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Toppings, From Left to Right:  Almonds, Raspberry Preserves, Unsweetened Shredded Coconut, and Fresh Mint

When it comes to lusciously decadent desserts, chocolate custard takes the cake.  Its velvety smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor are unparalleled, not to mention that it requires minimal ingredients and effort to make.  Stick with small servings though, as this is very rich.  I like to serve mine with various toppings, such as nuts, fruit preserves, shredded coconut, fresh mint, or chocolate chips. 

Chocolate Custard (Inspired by Food & Wine)

(Yield:  About 6 servings)

1 c half and half

1/3 c sugar

3 large egg yolks

3 1/2 oz good quality semisweet or dark chocolate (I use 60% cacao), chopped

2 TB unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)

Pinch instant coffee granules (optional)

Pinch salt

6-8 small (6 oz) serving bowls

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and set aside.  In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the half and half and sugar (stirring occasionally) until the sugar is dissolved and the half and half is steaming and starting to foam at the edges (about 5 minutes).  Remove this mixture from the heat and slowly whisk it into the egg yolk, only adding a little at a time.  Pour back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat (whisking constantly) until it comes to a rolling boil (about 3-5 minutes).

Turn off heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate, then whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla, coffee granules, and salt.  Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve, then transfer to individual serving bowls. 

Cool to room temperature then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours.  Serve chilled.

Faith, author of An Edible Mosaic.
About Faith

I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.

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44 Comments

  1. Your chocolate custard looks positively sinful! I love all the different toppings you used – it’s so versatile.

  2. I love custard but you’re right when you say a little is enough! I think I would love coconut on mine.

  3. Yummy yummy yummy! If it’s chocolate, I’m always game. Love the different toppings that you did – wouldn’t it be fun to personalise each guests pudding with a different topping at a dinner party?

  4. This looks fantastic! I have never tried chocolate custard, but I know I would love it. I also love all of the topping ideas you have provided:)

  5. scrumptious! A all time favorite dessert for everyone! :)

  6. I have ten bars of chocolate that needs to be used…this is perfect! I would have to go with the coconut topping too…I love coconut and chocolate…yum!

  7. Ooooh, Faith, this looks so deliciously amazing. And it looks so simply to make! Beautiful dessert!

  8. Faith,

    Thanks for the support!

  9. Rich chocolate custard, especially served with some cherries is one of my fave flavours, the pictures look amazing, love the colour combination with the green mint, just lovely.

  10. Faith, this is a lovely presentation, so creative with something different to compliment each chocolate custard:)

  11. These are gorgeous, Faith! And with so many different toppings, it’ll be like a whole new dessert with each one! And satisfy different people’s likes and dislikes too!

  12. Love all the different toppings. But I’d be greedy and want one of each. ;)

  13. They looks so good with the toppings! I couldn’t choose, I like them all!

  14. Your chocolate custard looks awesome. Love all of the toppings you share with us. It makes this dessert so fun and interactive. Great idea for a party :)

  15. Faith…I remember you saying how much you love chocolate…you must have been over the top with joy with this treat ;o)

    Love the pics…great presentation ;o))

    Ciao for now,
    Claudia

  16. Rich and delicious. Great idea to add the different toppings.
    Mimi

  17. Oh I wish I could grab this off the screen. I love all things chocolate and this looks so delicious.

  18. I love just about anything with chocolate, and custard is no exception! I love how you arranged the little cups/toppings… so cute!

  19. Faith,
    Chocolate pudding with various topping is fabulous. I wish i could taste one bowl now.

  20. That is one amazing presentation Faith! I love the fact you put different toppings on the pudding – brilliant idea.

  21. Yum, love the chocolate custard, looks so decadent!

  22. Ooops you have found my soft spot with this recipe:-) I make it quite often but I have not added the coffee, will try that next time. Diane

  23. Faith,

    I would take all four. Lovely and decadent. Fabulous photos as well.

  24. You just pussed my button. This is my type of sweet. Chocolate, chocolate, more chocolate.

  25. This honestly looks like some high class dessert you would find at a restaurant for 30 bucks or something like that! As always, beautiful pics. ;)

  26. Oooh, chocolate custard with almonds…pure satisfaction.

  27. You had me at “dark,” but when I saw coffee + salt, I nearly fainted. Cheers!

  28. 5 Star Foodie says:

    Mmm… what a decadent treat this is, yum!

  29. Heavenly Housewife says:

    How lovely, what a beautiful presentation!
    *kisses* HH

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