Pots de crème, which translates to “pots of cream” in French, are silky-smooth custards that are baked and served in individual ramekins. This luxurious dessert is decadently rich, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth with every spoonful. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, pots de crème are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Gather Your Ingredients
Heavy Cream Provides richness and creaminess to the custard ,Whole Milk Adds a slightly lighter texture to the custard while still maintaining creaminess, Egg Yolks Act as a thickening agent and give the custard its silky texture, Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard and balances the richness of the cream, Vanilla Extract Enhances the flavor of the custard with its warm and aromatic notes, Salt Helps to enhance the overall flavor of the custard.
Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined and slightly pale in color.
Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. This process, known as tempering, ensures that the eggs gradually come up to temperature without scrambling.
Strain the Mixture
Strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg. This will result in a smoother and silkier texture for your pots de crème.
Bake the Custards
Divide the custard mixture evenly among ramekins or small oven-safe jars. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the dish with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. This water bath, or bain-marie, helps to ensure gentle and even cooking of the custards. Chill and Serve
Bake the custards in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Betty’s pots de crème are a luxurious and indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, channel your inner pastry chef, and treat yourself to this decadent delight.
