Indulge in Festive Decadence: The Ultimate Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme Recipe
Welcome to your new favorite holiday indulgence! These Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme are the epitome of creamy, rich dessert perfection, brimming with the irresistible combination of chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor. Each little jar of deliciousness is designed to transport you and your guests straight into the magical holiday spirit, making every bite a celebration.
The anticipation for the holiday season is almost unbearable, isn’t it? All through November, I find myself in a constant battle, trying to resist the overwhelming urge to dive headfirst into full-blown Christmas mode. It’s a challenging feat to ignore the enchanting call of holiday music, the subtle twinkle of festive lights, and the ever-present temptation to adorn every corner of the house with joyful Christmas decorations.
For as long as I can remember, it’s been a cherished tradition to hold off on my Christmas obsession until after Thanksgiving. You won’t find me battling crowds on Black Friday, frantically searching for deals and shopping until I drop. My ideal Black Friday looks quite different. Instead, I’m typically found in my coziest pajamas, savoring Thanksgiving leftovers, with Christmas music softly playing in the background. It’s the day I lovingly set up the Christmas tree and enjoy my very first, much-anticipated sip of eggnog for the season. This annual ritual marks the official start of my holiday celebrations, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
However, this year, the allure of the holiday season proved too strong to resist, and I simply couldn’t wait until after Thanksgiving to fully embrace the Christmas spirit. It’s just too wonderfully difficult to postpone! So, I decided to indulge a little early in the festive magic, and this time, the enchantment comes in the form of tea. Specifically, it’s the delightful CelestialSeasonings tea that’s bringing the early holiday cheer to my kitchen.
Have you ever considered how incredibly easy and utterly amazing it is to infuse desserts with tea? It’s a game-changer, especially for custard-based creations like these luscious chocolate peppermint pots de creme. The subtle yet distinct notes of tea can elevate a dessert from good to absolutely extraordinary, adding a layer of complexity and aroma that is both surprising and delightful. For those who love experimenting with flavors, using tea is a fantastic way to introduce unique twists to classic recipes.
Peppermint tea is undeniably one of my essential holiday must-haves. I’m one to extend its enjoyment throughout the entire winter season, because, frankly, why limit such a wonderful flavor? CelestialSeasonings offers a particular blend, their Candy Cane Lane peppermint tea, which is nothing short of magical. It tastes precisely like a warm peppermint stick, gently melted into a steaming mug of pure goodness. The trick here is to steep these very tea bags directly into the custard base for this dessert. This simple step seriously pushes the flavor profile over the top, infusing every spoonful with an authentic, refreshing peppermint essence that artificial extracts simply cannot replicate.
Nothing quite evokes the true spirit of “Tis the season” like this exquisite dessert. Its rich, velvety texture combined with the vibrant, cool burst of peppermint and deep chocolate notes creates a symphony of flavors that instantly brings to mind cozy winter nights and festive gatherings. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful sensory journey that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
You’ll earn even more style points and impress your guests further if you choose to serve these decadent pots de creme in charming little mason jars. Not only do they add a rustic yet elegant touch to your presentation, but they also make these treats incredibly portable. Imagine being able to effortlessly bring these show-stopping desserts to your next holiday get-together, ensuring that you truly knock the socks off everyone you know! They’re perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Pots de creme, a classic French dessert, translates literally to “pots of cream,” and truly lives up to its name. These individual custards are renowned for their incredibly smooth, dense, and rich texture, far silkier than a pudding and typically baked gently in a water bath to achieve that perfect consistency. They are elegant, sophisticated, and surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal fuss for such an impressive result. Historically, pots de creme were a staple in French households and fine dining, often served in delicate porcelain cups. Today, they remain a beloved treat, perfect for special occasions, holiday feasts, or simply whenever you crave a spoonful of pure luxury. The beauty of pots de creme lies in their ability to carry deep, nuanced flavors, making them an ideal canvas for our festive chocolate and peppermint blend. They are served chilled, offering a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the holiday season.
The pairing of chocolate and peppermint is a truly timeless classic, especially during the festive season. There’s something inherently magical about the way the deep, often slightly bitter notes of high-quality chocolate perfectly complement the crisp, cool, and invigorating sensation of peppermint. This combination isn’t just delicious; it evokes a strong sense of holiday nostalgia, reminding us of candy canes, festive drinks, and holiday treats from childhood. In these pots de creme, the robust chocolate provides a comforting base, while the peppermint tea infuses a delicate, aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness, leaving a clean and delightful aftertaste. It’s a harmonious balance that makes this dessert both indulgent and wonderfully refreshing, a true celebration of holiday flavors.
To ensure your Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme are nothing short of spectacular, a few key tips can make all the difference. Firstly, always opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate; its flavor will be the backbone of your dessert. Secondly, when combining the hot milk mixture with the egg yolks, remember to temper the eggs slowly to prevent them from scrambling. This ensures a smooth, silky custard. Finally, the chilling time is crucial. While it might be tempting to sneak a taste early, allow the pots de creme to refrigerate for the full two hours (or even longer) to achieve their ideal firm yet creamy consistency and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes just before serving for an extra festive touch.
Disclosure: I received free product and compensation from CelestialSeasonings as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Sunshine Mason Co. Mini Mason Jars
- Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup
Pin this Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme recipe for later to easily find it when you’re ready to make your holiday magic!
Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane tea bags
- 10 oz high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chopped
instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, granulated sugar and salt. Whisk to combine and add tea bags. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
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Add chocolate to a blender.
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Remove tea bags from the milk mixture and pour the hot liquid over the chocolate in the blender. Blend until smooth.
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Divide the chocolate mixture between 6 servings cups (you can use ramekins or mini mason jars here). Refrigerate for two hours before serving.
I truly hope you’re inspired to try this incredible Chocolate Peppermint Pots de Creme recipe this holiday season. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that promises to bring joy and festive flavor to any table. Whether you stick to tradition or embrace an early start to the holidays, these creamy, minty chocolate delights are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us – we love to see your holiday baking! Happy holidays and happy indulging!