Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots are an indulgent, creamy dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with a velvety smooth texture. They’re essentially little pots of heaven, made by melting good quality chocolate and mixing it with cream and other simple ingredients to create a decadent treat. What makes them so special is how easy they are to whip up yet how luxurious they taste. They’re often served in small jars or cups, allowing you to savor each bite slowly.These chocolate pots are the perfect choice for any occasion.
Jamie Oliver Chocolate Pots Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For these rich chocolate pots, you don’t need much. just the essentials to bring out that deep chocolatey goodness. Here’s a simple list of the key ingredients:
- Good quality dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa): This is the star of the show, giving the dessert its intense flavor.
- Double cream: This adds the silky smooth texture, making the dessert feel luxurious.
- Butter: A touch of butter will help make the chocolate pots even more velvety and glossy.
- Sugar (optional): Depending on how sweet you want your dessert, a little sugar can help balance the bitter notes of the dark chocolate.
- Vanilla extract: For a subtle hint of fragrance that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- A pinch of sea salt (optional): Salt helps elevate the chocolate’s flavor and balances out the sweetness, creating a rich, deep taste.
Equipment Needed
This dessert doesn’t require anything too fancy but here’s what you’ll need to get it right:
- Heatproof bowls: For melting the chocolate and mixing the cream.
- Small pots, cups or jars: To serve the chocolate pots in. These make it feel extra special.
- Saucepan: To heat the cream gently. You don’t want to boil it, just warm it up.
- Wooden spoon or whisk: For stirring the mixture smoothly.
- Measuring spoons: To get the sugar, vanilla and salt in just the right amounts.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots
Making these chocolate pots is actually super simple and it comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small chunks and place it in a heatproof bowl. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and more evenly it will melt.
- Heat the cream: Gently warm the double cream in a saucepan over low heat. Don’t let it boil. just warm enough so it’s steaming.
- Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute or two, then stir it gently until it’s completely smooth. Add the butter at this point for extra richness. If you’re using sugar, vanilla or salt, now’s the time to add those too.
- Pour into pots: Once your chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy, pour it into your small pots or cups. Try not to overfill-leave a little room at the top.
- Chill and set: Let the pots cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge. Allow them to set for at least an hour or until they’re firm but still creamy when you spoon into them.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chocolate pots are set, you can serve them as is or with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt or even some fresh berries for a bit of contrast.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots taught me that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. The beauty of this dessert lies in its minimal ingredients and straightforward method. You don’t need fancy equipment or exotic ingredients to create something that feels gourmet. The key is using good-quality chocolate and allowing the natural richness of the ingredients to shine through.
I also discovered how important it is to get the temperatures right. don’t let the cream boil and don’t rush the melting process. The slow, gentle approach results in a smooth, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
Another lesson? Patience is essential. Letting the pots chill and set properly ensures that the texture becomes that perfect blend of creamy and firm. If you try to rush it, you might end up with a slightly too runny texture and nobody wants that!
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots are already a delicious treat on their own but there’s always room for a little twist to make them feel extra special. Here are some ideas to elevate or change up the original recipe.
- Infused Cream: A simple tweak is to infuse your cream with flavors before incorporating it into the chocolate. You can use vanilla, cinnamon or even a few sprigs of fresh mint. Let it simmer with the cream for a few minutes, then strain it out before mixing with the chocolate. The infusion will add a whole new depth of flavor!
- Dark Chocolate Twist: If you love richer, more intense flavors, consider swapping the milk chocolate for high-quality dark chocolate. It will make the pots more sophisticated and bring out a slightly more bitter edge that pairs beautifully with sweetness from any toppings.
- A Splash of Liqueur: For an adult version of this treat, you can add a splash of your favorite liqueur to the mix. Baileys, Grand Marnier or even a bit of spiced rum can turn these pots into something that feels a bit more indulgent.
- Chili Chocolate Pots: If you enjoy a little heat with your sweetness, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the chocolate. The combination of spicy and sweet is irresistible and you’ll love the warm kick it brings at the end.
- Swap the Cream with Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option or just a fun flavor change, coconut milk works wonders in this recipe. It’ll give the chocolate pots a subtle tropical flavor while keeping them creamy and rich.
- Crunchy Topping: While the smooth texture of the chocolate is amazing, you can add some crunch to each bite. Crushed pistachios, hazelnuts or even cacao nibs add a delightful texture contrast.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Once you’ve made your chocolate pots and have a few leftover (if they last that long), storing them properly is key to maintaining their creamy texture and flavor.
- Fridge: Chocolate pots are best stored in the fridge. Put them in an airtight container or cover the tops with plastic wrap to prevent any moisture from collecting on the surface. They can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing chocolate pots is not recommended as it can cause the texture to become grainy and lose its smooth consistency once thawed. The cream will separate from the chocolate and you’ll lose that luscious mouthfeel.
- Serving After Storage: If you prefer your chocolate pots slightly chilled, pull them out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will let them soften a bit and become extra velvety.
- Layered Storage: If you’ve made several pots and want to store them stacked together, place parchment paper between each layer to avoid them sticking together. You can also freeze individual portions for a longer-lasting treat (just be aware of the texture shift mentioned).
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots?
While these chocolate pots are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary flavors can take the whole experience to the next level.
- Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries, strawberries or blueberries add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Shortbread or Biscotti: A crispy, buttery shortbread or crunchy biscotti adds a nice texture contrast to the creamy chocolate pots. The subtle sweetness of shortbread pairs wonderfully with chocolate and the crisp bite of biscotti elevates the whole dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream or Creme Fraiche: For an extra touch of creaminess, serve the chocolate pots with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a tangy spoonful of creme fraiche. The tang from the creme fraiche works especially well with darker chocolate variations.
- Nuts: Nuts bring in that perfect crunch and a toasted, savory note that pairs beautifully with rich chocolate.
- Caramel Sauce or Salted Caramel: A drizzle of caramel sauce, especially salted caramel, can add a complex sweet-salty element to each bite, making it feel like an extra indulgence.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on the side could transform this into a full-fledged dessert experience. The contrast of cold and creamy with the rich chocolate will take your taste buds on a journey.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots?
Melt dark chocolate, mix with cream, and pour into small pots. Chill until set, then top with whipped cream or your favorite toppings!
Can I Use Milk Chocolate For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Pots?
Yes, but it’ll give a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate is usually preferred for a richer flavor.
How Long Do The Chocolate Pots Need To Set In The Fridge?
Let them chill for about 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
