg yolks by slowly whisking in the warm chocolate mixture.
5. Bake the pots de crème
Pour custard into prepared ramekins.
Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan to reach halfway up the sides of ramekins (water bath).
Bake 30–35 minutes, until edges are set but centers still slightly wobbly.
Remove ramekins from water bath, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
6. Serve
Optionally garnish with whipped cream, cocoa nibs, or grated chocolate.
Notes
For an elegant finish, top each pot with a light dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a few edible gold flakes. Serve chilled with a crisp biscuit or tuile for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French / Modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot (approx. 120g)
- Calories: ~360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Tonka bean chocolate custard, dark chocolate pots de crème, creamy chocolate pots de crème, tonka bean dessert